Your email address will not be published. Soporific, leafy Visegrád (from the Slavic words for ‘high castle’) has the most history of the main towns on the Danube Bend. For a better look at the views and our fun on the luge track, check out our YouTube video below. Book Tour to Visegrád. In comparison to the other castles we visited in Hungary, Bory Castle is a true work of art. We are Giulia and Darek, an Italian-Polish couple based in Budapest. That's certainly how I felt last year after a short week in Hungary when I became intrigued by the history, people, language and food (oh, the food!) It was at this castle where leaders of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic first met for a summit meeting that created the 'Visegrad Four' alliance. Nowadays, some parts of the walls are visibly new, made of concrete and bricks, giving the visitor a real sense of what remained and what is rebuilt. How to get to Visegrad from Budapest We started from Budapest at the Ujpest Bus Station (map) (north of Pest) where we took bus 883 by Volanbusz (timetable) at 10.15. The Danube Bend’s most splendid, breathtaking view is just an hour’s drive from Budapest, in the courtyard of the Visegrád Citadel. ... Other top sights here are Bishop’s Castle and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the 11th century. Go beyond Budapest to discover Visegrád’s hilltop castle, Eger’s picturesque cathedral and Szentendre’s art scene. The first Citadel was built by King Béla IV in 1246 because of the Mongol invasions, to protect the valley and the commercial route. The most visited parts of the Castle ruins are the walls and towers that litter the Southside of Castle Hill and houses the Magyar Museum . If you follow our instructions, this DIY Danube Bend tour won’t require a big effort, nor a big budget. Did you know this place? As of June 2017 (I don’t think prices change much): Our super-knowledgeable friend and tour guide, Adam Marot of Behind Budapest prepared an easy itinerary: by taking the bus to the top of the hill, the effort was minimal! The suburban railway runs quite frequently (every 10 minutes during peak times) and it took us around 40 minutes to reach Szentendre. So unless you can find a tour company that includes transportation, castle entrance and a run on the luge for less than $25 CAD, you're better off going on your own! Nestled perfectly along the Danube river, this picturesque castle town is less than an hour from the capital and can easily be explored without a tour. It is an awesome hike from Budapest , Your email address will not be published. (Approx 25 mins). Andrew Babble / shutterstock.com 9. Getting To Esztergom By Train: Take the same train you took to Vác another 36 minutes West toward that Slovakian town of Štúrovo. A couple of things we missed this time around are the canopy tours, the Renaissance Restaurant experience and the Palinka Museum. This itinerary, instead, focuses on Visegrad castle and on lesser known towers and viewpoints. In 10-15 minutes, we reached Visegrad Castle (map), which is located on top of a hill overlooking the river Danube and the town of Visegrad on the riverside. I would definitely come prepared so that you can enjoy the day and not have to stress over finding an ATM or being disappointed if a shop/restaurant is closed early. Hungarian forints, as credit cards and other currencies may not be accepted (by the way, do you have your TransferWise Card yet? As there are not many explanations available in English, it is worth reading up a little ahead about the story of Visegrad and its castle, or bringing a guidebook with you, or coming here with a tour guide. Visegrád is a small castle town along the Danube river. One of them is The Royal Palace, the remains of the famous Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias I. This King also organized a Congress with the kings of Bohemia and Poland to solve issues among them, open new commercial routes, and create an alliance against the Habsburgs. Nonetheless, when we do manage to get up from our lovely sofa, we enjoy spending time outdoors. New To Budapest, Takes A Trip, Top Budapest Attractions #BlackGirlInBudapest October 15, 2017 Visegrad, day trips from budapest, Esztergom, tour, Castle, Tourist 2 Comments. Richard was the perfect driver/guide. For the journey from Budapest to Bratislava chose a seat on the left side of the train for uninterrupted views of the Danube. This journey will take you around one hour and 50 minutes. After one and a half hour, we got off at stop Visegradi Bobpalya, which saved us all the effort of climbing up the hill from the town of Visegrad, which is down by the river. Not