A Journey Through History and Nature – My impressions
I have always dreamed of going on a road trip, and I finally did it! Thanks to this bike tour from Vienna to Budapest, I fulfilled a little dream of mine.
I have to admit: at first, I would have liked to have a travel companion, but in the end, I decided to set off on my own... and it was the right decision. Traveling alone made me slow down, listen to the sounds of nature, lose myself in the warm colors of autumn, and—why not—meet other cyclists along the way. Every break was the perfect opportunity for a chat, a photo, or a tip.
What impressed me the most? Without a doubt, the landscapes. Miles of bike paths that pass through three countries and follow the majestic course of the Danube. But that's not all: this trip is also a journey through history. From the Roman ruins of Carnuntum to the ancient monuments of Esztergom to the unique atmosphere of the ruin pubs of Bratislava and Budapest: each stage tells a story.
🛫 Day 1 – Vienna > Bad Deutsch Altenburg
I land in Vienna and, after dropping off my suitcase at the Arcotel Hotel, I immediately set off to cycle along the Danube. The nature reserve just outside the city immediately impresses me with its marshlands and abundance of birds. I would have liked to visit the archaeological site of Carnuntum, but my leisurely pace means I arrive too late. No matter: an early dinner (at 5 p.m. – a record for an Italian!) and a well-deserved rest.
🏛️ Day 2 – Bad Deutsch Altenburg > Bratislava
Today it's only a few kilometers, so I take the opportunity to visit the Roman Museum of Carnuntum at my leisure. As an archaeology fan, it was exciting to walk among the ruins of a city that was once the capital of Upper Pannonia. In the afternoon, I arrive in Bratislava, where I discover the local pubs and their typical drinks on a tasting tour. The Steinplatzt? Highly recommended.
🌞 Day 3 – Bratislava > Győr
Bright sunshine, perfect temperature. Lunch with a sandwich on the banks of the Danube: a moment of peace that I will repeat often over the next few days. I decide to cover the entire 90 km to Győr without taking the train, and on the last 10 km... I feel it! But it was worth it: the road is beautiful and the arrival in the city offers a magical atmosphere.
🌿 Day 4 – Győr > Komárno
A quiet day and a relaxed bike ride through the Hungarian countryside. For lunch, I stop at a beach on the Danube to have a picnic and take a siesta in the sun. In the afternoon, I relax in the thermal baths of Komárno and end the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel.
⛪ Day 5 – Komárno > Esztergom
Today we cycle a little more, but the landscape makes up for any effort. In the late afternoon, I arrive in Esztergom, where the majestic basilica towers over the Danube. Quiet dinner and rest before the last stage.
🛶 Day 6 – Esztergom > Budapest
I set off early and choose the shortest route, but find that it is almost entirely on roads. I find a ferry to cross the Danube and change banks, but now I have to hurry so as not to miss the boat that will take me to Budapest. I pick up my pace and make it just in time – just in time to enjoy a wonderful mini-cruise on the river to the Hungarian capital. Here I end my trip with an extra night and a few hours to explore the city.
Conclusion
Above all, a feeling of freedom. But also amazement at the beauty of nature, gratitude for the encounters along the way, and the desire to come back. Every day was a discovery: from the muffled sounds of the forests to the silence of the river, from the quiet villages to the liveliness of the capitals.
Cought your interest? Here you find the whole tour: Vienna to Budapest / 3-Country Tour
