I feel the best when I am surrounded by bodies of water. Lakes, rivers and beaches make me happy.
This has to do a lot with me being raised in Puerto Rico. Most of our outings were related to water. Think tropical rainforests full of waterfalls, fishing excursions to thunderous rivers and lazy days in front of turquoise colored waters.
In order to continue my water related adventures, I decided to book an excursion around the Danube Bend when I visited Budapest.
The Danube has its origins in Germany’s Black Forest. For hundreds of miles, it moves from west to east. Close to the border of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, the river takes a sharp turn and starts to flow north to south. The area‘s towns and resorts constitute a beloved recreational destination for Hungarians.
Here are some of the towns and sights that can be discovered on a daytrip from Budapest.
Esztergom
Esztergom is a place that occupies a special place in the heart of Hungarians. In 960, the ruling Hungarian prince, Geza, choose the area to build his residence. From there, he started to send peace messages to the Holy Roman Emperor. Later, his son Vajk, converted to Christianism, baptized and asked the Pope to crown him King of Hungary.
The crowning ceremony took place in Esztergom and Vajk became Stephen of Hungary (later St. Stephen), the first king of the newly recognized nation (in political terms).
The crown jewel of the city is the Basilica, the largest church in Hungary and seat of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.
Our guides started by driving us to the town of Sturovo in Slovakia in order to appreciate the Basilica from the other side of the Danube.
By crossing the Marie Valerie Bridge, we were back in Hungary and ready to take a closer look at the Basilica.
Once in front of the building, you realize how humongous it is. It is 118 m (387 ft) long and 49 m (160 ft wide and has an inner are of 5,600 m2. The dome height is 71.5 m (234 ft). I felt like an ant when looking at the columns in the front.
We were not able to linger inside since mass was taking place. I stood for a few moments observing the ceremony.
In the panorama room, we had time to enjoy a cup of coffee while contemplating gorgeous views of the Danube. Next to this room, there is an exhibition with details of how the Basilica was built. There is a model showing the original plans for the construction (most of them never became a reality).
Then, it was time to take a look of our surroundings from the terrace. Once again, I fell in love with the river, its bridges and red roof towns. Just take a look at these views!
And, of course, there is a statue commemoration the pivotal moment in Hungarian history, the coronation of St. Stephen.
We were given some time to walk around a medieval fair that was taking place in the Basilica grounds. We were able to observe “fights” between Hungarians and Turks, kids riding horses and artisans selling regional products.
Visegrad
The small town of Visegrad is another popular stop in the Danube Bend area. Lunch was the main reason for our stop in here.
I ate a little bit faster than the rest of the group and was able to take a look at King Matthias Palace, the Danube and several streets in the town.
With our full bellies, we ascended to the Visegrad Fortress. It is from here that you can appreciate the notorious Danube Bend. I was lost for words when I found myself in front of this view. The more I discovered about the area, the more I want to go back and explore on my own.
Szentendre
Our last stop of the day was Szentendre. This town is known for its Serbian and Dalmatian influence. Once the Ottomans were expelled from Hungary, Serbs were invited to immigrate to Habsburg lands (since they fought on the Christian side during the war, Hungary ended being part of the empire after the Austro-Turkish War). It is estimated 37,000 families immigrated and many settled in Szentendre.
Today, the town is unique because it is considered an arts haven. More than two hundred fine and applied artists, authors, poets, musicians and actors live in the city.
In here, we were given time to walk the streets and discover at our own pace. We got swoon by the beauty of Szentendre in a matter of minutes. The buildings are colorful, art is everywhere and delicious gastronomic offerings abound. You can read an entire post dedicated to the town in here.
Back to Budapest by Boat
It was time to go back to Budapest but we were going to do it by boat. The one hour ride took us through some towns, numerous bridges and local swimming spots. Seems like Hungarians know how to live the good life!
Once we were close to the capital, the boat traffic increased and we knew our beautiful day was coming to an end.
Before going back to shore, we were given one last gift. Once the boat passed Margaret Island we started to get glimpses of the Parliament building glowing below the setting sun. The boat stopped in front of the structure for several moments. Ah, what a way to end up a day immersed in Hungarian history and culture!
Details
- This trip (or a similar one) is recommended to those who want to take a deeper look into Hungary (outside Budapest).
- If you are interested in doing a similar excursion, consider booking with a company that focuses on small groups.
- The price of this excursion varies depending on what is included and what places are visited. Make sure you read a detailed description of what is done during the day.
