Destinations > Hungary > Danube Bend

Danube Bend

Frequent ferries and the HÉV suburban train make the historic cities on the Danube Bend easily accessible from Budapest. The main towns in this region are heavily touristed, although it's still a contrast to Budapest and a worthwhile day-trip.

Esztergom

Located on the Danube across from Slovakia, Esztergom has played an important part in Hungary's history serving as the country's capital for over 300 years. The city was also where Hungary first converted to Christianity and is home to Hungary's largest church along with the Royal Palace and some excellent museums.

Practical Information

Esztergom Tourist Information Centre (Gran Tours)

Széchenyi tér 25, Esztergom

Tel (33) 313 756

Coming & Going

Frequent buses run between Esztergom and Budapest's Árpád Híd bus station, while trains between the two cities depart from Nyugati station. There are infrequent and slow boats between Esztergom and Budapest, which are pleasant although impractical for a day trip. The frequent ferries between Esztergom and Stúrovo in Slovakia are a more useful travel option if you're heading on to Slovakia.

Szentendre

Originally 18th century Serbian settlement, Szentendre later became an artists colony and more recently a tourist town full of day-trippers from Budapest. Because it's on Budapest's HÉV suburban train line, the city is many tourists' only glimpse of Hungary outside Budapest and although it's a pretty town it can get a bit too much during the summer when it's crowded with tourists.

Practical Information

Szentendre Tourist Information Centre

Dumtsa Jenõ utca 22, Szentendre

Tel (26) 317 965

Coming & Going

The nicest way to arrive in Szentendre is by ferry from Budapest, although the HÉV suburban train is the fastest and easiest way to get there. HÉV trains leave from Batthyány station in Budapest.

Visegrád

This small town on the Danube has a rich history as a royal seat. After its heyday in the 15th century the city fell into disrepair and nowadays only the ruins of the palace and the citadel are all that are left. Visegrád is a fascinating place to visit enroute between Szentendre and Esztergom especially if you have an interest in Hungarian Renaissance history.

Practical Information

Visegrád Tourist Information Centre (Visegrád Tours)

Rév utca 15, Visegrád

Tel (26) 398 160