Summarized

Leisurely and easy tour. The cycle path is well signposted - you have to work hard to get lost. The landscape offers some beautiful views. In Hainburg, I recommend cycling up the Braunsberg, as you have a great view over Hainburg to Bratislava and the Pannonian Plain. I really liked the Danube Bend in terms of the scenery, as you cycle through some beautiful floodplain areas. The sections along the embankment and through fields are great for reflection. I also really enjoyed this section of the route, as everything is in bloom and green at this time of year - the gentle hills between Bratislava and Kormano made a very harmonious impression on me.

The many animals that I was able to observe on the journey were also worth mentioning. Wild deer, hares and birds of prey could be seen somewhere in the field or forest every day. Just like cows, cats and sheep, some of which were kept without fences.

In my opinion, the cities along the tour are well chosen and offer a variety of impressions. Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest offer a wide range of tourist attractions. But Kormano, Esztergom, Mosonmagyarova and Györ are also very interesting if you get involved. I personally liked Györ the best. There were inviting bars and restaurants, a beautiful city center with well-preserved buildings, well-kept parks and an interesting canal around the city center.

Most of the time I was on separate cycle paths. In Hungary, I sometimes had to cycle on side roads. In the meantime, the car drivers usually all give way.

Day 1: Bad Deutsch Altenburg - Bratislava

You cycle almost continuously along a separate cycle path. Once I had to take the main road because of roadworks. The bypass was well signposted and should be finished by now. The cycle path is also well signposted. A particular plus point: the hotels in Bratislava are almost directly on the cycle path.

There are only refreshment stops in Hainburg and Wolfsthal. However, given the short distance, this should not really be a problem. As mentioned above, the “detour” to Braunsberg is worth it for the view.

You can park your bike next to the reception - this year the hotel has also increased the number of bike parking spaces. You can have dinner in the old town - unfortunately I couldn’t find any “traditional” restaurants. Perhaps we should think about some good restaurant tips.

Day 2: Bratislava - Györ

Cycle on the cycle path as far as Rajka. From then on you cycle along side roads to Mosonmagyaróvár. The cycle path is well signposted and coincides with Guibo. The only remark is that there are two cycle paths between Bratislava and Rajka. Guibo sends me over the embankment and the signage sends cyclists along a parallel accompanying road. I tried both routes - both were good. The sight of the small body of water between the two paths was pretty to look at.

There are a few places to stop for refreshments along the way.

Moson is a very nice town. You can have a good meal before taking the train to Györ. During the tourist season, the pavement cafés are open and you can safely keep an eye on your bike while you eat. Incidentally, there are plenty of bike racks in the pedestrian zone for exactly this purpose. Next to the small river that surrounds the city center, you can take a break in the shade of the Uradalmi Főhercegi Malom. The building is a little dilapidated, but I think it has a certain charm.

The train journey from Moson to Györ is very straightforward. If you are overwhelmed by the ticket machines, you can also try your luck at the ticket counter and buy your tickets from the train staff. Just get on the train and you’ll be in Györ in half an hour.

I have already praised Györ in the introduction. Great old town, cozy parks, beautiful canal and inviting bars. The city is not overcrowded and still relatively cheap. My tip - Langos Manufaktura.

I could easily park my bike in the courtyard of the Klastrom. The hotel was great - in the renovated residential building of the Camelite monastery right next to the river Rába.

Day 3: Györ - Kormano

Mostly on country roads, the route continues to Kormano. The cycle path leads across fields along the country road (separated. Before you get to Komaron, the cycle path leads briefly through a meadow area, which is a nice change. The Komarom fortress is located next to the cycle path and is well worth a visit. You then quickly reach Kormano, where our partner hotels are located. There are also occasional opportunities to stop for a snack on this stretch. You should definitely pack water - as it can get very hot along the country road.

In Kormano, it’s easy to find a restaurant for a good, cheap meal. There is an inexpensive bar right on Europaplatz where you can enjoy the afternoon.

At Hotel Peklo you can park your bike in the garage and reach the city center in about 10 minutes on foot.

Day 4: Kormano - Esztergom

You can see the Danube again! In the days before, you only got to see the river in the towns. Unfortunately, I was denied the view a little because a biathlon was taking place during my trip and I had to take the country road. However, if you can cycle regularly, you are mainly on the cycle path. This is in good condition. I could even see repair stations and rest stops. There were fewer places to stop for refreshments along this stretch - which is why you should get a snack before the stage. I also found pumping stations for the bikes here.

There are also some bathing opportunities along the Danube - you can always find small sandy beaches where you can at least put your feet in the water.

In Esztergom you can visit the castle and the Bazilika. I took a tour of the castle - it was very interesting. You can enter the Bazilika for free and it’s definitely worth a look. You also have a very nice view down the hill.

Day 5: Esztergom - Budapest

I was able to enjoy a very beautiful panorama here. At the beginning, the cycle path went along a road - after 20 kilometers you come to a cycle path, which you stay on until Budapest. This is very well developed and you can cycle quickly without any potholes. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments and to linger. The ferries run very regularly and I didn’t have to wait.

Szetendre is a very pretty town with lots of people.

From Szetendre, you cycle along the Danube to Budapest in beautiful little woods. There are lots of places to eat and drink before Budapest. I think you can spend great evenings here, especially in summer.

Day 6: Budapest

Yes, it is Budapest. I was surprised at how huge the city is. I rode my bike less and mainly pushed it. The parliament was a particular highlight. I liked it when it was illuminated, especially at night.
 

Got a taste for it? Click here for the tour “Cycling from Vienna to Budapest - The Danube Cycle Path”