Budapest to Vienna Danube Adventure
Tour Dates: May 16th - May 23rd, 2025
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Distance: 345km
Grading: Intermediate (see below)
What’s included:
Fully guided trip with experienced guide
Bike supplied - fitted with rack, panniers and repair kit. Electric Bike also available.
7 nights accomodation
Breakfast and snacks each day
Local transfers
Detailed information pack with maps
Overview
The route from Budapest to Vienna along the Danube river is known for its outstanding natural and cultural attractions. The Roman 'Limes' along the Danube, the fortresses of Komárom and Komarno, the natural landscape of the Danube Bend and the banks of the Danube in Budapest are all important heritage attractions offering visitors enjoyable diversions. The whole Hungarian section of the Danube is protected as a Natura 2000 Site providing endangered species with vital habitats, such as the famous Gemenc Forest. The average temperature in May is a pleasant 23 °C.
Day 1 - Budapest
You will arrive before the first day of riding on May 16th. You can check in to the hotel from 3pm on the day. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening (around 5pm) at the cycle store for your bike fit out. After getting your bike we will later head to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening. All the specific details will be provided in your information pack after you book.
Day 2 - Budapest to Vác
We start off in the very heart of Budapest and appreciate its stunning architecture, before heading north and taking in the first section of the Danube River. We explore the old Baroque town of Szentendre, which invites you to explore it’s streets.
Day 3 - Vác to Esztergom
Today as we exit Vác, we head to the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the West. As we head towards Esztergom the Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you and the open air museum. It is the absolute highlight of the day (also known as Hungarian Rome), with the largest basilica in the country.
Day 4 - Esztergom to Komárno
Today ́s route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. In the course of this you pass different villages and while cycling you can view the vineyards in the background. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. We cycle along the “Donauknie“ which is probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Once we reach our destination, the divided town of Komarom/ Komarno. You can delight in a well earned relax in the spa.
Day 5 - Komárno to Györ
The first part of the route takes you further along the Danube. From there the route veers inland to Babolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders, internationally. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. Soon after we reach the Hungarian Böny and before arriving in the colourful town of Györ, to take in its sights and breathtaking historic centre.
Day 6 - Györ to Mosonmagyaróvár
Today, we follow a flat cycling route as it takes you through the outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube and the Mosoni Duna (Small Danube). We make a stop to see Hedervar Castle. There is a beautiful castle here situated in the middle of a protected park. Also today you cycle through the nature paradise of the small Rye Island towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old ‘city of 17 bridges’.
Day 7 - Mosonmagyaróvár to Bratislava
Today is highlighted by cycling past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. Our route guides us through the Szigetkoz and some more rye islands before we roll through Rajka, where we say goodbye to Hungary and cross the boarder into Slovakia! After a solid days ride we have short cycle through Slovakia and end our day in the Gothic old town of Bratislava, Slovakia’s pretty capital city that exudes old world charm our destination for the evening.
Day 8 - Bratislava to Vienna
Our first destination for the day is Hainburg. Soon after we pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg. There you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. It’s then on towards Vienna guiding you through the national park Donau-Auen on the way and into the beautiful City of Vienna!
| Day | Route | Distance (Km) |
| Day 1 | Budapest | 0 | Day 2 | Budapest - Vác | 40 |
| Day 3 | Vác - Esztergom | 50 |
| Day 4 | Esztergom - Komárno | 55 |
| Day 5 | Komárno - Györ | 45 |
| Day 6 | Györ - Mosonmagyaróvár | 45 |
| Day 7 | Mosonmagyaróvár - Bratislava | 40 |
| Day 8 | Bratislava - Vienna | 70 |
| Total | 345 |
Grading
Moderate Adventure (3/5). This has some small challenges, however the majority of the riding follows the Danube River and is relatively flat and forgiving....so you don’t have to be an expert to be able to do it! Regular cycling, gym sessions or other cardiovascular activity is recommended prior to attending this tour.
Logistics
You can check in to the hotel from 3pm the day of May 16th. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening at the cycle store for your bike fit out. You will be provided with two panniers (totalling 25litres) to be fitted to your bike to carry all your belongings for all days. The panniers provide ample space, but please pack light and make sure you bring a soft foldable bag. After getting your bike we will later head out to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening.
The riding commences at a designated hotel in Budapest the following morning. After meeting in the morning we ride around Budapest for a few km's, taking in the beautiful architecture that this city has to offer. We then head north following the mighty Danube River, exploring the old Baroque town of Szentendre along the way. From our nights stop in Vác, we head to the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and onto to Esztergom for the night. The route then runs near the riverbanks in the flat Danube valley, which arguably the most attractive scenery on the tour. After a nights stop in Komárno we head to Györ today and it's the first part of the tour that isn't following the Danube River. We head inland, enjoying fields and the rural life, before taking in the breathtaking inner centre of Györ. We ride on an inland stretch today in the outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube River and the Mosoni Duna (Small Danube River). Today from Mosonmagyaróvár we head out of Hungary and into Slovakia! The riding today is highlighted by cycling past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. The last day takes us from Slovakia's capital, Bratislava to our final destination of Vienna in Austria!
What to bring?
Travel light! Packing appropriately for this trip could make or break your tour. Personal luggage will need to be carried for 7 of the 8 days of riding in panniers provided. One of the challenges with this area in the beginning, can be the weather. Whilst the weather is mostly fine and sunny, we are riding through a region which can have some rain in May. Bare that in mind when packing. Appropriate riding gear to suit all conditions are imperative items to bring. A full list of items to bring will be provided after you book and we will be on hand to help you choose the right clothing and gear for an enjoyable trip.
What to budget for?
• FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to arrange a flight to arrive in Budapest on the day of May 16th. The closest airports are:
- Start point: Budapest
- End point: Vienna or Bratislava
• Other meals are not included - Budget for around 40 euros per day
• Traveller’s Insurance (compulsory)