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Hungary · Central Hungary

The Danube Bend travel guide

Hilltop castles and an artists' town on the river

Szentendre on the Danube. Photo: SNRTZ Minden kép saját, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 15mflight from London
BUDnearest main airport
22° in Julwarmest month
-2° in Jancoolest month

North of Budapest the Danube turns sharply between wooded hills. Along the bend are Szentendre, a colourful artists' town, the castle ruins at Visegrád and Esztergom, with Hungary's largest basilica.

It's an easy day trip by train, bus or summer boat from Budapest.

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What The Danube Bend is known for

  • Szentendre

    Galleries and cobbled lanes.

  • Visegrád Castle

    A royal castle above the river.

  • Esztergom Basilica

    Hungary's largest church.

  • River boats

    Cruise from Budapest.

Top things to do in The Danube Bend

  1. 1

    Szentendre

    Museums, galleries and marzipan.

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  2. 2

    Visegrád citadel

    Views over the river bend.

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  3. 3

    Esztergom Basilica

    Climb the dome.

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  4. 4

    A boat from Budapest

    Summer ferries and hydrofoils.

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Where to stay in The Danube Bend

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Best time to visit The Danube Bend

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. May to September, when the boats run from Budapest.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-2.2 C-2°J-0.2 C-0°F4.6 C5°M10.9 C11°A15.7 C16°M19.8 C20°J22 C22°J21.7 C22°A16.3 C16°S10.2 C10°O4.6 C5°N-0.9 C-1°D
Bar height is the average temperature in The Danube Bend, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 15m from London to BUD, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Suburban trains reach Szentendre in 40 minutes. Buses and boats link the rest.

Airport transfer to The Danube Bend

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Good to know

  • Summer boats are slow but scenic: go one way by boat, back by train.
  • Combine Visegrád and Esztergom in one day.
  • Szentendre gets busy on summer weekends.
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The Danube Bend FAQ

Can I do the Danube Bend in a day?

Yes, from Budapest.

How far is Szentendre from Budapest?

About 40 minutes by train.

More places in Hungary

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