Danube Cycling Path

The Hungarian Section of EuroVelo 6

The Danube Cycling Path, known internationally as EuroVelo 6, is one of Europe's most celebrated long-distance cycling routes. In Hungary, this 500-kilometer stretch follows the Danube from Rajka at the Austrian border to Mohacs near Serbia, tracing the river through some of the country's most significant historical and natural landscapes.

The Hungarian section is remarkably flat, with no major elevation changes, making it accessible to cyclists of all fitness levels. The route passes through the capital Budapest, the dramatic Danube Bend, wine regions, national parks, and traditional villages that seem untouched by time.

Northern Section: Gyor to Budapest

The route enters Hungary near Rajka and passes through the historic city of Gyor before reaching the spectacular Danube Bend region north of Budapest.

Highlights

• Gyor: A baroque city with a beautifully preserved old town, located near Fort Monostor, Central Europe's largest modern fortress.
• Komarom/Komarno: A twin city split between Hungary and Slovakia, connected by the Elizabeth Bridge across the Danube.
• Esztergom: The seat of Hungarian Catholicism, dominated by the massive Esztergom Basilica overlooking the river.
• Visegrad: Home to a medieval royal palace and hilltop citadel with commanding views of the Danube Bend.
• Szentendre: An artists' colony with colorful baroque architecture, galleries, and a vibrant cafe culture.

Budapest: Where East Meets West

Budapest deserves at least a day or two for exploration. The cycling path runs through the city along both banks of the Danube, connecting major landmarks and offering a unique perspective on the capital.

Cycling in Budapest

• Dedicated cycling lanes along the Danube embankment on both Buda and Pest sides
• Margaret Island offers a car-free cycling loop in the middle of the river
• Public bike-sharing system (MOL Bubi) available for short trips
• Thermal baths (Gellert, Szechenyi) perfect for resting tired muscles

Southern Section: Budapest to Mohacs

South of Budapest, the Danube widens and the landscape becomes flatter, with the route passing through agricultural regions and wildlife reserves.

Highlights

• Rackeve: A small town on Csepel Island with a notable Serbian Orthodox church.
• Kalocsa: Known for paprika production and folk art, especially colorful embroidery.
• Gemenc Forest: One of Hungary's largest floodplain wilderness areas, home to deer, wild boar, and rare bird species.
• Mohacs: The southern terminus, famous for the UNESCO-listed Busojaras festival and the site of a pivotal 1526 battle.

Practical Information

Navigation and Maps

The route is well-signposted with EuroVelo 6 markers. Download GPX tracks from EuroVelo.com or the Danube Route smartphone app (available for Android and iOS) for offline navigation.

Ferries

Several ferry crossings operate along the Hungarian Danube:

• Szob-Pilismarot (note: currently closed; alternative via Slovakia available)
• Vac ferry crossing
• Various crossings in Budapest

Check seasonal schedules, as some ferries don't operate in winter (typically after October 15).

Accommodation

Options range from riverside campsites to guesthouses and hotels in larger towns. In peak season (June-August), booking ahead is recommended, especially for Budapest.

Train Connections

Most Hungarian trains accept bicycles for a small surcharge. This allows flexible trip planning: you can cycle one section and return by train, or use trains to skip urban sections if preferred.

Connecting Routes

The Danube path connects with several other cycling routes:

• Upstream: Continues to Vienna, Passau, and eventually the Atlantic coast
• Downstream: Extends through Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria to the Black Sea
• EuroVelo 14: Intersects near Budapest, offering a route to Lake Balaton
• EuroVelo 13: The Iron Curtain Trail crosses the Danube path in northern Hungary