Hungary - The Danube Bend Walking Holiday

Upon arrival in Budapest, we will be met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel in the town of Visegrád, a small castle town situated to the north of Budapest on the right bank of the Danube in the Danube Bend.

After a late breakfast at the hotel, we’ll meet our walking guides for an orientation meeting. They’ll provide an overview of the week’s walks, explain the difficulty levels, and divide the group according to hiking ability. Today, both groups will explore the surroundings of Visegrád, Hungary’s former royal capital.

The moderate route begins with a transfer to Pilisszentlászló, a village in the hills. From here, we follow forest paths through the Apátkúti Valley, passing streams and a local fishpond before reaching Telgárti Meadow, where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we return to the hotel on foot for some leisure time in the hotel.  Evening meal & overnight at the hotel

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 13km / Duration: approx. 4 hours / Incline: 150m

The challenging route starts directly from the hotel with a climb to Visegrád Castle Hill, once an important stronghold in Hungary’s history. From the plateau, we continue along elevated trails with views across the surrounding landscape before reaching the Albert Vas Memorial Stone. We then make our way to Telgárti Meadow for a picnic lunch before walking back to the hotel for some leisure time in the hotel.  Evening meal & overnight at the hotel.

Difficulty: Challenging route / Distance: 12km / Duration: approx. 5 hours / Incline: 490m

*Hiking poles are highly recommended for both walks. Packed lunch included.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by minibus to the Danube Bend for a full day of walking, accompanied by our walking guides. Two routes are available to suit different hiking abilities, and a packed lunch is included for both groups.

The moderate route takes us to Pulpit Rock (Prédikálószék), a popular viewpoint overlooking the Danube Bend. After climbing to the summit and lookout tower, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch before continuing downhill through the forest into the valley & back to the hotel for some leisure time in the hotel. Evening meal & overnight at the hotel.

*Hiking poles are recommended for the moderate trail.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 13.5km / Duration: approx. 4.5 hours / Incline: 300m

The challenging walk explores Rám Gorge (Rám-szakadék), a narrow canyon near Dömös. The route follows the gorge through rocky terrain, with ladders and metal steps to help hikers climb alongside the stream. Along the way, we’ll pass rock formations and moss-covered sections before completing the trail & back to the hotel for some leisure time in the hotel.  Evening meal & overnight at the hotel.

*This walk requires good fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights, as some sections involve steep climbs and narrow passages. It is recommended for experienced hikers. 

Difficulty: Challenging route / Distance: 11km / Duration: approx. 4 hours / Incline: 370m

Today we travel by coach from Visegrád to Esztergom, passing through the Pilis Mountains. Along the way, we’ll make stops to enjoy the views and take photographs, before arriving in Esztergom, home to Hungary’s largest Roman Catholic basilica. The group will then split into two walking options to suit different hiking abilities.

The moderate walk takes us towards the summit of Pilis Mountain, where we’ll reach a lookout tower with views across the surrounding landscape. We then descend through the hills before taking a short bus transfer to Dobogókő, another popular viewpoint in the Pilis Mountains before returning to the hotel for some leisure time in the hotel.  Evening meal & overnight at the hotel.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 11km / Duration: approx. 4.5 hours / Incline: 200m

The challenging walk follows a more demanding route through Dera Gorge, where the trail passes through a rocky canyon and crosses narrow wooden bridges. From the gorge, we continue uphill towards the higher ground of the Pilis Mountains, where there will be time for lunch and a rest. We then descend into the valley before taking a short bus transfer to Dobogókő to enjoy the views before returning to the hotel for some leisure time in the hotel.  Evening meal & overnight at the hotel.

Difficulty: Challenging route / Distance: 14km / Duration: approx. 5 hours / Incline: 520m

You will have today free to spend at your leisure. You might like to sit back and recharge the batteries after your walking days. You can also try rowing, take a ferry boat along the Danube, relax at the thermal bath at Leányfalu or explore the trails that lead to Vac, one of the lesser-known Danube Bend towns. Our local guide will be on hand to make some suggestions to suit your taste.

After breakfast at the hotel, we take the ferry across the Danube to Nagymaros, where we begin our walk in the Börzsöny Mountains. This forested mountain range was formed by volcanic activity and is known for its rugged hills, woodland trails and views across the Danube Bend. A packed lunch is included, and two walking options are available to suit different hiking abilities.

The moderate route follows a gentle ascent through shaded woodland towards the Börzsöny plateau. We continue along a circular trail to the Törökmező Tourist Centre, where we’ll take a break before descending through the valley towards the village of Zebegény.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 13.5km / Duration: approx. 4 hours / Incline: 250m

The challenging route begins with a steep climb from Nagymaros to Hegyes-tető. At the summit, we’ll reach the Julianus Lookout Tower, which offers panoramic views across the Danube Bend. We then continue along wooded trails across the plateau, stopping at the Károly Kós Lookout Tower before descending to Zebegény. 

Difficulty: Challenging route / Distance: 12.5km / Duration: approx. 4.5 hours / Incline: 450m

After a break in Zebegény, both groups return to Visegrád by boat. From the pier, we’ll take a short guided walk through the historic old town before returning to the hotel. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel before our overnight stay.

Difficulty: Leisurely route / Distance: 7.5 km / Duration: approx. 2.5 hours / Incline: 200m

Today we will transfer from Visegrád to Budapest airport for your flight home.