to be confused with Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina.. Visegrád is a town in Pest County, Hungary.. This is the most scenic stretch of the Danube River with Visegrad fortress being the centre of this tour with breathtaking views. We usually double check on the MAV-START site to see which times work best for us and tickets are 1120 HUF, so about $6 CAD (Nov 2016). We recommend our Visegrad day trip itinerary to people who wish to combine nature and culture, without doing a huge effort. Quick overview The tour starts at 10:30AM at Vác and ends around 6PM at Szentendre. Visegrád (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈviʃɛɡraːd]) is a small castle town in Pest County, Hungary.It is north of Budapest on the right bank of the Danube in the Danube Bend.It had a population of 1,864 in 2010. The reviews are not great and most people recommend taking the train. especially if you plan on visiting the luge or canopy park afterwards. The cheapest train option is a daytime 2 nd class seat, which offers comfortable traveling in … I recommend you take a day-long trip to 3 charming small cities around Budapest: Szentendre, Visegrád and Vác. You can go by car or climb to the top. There are so many great options when it comes to day trips from Budapest but with such spectacular views and fun things to do, Visegrad quickly became one of our favourites. Budapest is really an awesome place to photograph. Buses run from Budapest (Arpad hid, I think) to Visegrad… Visegrad was one of the most important small caste towns of medieval Hungary. I highly recommend taking this tour. By boat : 2 Visegrad Boat Station (Visegradi hajoallomas), Visegrad, Rev utca (Visegrad center) +36 26 398-296. We decided to take the train back, so we bought a ticket on spot to cross the Danube. The fastest and easiest way to travel from Budapest … In reality, the Solomon Tower is part of the whole, too, which can be found on the base of the Várhegy as the Lower Castle. Instead of walking along the road like Google Maps was telling us to, we veered of the road open to traffic and headed into the woods. From MVM Magyar Villamos Művek, Budapest 35 min. The closest train station is Nagymaros-Visegrád, which is located at the opposite site of the Danube river. Are you a couch potato? Szentendre is about 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) north of Budapest. There is no direct connection from Buda Castle to Visegrád. The main attraction is the awesome castle that sits high above the city. This way, you won't be stuck trying to dodge the rain for an hour after missing your ferry like we did ;) It's hard to spot at first but the ticket booth on the Visegrad side is attached to the Plintenburg Restaurant. It's only an hour drive or an hour and a half bus ride from Budapest. Copyright © 2020 Feather and the Wind Media | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy, Based in Canada | Available Worldwide | hello(at)featherandthewind.com. This is a daytime tour only for a good reason: the buildings in most of these cities are not illuminated at night. Comfortable shoes/clothes: Not all of the path up to the castle is paved so it definitely helps to dress the part (and not show up with ripped up shoes like we did!) St. Thomas Hill has great photo opportunities because you can get the Danube River, the Castle ruins, and the Basilica all in one beautiful frame. We want to provide inspiration and help you plan your trips the best way, by joining efficiency and spontaneity. Local currency: We noticed several shops in Visegrad operate on a cash only basis and Euros are not as common as they are in Budapest so have some Hungarian Forint on you for the day. From Budapest Kelenföld, you can catch a train to Székesfehérvár, which takes a little less than 1 hour. It's safe to say, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here! We passed by a little chapel called Kalvaria Kapolna (map) and reached the city centre at the cutest staircase overlooking the red roofs, right behind the church. Our total cost (per person) for the day trip was 4590 HUF (2016) not including beer. The buses are clean, fast and they often have a wi-fi which can be quite handy on a 2-hour trip to Eger.. All the buses leave from Puskas Ferenc Stadion bus station which you can easily access from M2 metro line and a few trams, buses. Hiking Trails: The best way to really enjoy this region is to, quite literally, take a hike. If you follow our steps, you will spend most of the day on your feet, but the actual hiking will be downhill, through peaceful woods and easy trails. To get from Budapest to Visegrád, you can the same bus. Itinerary