Vienna to Budapest

Early arrival in Vienna is recommended. The metropolis on the Danube has a lot to offer and is worth a longer stay. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious Sachertorte in one of the many coffee houses or take a tour of the famous and romantic horse carriages.

The first part of your cycling tour takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park. You will encounter species-rich flora and fauna, as well as diverse landscape forms. Past Schloss Orth and Eckartsau, you quickly reach Bad Altenburg, from where you can take a trip on the Römerweg to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg, you cross the border into Slovakia and the capital Bratislava is your next overnight stop.

Just a short stage today in the Slovakian territory before crossing the Hungarian border at Rajká. On the first kilometres in Hungary, you will cycle through beautiful small villages. The entire part is agricultural. Your bike ride takes you through the so-called Szigetköz, the small 'Schüttinsel'. This section is characterized by numerous branches of the Danube and the enormous floodplains. Today's stage destination is the beautiful city of Mosonmagyaróvár, also known as the City of 17 Bridges.

Today you will cycle through the natural paradise of the small Schüttinsel. On the way, you pass Hédervár, ideal for your lunch break. The enormous castle is located in the middle of a protected park. You should plan enough time for a visit to Györ. The capital of the province has many sights and is a breathtaking baroque old town.

You will soon reach the Hungarian town of Böny today. From there, a route variant leads you to Bábolna, a very well-maintained town with a beautiful city centre. Known far beyond the borders is the local national horse breeding. The last part of your stage will take you back to the Danube before reaching the divided city of Komárom / Komárno. The border between Hungary and Slovakia runs across the Komarom Bridge in the middle. In the evening you can relax in the thermal bath.

Today you will pass several villages and see the vineyards in the background. The sporty cyclist can cycle a variant via Tata, which, however, contains some slopes and therefore requires some fitness. However, the absolute highlight is your final destination today Esztergom, also known as "Hungarian Rome". The basilica is the largest church in Hungary. You will spend the last kilometres of the stage on a Danube ship from which you can admire the surrounding landscape in a relaxed way. The so-called "Danube bend" is considered one of the most beautiful parts of your bike ride. (Note: in April, September and October, as well as on Mondays, boat trips are not possible; you will receive a train ticket instead).

The Royal Palace and the Castle of Visegrád will amaze you and the open-air museum and the baroque centre of Szentendre invite you to linger. And then you reach Budapest, the crowning glory of this bike tour, where you can absorb the many impressions of this wonderful bike ride in the evening during a pleasant walk through the city.

Departure from Vienna or spend extra nights in the city or surrounding region.