Discovering the Danube Bend

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, flowing for 1,771 mi (2,857km) through nine countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube Bend, which is a picturesque area north from Budapest, close to the Slovakian border. The cluster of towns on the bend offers an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture, particularly the small towns of Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.

Szentendre
‘The Pearl of the Danube Bend', is a quaint old market town situated on the slopes of the Pilis range, with a charm and character of its own. 20 km from Budapest, the town dates back to the 14th century. Cultural and tourist center, town of arts and artists, right on the bank of the Danube. Meandering cobbled lanes, little squares, red-tiled roofs, brightly painted houses, and awkwardly positioned Orthodox churches give it an artistically picturesque setting. Serbian refugees inhabited the town in medieval times and their style contributed to the charisma of the town's haphazard structure and Balkan flavour. In the 1900s the town became a favourite retreat for painters and sculptors and ever since it has been known for its art and artists, resulting in a wealth of museums and art collections scattered among the tourist souvenir and handicraft shops. The town has become one of the hotspots of tourism, and summer weekends can get rather overcrowded.

Visegrád
The town lived its golden age in the 15th century during the reign of King Matthias. For many years Visegrád used to serve as the center of the Hungarian kings, before they moved their seat to Buda. The excavated parts of the Renaissance palace are amazing. You get the best view over the Danube Bend from the Citadel right on top. Superbly situated on the abrupt loop of the Danube beneath steep hills, this 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.

Esztergom
The town, 70 km from Budapest, is the seat of the Hungarian Roman Catholic Church. It was a royal seat until the 13th century, and the birthplace of Hungary's beloved first king and saint, Stephen, who was later crowned here in the 11th century. Esztergom combines history with a small-town riverside charm. One of Hungary's most historically important towns, it was the capital for over 250 years. Today it remains the religious center of the country with Hungary's largest church dominating the hill above the town next to the ruins of the medieval Royal Palace, now the Castle Museum. The colossal basilica was the first cathedral in the country and from where Roman Catholicism was introduced to the nation. It offers wonderful views from its enormous dome and contains a crypt and priceless treasury collection. Below is the pretty Watertown District with uneven cobbled streets winding up the hill towards the Castle Hill and several interesting museums. Esztergom faces Slovakia across the Danube and there is an international ferry and (the above mentioned) pedestrian crossing here.