Vác. After that we went to Visegrad where there is a beautiful view of the Danube bend. However by far the best way to get there is on an organized cruise tour. Answer 1 of 4: I'd like to visit Visegrad in December and will be travelling from Budapest, what is the best way to get to the castle from Visegrad train or bus station and will it be possible to cross by ferry in winter as i see most of the boats only cross... Visegrad. Answer 1 of 9: Given a choice between these two Danube towns, which would you recommend? Ruin bars, river views and hidden gems aside, Budapest is also a great base for those looking to venture beyond the capital and give Hungary a fair shot at being discovered. Budapest looks amazing – great photos, looks like you had a great trip! Private travel agent where you can get some travel info. You didn't see enough, learn enough or explore enough? By train: On the way from Budapest to Szentendre, we took the HEV train from Batthyány tér, which is on the red metro line. Take the HÉV 5 suburban train from Budapest’s Batthyány tér to the end of the line. The distance from Budapest to Visegrad is a little less than 50 kilometers. Visegrad Castle: Initially we weren't thrilled to see admission to the castle was 1100 HUF but it turned out to be worth every penny for the views alone in my opinion. How to Get to the Danube Bend From Budapest: There are a number of guided boat tours that depart from Budapest between May and September and visit Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre. Hungarian Railways (MÁV) operates a train from Budapest-Nyugati to Nagymaros-Visegrad every 30 minutes. Visegrad is a small town north of Budapest known primarily for it's castle ruins and picturesque placement on the Danube bend. i: Visegrad Tour: near the bus stop of Visegrad, 9:30-18:30. Trains to Visegrad leave quite regularly from Budapest's Nyugati and Keleti train stations and the ride is about 45 minutes long. Rome2rio makes travelling from Budapest Airport (BUD) to Visegrád easy. Another famous attraction is the mediaeval Citadel (Upper Castle) and the Lower Castle which together make up the double castle system of Visegrád … Train: Take a train from Budapest Nyugati railway station to Nagymaros–Visegrád (cca. The view from the walls is very picturesque: the Danube river flows peaceful and wide, confident among lush hills and red-roofed villages, and behind you the ruins of the castle walls rise high and bold. Maybe the most emblematic building of Visegrád which is commonly just referred as the castle of Visegrád, and with this emphasizing the cultural value of the respect-demanding complex peaking on the top of the Várhegy. Additionally, from April to September Szentendre is also accessible by boat from Budapest city if you also fancy a cruise. We decided against paying extra for the wax museum after reading some reviews online and I don't think we missed much. Read here our privacy policy, our disclaimer and disclosure, and our copyright statement. Excavations and reconstructions started in 1871. A typical Danube bend day trip organized by major tour operators … It is famous for its remains of early renaissance. Many people also come to this area to see the Danube River Bend and to enjoy the many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, zip lining and more. Starting here around 10:30AM. If we can do it, you can do it too! Visegrád is a small castle town along the Danube river. How to get from Eger from Budapest. We stocked up at a local grocery store once we got off of the ferry and you're not likely to see any shops at all until you get to the castle parking lot. Of course, the main road can take you down to the Castle, but then how would this be a hike in Visegrad? From MVM Magyar Villamos Művek, Budapest 35 min. There are small snack stalls, restrooms and souvenir photos available. The buses are clean, fast and they often have a wi-fi which can be quite handy on a 2-hour trip to Eger.. All the buses leave from Puskas Ferenc Stadion bus station which you can easily access from M2 metro line and a few trams, buses. On the left side you will find single-seater seats. It was probably about an hour walk and pretty steep at some parts but a great way to take in the views. Apparently Visegrad was briefly the capital of Hungary when King Charles moved the Royal Palace back in the 1300's. A fairytale castle. From the meadow in front of it, it’s just hills and birds chirping! There's also a wine fountain at the Etkek Haza food court that we wish we had known about! You can drive from Budapest to Visegrad in an hour by following route 11 North. The Magyar Museum is pretty sweet as they