Danube Part 2 – Vienna (Wien) to Budapest

Here is the itinerary of part 2 of our grand tour.  Most of this is gleaned from the marketing materials for the tour we booked with a few edits such as dates and minor details such as extra days etc. 

Connecting three of Central Europe’s most famous capital cities—Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest—this cycle tour runs along protected river forests, historic towns, and scenic wetlands. Known as the insider tip among Danube cycle routes, this path offers flat terrain, rich Roman and royal history, and picturesque river vistas.

Route Overview & Map

• Total Distance: Approx. 290 km
• Countries Visited: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
• Terrain & Topography: Mostly flat river valleys with gentle rolling hills through the Transdanubia region.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 19: Vienna

We enjoy our final day in Vienna and begin preparations for part 2 Vienna to Budapest!

Day 20: Vienna to Bad Deutsch-Altenburg / Hainburg

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 50 km (~31 miles)
• Highlights: Ride out of Vienna through pristine river valley forests. Stop in Orth to view one of Austria’s largest Renaissance castles, and explore ancient Roman history at the archaeological park in Petronell-Carnuntum.

Day 21: Hainburg to Bratislava

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 35 km (~ 21 miles)
• Highlights: Visit reconstructed Roman structures at the Carnuntum Archaeological Park before crossing the border into Slovakia. Pass under the iconic Bratislava Castle and wander through the old town’s winding streets.

Day 22: Bratislava to Győr

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 40 km + Short Train Ride (~24 miles)
• Highlights: Cross into Hungary at Rajka and cycle across Little Rye Island—an expansive wetland area with side streams of the Danube. Ride to Mosonmagyaróvár (the “Town of the 17 Bridges”) and board a short train to Győr.

Day 23: Győr to Komárom

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 40 km (~24 miles)
• Highlights: Leave the flat Little Hungarian Plain behind and cycle through the gentle hills of Transdanubia, past walnut avenues and horse breeding farms. Finish in Komárom, a historic town split by the Danube between Hungary and Slovakia.

Day 24: Komárom to Esztergom / Visegrád

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 60 km + Boat or Train Transfer (~37 miles)
• Highlights: Follow the river past green vineyards and small villages. History enthusiasts can visit the Roman Fort of Kelemantia, while cycling past Esztergom brings views of its massive classicist basilica. Take a boat or train trip to reach Visegrád.

Day 25: Visegrád to Budapest

• Cycling Distance: Approx. 65 km (~40 miles)
• Highlights: Start near the Royal Palace and Castle of Visegrád. Cycle to the artists’ town of Szentendre to explore its baroque old town and open-air museum. Finish the journey with a scenic Danube boat ride directly into Budapest.

Day 26: Budapest (Extra day)

A dedicated full extra day exploring Budapest. Take in the iconic Parliament building along the Danube, relax in the famous thermal baths, explore the Buda Castle Quarter, or wander through the city’s vibrant markets and ruin bars.

Day 27: Departure for Salzburg and part 3!

We board a train for Salzburg to have a few more days of rest and exploring before starting part 3 of our grand tour.