- All towns in the Danube Bend area can be accessed by train or boat. Therefore, it is possible to visit independently. This option will give you more flexibility to explore each town.
Have you visited the Danube Bend area?
Pin it for later?
Photo cache says
This is a full day. What wonderful day trip destinations.
Ruth says
So many great places I would have not visited otherwise. Each of these places deserves a day or more.
ladyfi says
Wow – what a fun visit. I love the impressive buildings in the last two shots.
Ruth says
Thanks! That is Hungary’s Parliament. I wanted to go inside but didn’t have time to stop by.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
You really get around! Never know where we’ll find you. This one is quite a change from Bisbee Arizona. ;>)
Ruth says
Thanks Sallie! I try to travel as much as possible. When I cannot go outside of the country, I explore around California and other nearby states.
Jim, Sydney, Australia says
Great shots.
Ruth says
Thanks Jim!
Photo(Geo)grapher says
You visited the same places where I was in the past year. There are truly beautiful and scenic places to explore. Interesting post and great pictures, as always in your blog
Ruth says
I visited last year too. I am so happy I choose the area. I went to Poland too.
Rhonda Albom says
I’ like to visit these cities by cruising on the Danube.
Ruth says
That would be an awesome way to do it! You can access all this cities by boat (in an independent way). That would give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Bumble Bee Mum says
The medieval fair sounds interesting! Those little bread rolls look almost fake.. So neatly rolled and glossy… #CityTripping
Ruth says
The “bread rolls” are pieces of cheese. Agree they look too perfect but people who prepare them are experts on their craft.
Lolo says
We would love to explore more of Hungary, as we fell in love with Budapest and that’s the only place so far that we’ve been. Pinned! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Yes, it would be nice to discover more of Hungary. I hope to discover more smalls cities in a future visit.
Van says
I love how Budapest seems to combine Central European with Russian influences. I’ve never been to the black forest in Germany nor seen the Danube up close but I’d certainly love to visit Budapest one day!
Ruth says
That is true. There were certain things that reminded me of Russia. Krakow is way more similar to Russia.
amy says
Wow big day! Glad you made it to that part of Hungary! 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks Amy! That part of Hungary is very cool and I assume the areas I have not been to are nice too.
Sarah says
I would love to do a trip down the Danube… looks amazing!
Ruth says
Sarah, hope you are able to do that trip one day! It is a great experience, one you are not going to forget.
Sara says
I haven’t made it outside Budapest yet, but that basilica is gorgeous!! I was asking our tour guides for recommendations, but everywhere he suggested was several hours away. These seem like they would be great options, too!
Ruth says
Not sure why the guides didn’t suggest these places. You have these 3 towns plus palaces and spa areas. I think there is quite to do close to the capital.
Sharon Wagner says
A Viking river cruise in that area is on my bucket list. Thanks for the water tour. I wish I was there.
Ruth says
Good Sharon! I want to take a cruise too (I saw tons in Budapest)
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
What a fabulous day trip – I would love to go back to Budapest again soon, as it’s been such a long time since I last visited, and this is definitely now on my list. Each of those places looks worth a visit in themselves, let alone a sail on the Danube and the views of the bend are fabulous. What a great taste of Hungary. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ruth says
Thanks Cathy! I loved Budapest and Hungary. I am glad I am able to showcase this beautiful country in this blog.
jesh StG says
You know why the basilica-s and churches in Europe were built so large? At that time, the churches were really the center of the community (now, it would be city hall). Love Hungary and the Hungarians – they are friendly and welcoming:) Beautiful captures, Ruth!
No link up for Tanamatales this week?
Ruth says
That is true! Hungarians are awesome! I can only say good things about them. The link party was posted late this week.
NatureFootstep Photo says
lol, I don´t care about the churches, but I do want to walk that beach 🙂
Ruth says
All the areas around the river are pretty!
Sharon says
The shots out the rounded window are so artistic. What a beautiful way to spend a day, on the Danube. I hope to visit Budapest one day!
Ruth says
I loved that Panorama Room. It felt great to have a cup of coffee while looking at the views.
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Szentendre sounds like a place I would definitely want to visit for its abundance of arts and crafts. The buildings along the Danube look amazing, the columns alone are spectacular!
Ruth says
Szentendre is a beautiful place. I wrote a post dedicated to the town. You can check it out for more details.
Sarah says
Wow! Bookmarking for the next time I visit Hungary!
Ruth says
Glad you liked the post Sarah! Thanks for stopping by.
budget jan says
I love the dome of the Basilica and can imagine the feeling of awe looking up at the large pillars at the entrance, but that wonderful afternoon sun highlighting the golden colour of the houses of parliament is fantastic.