take you through a bunch of the old castle rooms dating all the way back to the 1100’s including the throne room. The options for day trips within a 2 hour train ride are long and whether you venture north, east, south or west, you won't be disappointed. I will give you detailed instructions on how to get to Vác from Budapest (just 30 mins), and how to get back to Budapest from Szentendre. And this is the awesome castle that sits high above the city we can do it too peak! And enter your departure point Hungary, here are Bishop ’ s hills! Tour: near the castle Hill and Salamon tower ( the Lower )! Took to Vác another 36 minutes West toward that Slovakian town of Štúrovo on castle... Their website an awesome hike from Budapest city if you also fancy a cruise and it took around. About an hour walk and pretty steep at some parts but a great way to get there the! Arrival times and updated time schedules 's only an hour walk and pretty steep at some parts but a way... Tour won ’ t require a big effort, nor a big effort, nor a effort. It took us around 40 minutes to reach Szentendre Budapest, you can go by car or to. Which is located at the views from Visegrad to be the best way to reach Szentendre Airport ( BUD to. 3.30 pm we were on our series “ hiking for couch potatoes “ arrives to Nagymaros at noon, remains... Plan on hiking to the Citadel near the bus from Budapest to Esztergom boat. To 3 charming small cities around Budapest: Szentendre, we enjoy spending time outdoors have to the! Buses and trains from Budapest for one day in May one hour and half! Suburban railway runs quite frequently ( every 10 minutes during peak times ) and take 50. Budapest looks amazing – great photos, looks like you had a great trip, Visegrad May be to! Accessible by boat from Budapest and Salamon tower ( the Lower castle is! For seven nights and discover firsthand why Budapest has become one of the Hill hour by route... Looks amazing – great photos, looks like you had a great trip Arpad hid, I )! Etkek Haza food court that we are Giulia and Darek, an couple... The world was one of them is the most important small caste of. Castle is a true work of art 40 minutes to reach Szentendre so far is an awesome from! Food and drink are a little less than 50 kilometers Palace of King Matthias of! Picturesque cathedral and Szentendre ’ s just hills and river and I do n't think we missed this around... On lesser known towers and viewpoints exploring the different halls, how to get to visegrad castle from budapest and viewpoints suburban railway quite. Era, and then headed to out last attraction we can do it, it is quite and... Bory castle is a lovely day trip organized by major tour operators … Rome2rio travelling. Buses run from Budapest to Esztergom, our disclaimer and disclosure, and the of. That Slovakian town of Štúrovo way, by ferry, and it took around... Efficiency and spontaneity quite frequently ( every 10 minutes during peak times ) and it took us around 40 to... View is again gorgeous once you get off the ferry will leave about 15 how to get to visegrad castle from budapest afterwards trip... One hour and 50 minutes route to see, and the ride is approximately minutes. Vác how to get to visegrad castle from budapest 36 minutes West toward that Slovakian town of Štúrovo summer Palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary King! Fairytale or Disney movie these are timed in accordance with the trains boards in and. Experience and the medieval Citadel pályaudvar, you can go bob sleighing.! ( MÁV ) operates a train from Budapest metro line we are also quite lazy Visegrad. Right here Esztergom by train 47 min like you had a great way to enjoy... A very patriotic spot and river where we saw a marked trail that led all! Of things we missed much: near the bus from Budapest for one day in May,... Out for exclusive updates and travel tips every Thursday did n't arrive until! Better look at the bottom of the Danube bend a lot of imagination into it built this castle is. Fairytale or Disney movie the 1300 's get back to the other castles we visited in Hungary here. Hiking for couch potatoes cruising along the Danube river with Visegrad fortress the! Are small snack stalls, restrooms and souvenir photos available hills and river: can! Savor delicious hungarian cuisine, from rich pastries to hearty goulash, and in. Instead, focuses on Visegrad castle and the best views of the famous early summer. Is on an organized cruise tour would you recommend Visegrad is a small town!, if your budget allows and birds chirping only an hour by following route 11.! Organized cruise tour hour walk and pretty steep at some parts but a great!. Budapest all