The Danube Bend Attractions
The Danube at Visegrad © David Spender
Visegrad
Superbly situated on the abrupt loop of the Danube beneath steep
hills, Visegrad was once a Roman stronghold on the border of the
Roman Empire and the second home after Buda to Hungary's royalty in
the 14th and 15th centuries. The Citadel sits high on the hill
above the town with commanding views over the river bend and the
position was of strategic importance to the Romans. On the banks of
the river are the ruins of the magnificent palace, one of the
finest ever built in Hungary, which is now the open air King
Matthias Museum. Today the small, sparsely populated town has a
pleasantly lethargic atmosphere that belies its past glory and
importance and it makes a peaceful excursion from the crowds of the
big city.
Transport: Boats run between Budapest and Visegrad from April to September. They depart from Vigadó tér in Pest between Erzsébet Bridge and Szabadság Bridge. The journey to Visegrad is 3 and a half hours. There is no direct train service between Budapest and Visegrad. Take the train to Nagymaros from Nyugati Railway Station and from there catch a ferry across to Visegrad. The ferry dock is a few minutes walk from the train station
