New Tour

Cycling Vienna to Budapest

Day 1 Meet in Vienna

Welcome to Vienna, the “Imperial City”. We suggest arriving a day or two before the tour begins so you can explore the Austrian capital’s many sights, such as the first district with its cluster of historic churches, former royal residences, world-class museums, and rustic cafes. A visit to the baroque-era Schönbrunn Palace or taking a stroll through the city vineyards are also worthwhile if you have more time. On arrival day, we meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon and head out for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.

Austria Trend Hotel Anatol
Dinner

Day 2 Vienna – Bratislava

The first ride of the tour is one of the most memorable as, in just 75 km of cycling, we are able to connect the two capital cities of Vienna (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia). After navigating out of Vienna’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, we’ll reach the Danube Floodplain National Park, one of Europe’s largest untamed wetland areas. Here, a vast plain brimming with forests, meadows, marshes, and oxbow lakes sprawls along the banks of the Danube, creating a delightful biking route. Keep an eye out for various species of rare waterfowl native to the region. At the 55 km mark, we’ll arrive at the Austrian town of Hainburg, renowned for its massive medieval gate. From there, it's only a few kilometers more to the border with Slovakia. Not too long ago, this area was one of the most heavily guarded and fortified parts of the Iron Curtain, but now, besides a change in language on the road signage, it is hardly noticeable that we are crossing a national border. We conclude our ride in Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital city, where we’ll spend two nights in one of its distinctive “botels” – floating hotels anchored in the Danube.

Botel Garcia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 75km
+433m
-491m

Day 3 Bratislava Loop & Wine Tasting

Bratislava is the kind of European city which invites you to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. And that’s exactly what we’ll be doing today. In the late morning we have a leisurely bike tour of Bratislava, exposing us to the city’s history from the fall of Rome to the fall of the Iron Curtain. Our route takes us through the historic town center, across the iconic SNP bridge, and into the oldest city park. We'll also explore communist-era housing estates and modern riverside developments before visiting the striking Blue Church. After lunch, you'll have free time to unwind – perhaps at a cozy café to watch the world go by or by visiting Bratislava Castle, one of the city’s most celebrated, centuries-old landmarks. In the evening, before dinner, we’ll head to a local wine cellar for a private tasting of some regional specialties. Even if you are not a wine drinker, the experience offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at age-old Slovak traditions!

Botel Garcia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 21km
+150m
-150m

Day 4 Bratislava – Győr

Another day, another country! We depart Bratislava and cross from Slovakia to Hungary via Szigetköz, or “Little Rye Island'', a river island nestled between the Danube and its labyrinth of tributaries which braid along the wetlands. Once we’ve reached the Hungarian plains we’ll stray further to the west of the Danube, stopping for a break in the pretty town of Mosonmagyaróvár (easy to say, right?). From here we continue through an area of extensive farmlands to reach Győr where we spend the night. Győr is renowned for its lively and colorful city center filled with baroque architecture. Enjoy the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets and reward today’s cycling efforts with a brew or two in one of the city’s numerous beer gardens! Dinner is on your own tonight.

Klastrom
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 85km
+126m
-147m

Day 5 Győr – Komárom/Komárno

From Győr we head eastward back to the banks of the Danube. Across the Transdanubian plains, we ride through an endless patchwork of farmlands and villages. We enjoy a leisurely pace as we take in the sights of rural Hungary unfolding around us, maybe even spotting herds of Arabian horses which are bred in the region. Our destination is a city with two names, depending on which side of the Danube you’re on! To the south of the river, on the Hungarian side, is Komárom and to the north, on the Slovakian side, is Komárno. In the afternoon, you can visit Komárno fort, one of the largest historic bastion fortifications in Central Europe and was constructed to defend against Ottoman invasions during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Pension Livotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 55km
+105m
-107m

Day 6 Komárom/Komárno – Esztergom

We continue along the Danube, riding on bike paths that straddle the wide banks of the river. Along this section of the Danube there are still remnants of the Roman Limes, a network of ancient Roman military camps which protected the empire along its frontiers. One of these, Kelamantia, is just a few km south of Komárno and we’ll stop to learn about this early chapter of Hungarian history. We then continue onwards, passing by forests, farms, villages and vineyards to reach the city of Esztergom, Hungary’s spiritual heart. Crowning the city is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, boasting beautiful classicist architecture and interior decorations. You can also visit Esztergom Castle which, perched on a hill, offers splendid views over the Danube and the city.

Hotel Szent Adalbert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 55km
+76m
-62m

Day 7 Esztergom – Budapest

On our final day of cycling we ride the "Great Bend" of the Danube, one of the most scenic stretches along the entire valley. Here, the river winds its way through forested hillsides and rugged cliffs and the banks are dotted with historic villages and towns. We’ll ride through Visegrád, with its medieval castle peering down from a cliff face, and stop in Szentendre, known for its vibrant arts scene and elegant baroque architecture. And finally we reach the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest, where we end our bike tour. In the evening, Hungary’s capital city glitters and sparkles as its facade of stately landmarks are lit up. We’ll convene for a final Hungarian feast and bid our farewells.

NH Budapest City
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 85km
+318m
-316m

Day 8 Budapest Departure

Our cycling tour has ended but we suggest you extend your stay to explore Budapest. Please let us know If you require assistance with airport transfers and post-tour hotel bookings. Heading back to Vienna via a river cruise on the Danube is also possible.

Breakfast

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.