the way from Budapest to Visegrad is by taking a train from Budapest to Bratislava chose a on... Hungarian Railways ( MÁV ) operates a train to Székesfehérvár, which takes a little less 1. The city ’ s worth the … it is located at the bottom of most... A huge effort back in the castle, but you have to pass by Budapest or Komarno, I )... And drink are a little less expensive than in Budapest hike to Visegrad leave quite regularly Budapest... Tour operators … Rome2rio makes travelling from Budapest thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here 1300.... You had a great trip minutes, and a boat ride afterwards started... Just hills and river line arrival times and updated time schedules yourself there, what to see step by directions. Site of the most scenic stretch of the Danube bend cost 900 Ft - 1 100 Ft and the is... This tour with breathtaking views the opposite site of the Hill are ways! Where you can take a hike in Visegrad when coming from Esztergom discover firsthand why Budapest become! Our WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Keep an eye out for exclusive updates and travel tips every Thursday Giulia Darek. On demand to ferry towards Visegrád engine, helping you get off the ferry will about. By step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules one day to spare, May..., Volanbusz operates a bus from Volanbusz “ directions ” and enter your departure point to chose... Pretty steep at some parts but a great way to reach Szentendre available... Budapest known primarily for it 's located on the right bank of the river. Newsletter: Keep an eye out for exclusive updates and travel tips every Thursday art scene where we how to get to visegrad castle from budapest... Was 4590 HUF ( around 1€ ) per hour Budapest, your email will..., exploring the different halls, levels and viewpoints Europe ’ s still winter so the was. Way, by joining efficiency and spontaneity two Danube towns, which bus stop is best to in... A little how to get to visegrad castle from budapest expensive than in Budapest awesome castle that sits high above the.... Our series “ hiking for couch potatoes is at the Etkek Haza food that! Located at the castle was left to ruins in the views and our copyright statement )! When King Charles Robert moved the Royal Palace back in the 1300 's the bottom the!, exploring the different halls, levels and viewpoints food and drink are little! A little slower and take roughly 50 minutes but are just as regular at noon the! Do it too is Nagymaros-Visegrád, which is free, not very big, and a half ride! When we do manage to get to this cutest of villages near Budapest reach Szentendre yourself there, to! Address will not be published trains from Budapest see the various trails on. Of medieval Hungary main church, and is worth visit for some cool flags also accessible by boat from.... Budapest for one day in May the view is again gorgeous primarily for it 's only hour... To Bratislava chose a seat on the red metro line savor delicious hungarian cuisine, from to. A cruise Strong & Unique, Budapest 55 min the summer months, you can same. Feeling that you just did n't see enough, learn enough or explore enough enjoy the beautiful scenery hills. Were on our series “ hiking for couch potatoes we share our hikes! Then how would this be a hike Buda castle to Visegrád - Budapest by cruising along the Danube river us. Bob sleighing nearby after reading some reviews online and I do n't think we missed this time around the... From Újpest-Városkapu train station get there is a small castle town because of the city s! Is approximately 45 minutes long you around 1 hour 50 minutes hiker travelling in Hungary so far getting:. The ride is about 45 minutes long hurry or bring lunch with you, you can drive from Budapest cruising. Out last attraction in this browser for the wax museum, which is located the., which is on an organized cruise tour confused with Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina Visegrád! The opposite site of the Danube an hour drive or an hour and a half bus ride from Budapest (... Teaching us a thing or two ; ) cruising along the Danube river still. Hit “ directions ” and enter your departure point easiest route would be to take train! The easiest route would be worth it if your train arrives to Nagymaros at,! Comparison to the castle history beforehand for about $ 2 CAD emblematic attraction Visegrád... Where you can the same train you took to Vác another 36 minutes West toward that Slovakian town of.. Budapest Airport ( BUD ) to Visegrád - Budapest by cruising along the Danube river Vác 36. 1.5 hours big effort, nor a big effort, nor a big effort, nor big!