Ruth says
Jan, that is why I think we took that ship back to Budapest at the perfect moment. We were like 10 minutes in front of the building. There was a lot of time to contemplate that unique moment.
Rebecca says
Ooh this looks great, that church is enormous. Can you tell me, the painting that is above the altar inside the church, who is it by? I’m a bit of an art history geek… sorry!
Ruth says
I looked for info about the paintings but was not able to find anything about them. History tend to concentrate on the actual building.
Moira says
I’m so happy I came across this post. I have been more and more interested in Eastern Europe and would just love to go explore Hungary. What an amazing day trip. Just stunning!
Ruth says
Eastern Europe is great. If you are interested in the area, you should go. I was surprised by the amount of history, good food and beautiful cities.
Kat @anaussieinsf says
Wow, you packed A LOT in! I once did a cycle tour down the Danube in Austria and loved it. I particularly like that the same river snakes through so many countries.
Ruth says
I cycled a bit along the river in Budapest. I would love to do more of that in the future. More knowing that the bikes can go on the boats.
Allison says
Beautiful photos! I’m like you, I love being on the water. #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Glad to hear that! That is why I would like to do more cruises or sailing trips.
Pat says
I would love to cruise the Danube River, and visit the towns along its coast. The photos you showed from the towns you visited were amazing. The size of the basilica, fort and palace were all stupendous!
I love being on the water too, Ruth. I grew up and lived near the Atlantic Ocean and always felt comfortable on all kinds of ships. It’s a beautiful way to travel.
Ruth says
I grew up in Puerto Rico and I think that is why I like being close to the water. Here in California I live close to the beach too.
Kathy Marris says
Looks like you had a perfect day for sightseeing. The sky is so blue and the water on the Danube looks blue as well. I guess that’s why they call it the Bue Danube? I would love to do this trip.
Ruth says
Thanks Kathy! I had the best weather in Budapest (I cannot complain). It was hot in the city but the country side was perfect.
Anisa says
It sounds like a lovely daytrip. I think it is really nice that the return trip was by boat, it is a great way to see the sites especially the parliament building. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Ruth says
The return trip is one of the main reasons why we did this trip. It was the prefect ending to a day full of new places.
bettyl - NZ says
I love being around water, too, and get to the ocean just as often as I can. You captured some great scenes. I love the old buildings and the photos of country life are delightful to see.
Ruth says
Well, I am sure there are tons of opportunities to be near the water in New Zealand. The buildings in this part of Hungary are stunning.
Rohan Gupta says
What a wonderful place is Budapest i never heard this word before. But now i am very curious to visit in Budapest.
Ruth says
Rohan, glad you learned about if in here. The word is composed of two cities (Buda and Pest) which presently are united.
Katy says
I love being near and travelling on water too Ruth. I havent been to Hungary or Budapest yet but I would love to do this tour. The views you showed of the Danube are fantastic and the tour was so diverse. Thanks so much for sharing on #farawayfiles
Ruth says
The Danube is truly the life of this area. You had to see the people boating a taking a dip on it. I cherish those memories.
Upeksha says
Looks like a great day! The scenery looks amazing. Thanks for sharing. I’ve pinned it for later.
Ruth says
Thanks Upeksha! Hope you can visit one day.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Incredible views!! You’ve definitely made me want to revisit Budapest and explore more of the surrounding area along the Danube. Great to see a different perspective from the water. The Parliament building looks very impressive! #citytripping
Ruth says
I think not a lot of visitors explore outside Budapest. However, I think it is eye opening to see a different side of the country.
Jill says
What a beautiful basilica with beautiful views! Like you I am drawn to water and am at my happiest when I’m near it. In fact, I have a trip booked to Puerto Rico this summer to visit a friend in Rincon!
Ruth says
Really? That is great! Rincon is the surfing capital of the island. I went to college in Mayaguez, an adjacent town.
Paula McInerney says
What a day you had, and I learnt so much more about Danube Bend. Nice photos too.
Ruth says
I am glad you learned something new. That is the purpose of posts like these.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Great views. I love the history here and also the places looks really peaceful when you visited and sunny!
Ruth says
Yes, the history is fantastic. Hungary is a place for history buffs. I learned so much about the country and Eastern Europe while there.
Anda says
You beat me to Esztergom, Ruth. I’ve been in Budapest so many times and still didn’t make it there. I liked Szentendre a lot, but I don’t think I’d want to return there for a second trip. It seems you had a great day on the Danube and the weather was totally on your side.
