Prague - Budapest

We recommend arriving in Prague early - the ´golden city´ is one of the most beautiful in Europe, and the historical city centre has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1992. Its historical buildings, the winding streets of the old city and a breath-taking view of the Charles Bridge are perfect excuses for a stroll around the city, and will be the first of many unforgettable holiday delights.

The Vltava river will guide you out of Prague. The slightly hilly and ever-changing landscape will enchant you. During today’s stage, you will pass through many small, idyllically situated Bohemian villages. The small houses with wooden-panelled gables irresistibly draw the eyes, and the many cosy inns entice one to stop for a refreshing beer. Your accommodation for the night will be in the Sedlčany area.

For most of today, you will once again be following the course of the river Vltava, passing through many small Bohemian villages and the lush Bohemian forest. Via a beautiful reservoir on the Vltava near Milešov, you will make your way to Orlík. The gothic castle is certainly worth a visit, but merely a few kilometres further comes the next attraction; Zvikov Castle was one of the most important castles of Bohemia in the middle ages. The picturesque town of Písek marks the end of today’s stage.

You will be surrounded by fascinating virgin and cultivated landscapes for most of the day. The bike path follows the romantic banks of the Vltava river for the most part and will lead you through some pretty towns like Týn nad Vltavou. A small forest path will bring you to Hluboká castle, which sits atop a hill high over the Vltava and is definitely worth visiting. On arrival in České Budějovice, also known as Budweis, a Budweiser beer is exactly the right refreshment to make up for any exertions during the day.

During today’s stage, you will experience nature at its purest. The southern Bohemian landscape features many meadows and forests. The region is recognised as a UNESCO nature reserve, and the so-called ´southern Bohemian pond landscape´ is a result of the long-standing fish farming tradition in the region. The wholly untouched nature is a fantastic experience for any cyclist, and there is also something for fans of culture and architecture; historical buildings, old citadels and picturesque villages are scattered all along the way.

Today’s stage will take you through the north of Lower Austria. The so-called ´Waldviertel´ region is known for its many river and pond landscapes. The cycle path will lead you through seemingly endless forests with fresh air and wonderful authenticity. The Waldviertel cuisine is also known far and wide. Make sure to try a dish with carp and potatoes, the culinary specialities of this region.

The Kamptal bicycle path will quickly lead you to Hadersdorf via Langenlois. The route is gorgeous and also relatively flat. You will soon spot the first vineyards around Krems. From Hadersdorf, you will take the train to Tulln. Take some time to visit the Egon Schiele museum before riding the last few kilometres along the Danube to Vienna. You will reach your accommodation via the Danube Island, comfortably avoiding all traffic. The metropolis on the Danube has plenty to offer. Enjoy a cup of coffee and the typical Vienna cake ´Sachertorte´ in one of the numerous coffee houses or just stroll around the old part of the city with all its historic buildings.

Your bike tour guides you through the national park Donau-Auen. There you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You 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. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and it´s capital city Bratislava that is your next overnight stay.

You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture. Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. Today´s destination is Mosonmagyaróvár which is also called ´City of 17 bridges´.

Also today you cycle through the nature paradise of the small Rye Island. On your way you pass Hédervár, which is perfectly suitable for lunch break. The castle is situated in the middle of a protected park. You should schedule a plenty of time for visiting Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.

Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The last part of the route takes you back to the Danube. Then you reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. At night you can relax in the local spa.

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. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some increases. This requires a basic level of fitness. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However, an absolute highlight today is Esztergom (also known as ´Hungarian Rome´): It´s basilica is the largest church of the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit, before you will board a riverboat, which takes you to your destination Visegrád. Amazing views into the beautiful landscape of the so-called ´Donauknie´ will impress you.

Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the conscious day from Szentendre to Budapest. The different distances remain the same in both. You will receive detailed information together with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the timetable for the boat 2024 has not yet been set. The boat is expected to run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from early May until end of September. Out of this period or these days, you will receive a train ticket as replacement.

The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you and the open-air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre invites you to stay. The first part of today will guide you again through the ´Donauknie´, probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail at all. Soon you will arrive in Budapest, where you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.

Your journey ends after breakfast. We recommend a prolongation in Budapest. Our van transfer to Vienna or Prague is very comfortable. This can be booked as an option.