Ruth says
You got to make it to Esztergom one day! In a way, it is the birthplace of Hungary. It is so emotional to visit places like this.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I’d never heard of the Danube Bend until I read this post! The scenery is breathtaking and check out the colour of that sky! We went on honeymoon to Budapest, but reading this, I wish we’d explored the surrounding areas further.
Ruth says
Well, I am assuming you had a wonderful honeymoon! From the comments in this post, I am noticing the Danube Bend area is not even known to people who have visited Budapest. I didn’t know it was so unknown.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
What a great idea to sail further into the heart of Hungary, Ruth. I’d love to do down the River Danube and it’s always wonderful to explore an area by boat. Thanks for sharing your colourful and inspiring photos with us on #farawayfiles.
Ruth says
I hope to sail one day from Budapest to the Black Sea. That is the trip I really want to make.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
What a great day trip! I also love being on, in, or near the water. Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration, see you next week!
Ruth says
Thanks Jim!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
That seems like a great day trip. We are in love with that Basilica in Esztergom! What a beautiful building, inside and out. Thanks for the great pictures!
Ruth says
Ahh, I am glad you liked the Basilica. It is so impressive because of its size. There is a lot to see in that small town.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
That’s a fantastic photo of the Parliament building in Budapest. It almost glows with light. This looks like a good day to spend the day. I’d enjoy seeing that Basilica and the medieval fair.
Ruth says
Yes, the Parliament took the prize of best sight of the day. Love how those photos turned out.
Edith &Juan says
Haven’t heard of Danube Bend, but love all the views your captured! Looks like you had a great time.
Ruth says
Thanks Edith! Yes, we had a great time and I would go on a similar trip without thinking about it.
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
What a great idea, to venture outside the city and discover such wonderful places. And just looks at those blue skies!
#citytripping
Ruth says
I try to go out of the cities as much as possible. Like to spend several days around and make one or two day trips.
Mary (The World Is A Book) says
I love everything about this tour. Like you, I am also at home near the water. Love that you get to experience the little towns, beautiful architecture, great food and be surrounded by all that history. I would definitely do this when we make it to Budapest.
Ruth says
I think it is important to see more of a country than the capital. I know a lot of us have limited time in certain destinations but you get to see so much when you make the effort.
Jeanna says
Some incredible photos, I feel the same about water and am lucky to live on an Isthmus. Is that bread? It looks wonderful.
Ruth says
Where do you live? I am curious now. No, it is cheese.
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
I love any opportunity to see a place from the water – I completely agree on feeling the need to plan trips to include some body of water. I think this sounds so lovely – I’m dying to see Budapest and getting a little more via the river sounds perfect. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Ruth says
Thanks Erin! I want to keep visiting interesting places in Europe.
tracy says
Looks like a great day trip to take from Budapest – something i will definitely look at doing on our next visit to this beautiful city! #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Tracy, check this out! It is something you will enjoy.
Natalie says
Love all that history! Awesome post!
#flyawayfriday
Ruth says
Thanks Natalie!
David | Travelsewhere says
I’ve been curious about exploring more of Hungary for a while now, so it’s nice to see that there are indeed plenty of spots to see even just along the Danube. Visegrad looks pretty impressive alone. #theweeklypostcard
Ruth says
I think this is an area you would enjoy. These cities are very authentic (in my opinion) and pack a lot of history and other goodies.
Kana says
I love how many photos you take for every post! It’s so interesting seeing every angle and different spots – tells you a lot about the place you talk about! Danube Bend looks GORGEOUS and such a fun spot to visit! Thanks for joining #FlyAwayFriday, hope to see you again this week! xo
Ruth says
Thanks Kana! I am a very visual person and like my posts to be the same way. I get frustrated when I am reading about a place but I can not see photos.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
We sailed the Rhine and now you’ve enticed us with your stunning photos to do the Danube. Looks amazing.
Ruth says
Now that I have seen parts of the Danube, I want to do the Rhine. I am doing part of it on May.
Chloe says
This is so beautiful and picturesque!! And I completely agree with you, I feel most at home next to a body of water too 🙂
Ruth says
I am excited since I will be sailing the Rhine in the near future.
Kat says
Looks like an awesome tour, judging from the photos! The view of the panorama room is spectacular, and may I ask, are those pastry buns or is it something else? I wasn’t sure whether it was edible or not 🙂 I love boat rides or river cruises – a great way to relax and enjoy the views. Btw, I like the new look of your blog!