Located on a scenic 90-degree bend of the Danube (Danube Bend), Visegrad (Hungarian: Visegrád) is a small town of 2,000 inhabitants with a rich history and stunning scenery. Located about 35 kilometers north of Budapest, Visegrad is a great day trip from Budapest for anyone who wants to explore Hungary’s past, enjoy nature and take in the stunning views of the Danube Bend.

Getting to Visegrad from Budapest

By car
If you are traveling by car from Budapest, the drive to Visegrád takes about 45 minutes via the M2 motorway. The route is beautiful, with views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside. There is ample parking in the town, including near the Citadel and the Royal Palace.

By train and public ferry
Another popular way to reach Visegrad is to take the train from Budapest to Nagymaros, a village that lies across the river from Visegrad. From Nagymaros, you can take a short ferry ride across the Danube to Visegrad.

By boat (day trip)
During the summer months, you can also reach Visegrad by boat from Budapest. Several companies offer boat trips on the Danube, stopping in Visegrad, Esztergom and other towns along the way. Perhaps the best way to visit Visegrad and the Danube Bend from Budapest.

Boat trips from Budapest and other locations: More info and booking

Sights in Visegrad

Visegrad is home to a wealth of historical sights, natural attractions and cultural sites that provide visitors with in-depth information about Hungary’s past and present.

Visegrad Citadel (Fellegvár, Castle)

The Visegrád Citadel, also called Fellegvár, is the city’s most iconic landmark, perched on a hill above the Danube. The medieval fortress was built in the 13th century and served as a royal residence during the reign of Charles I. The castle played an important role in the kingdom’s defense and was a symbol of royal power.

Views: The citadel offers stunning views of the Danube Bend, the surrounding hills, and the town of Visegrád below from above. The vantage point at the summit is great for taking photos.

Historical exhibits: Inside the fortress is a museum that showcases the history of Visegrad, including exhibits on medieval weaponry, royal life, and the town’s strategic importance.

Medieval reenactments: During the summer, the citadel hosts medieval reenactments, with knights in armor, sword fights, and demonstrations of medieval crafts. These events provide a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Visegrad Royal Palace (Castle)

Located at the foot of a hill near the Danube River, Visegrad Royal Castle was once the magnificent residence of King Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary’s most beloved rulers. The palace was a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, known for its magnificent halls, beautiful gardens, and art treasures.

Palace Ruins: Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed ruins of the palace and get a sense of the splendor that once characterized this royal residence.

King Matthias Museum: Located within the castle, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and reign of King Matthias (1443 to 1490). You can see sculptures, frescoes, coins, and more.

Herb Garden: The Renaissance Herb Garden is the highlight of the castle visit for us. The garden contains a variety of medicinal and culinary herbs used in the Renaissance.

Solomon’s Tower (Salamon-Toronie)

The Solomon’s Tower is another important historical site in Visegrad. This huge square defensive tower was built in the 13th century and served as part of the city’s fortifications. The tower is named after King Solomon, who never lived here. The tower is an impressive example of medieval architecture with thick walls, narrow windows. It is a museum within the tower. When climbing the Solomon’s Tower as a visitor, you have a fabulous panoramic view.

The Danube Bend

The Danube Bend is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Hungary, where the river makes a sharp bend between the Börzsöny and Visegrad mountains. The area is known for its stunning views, dense forests and charming villages. Very popular day trip destination together with Visegrad from Budapest.

There are great hikes in the area along the Danube Bend, which offer magnificent views of the river and the surrounding country. The routes are well signposted and range from easy walks to longer hikes.

Boat trips: One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Danube Bend is to take a boat trip along the river. The boat trips usually run between Visegrad, Esztergom and Szentendre.

Nagyvillam Mountain: The best view of the Danube Bend is from Nagyvillám Mountain. You can drive up the mountain by car or take a small cable car from Videgrad. Great views and a restaurant at the top. For many, the view from Nagyvillam Mountain is the highlight of a day trip to Visegrad. Be sure to take the chairlift or your own car up the mountain.

Hiking in the Pilis Mountains

The Pilis Mountains, which surround Visegrád, offer some of the best hiking in Hungary. The trails are well signposted and of varying difficulty.

Ram Gorge (Rám-szakadék): One of the most popular hikes in the region is the Ram Gorge, a narrow gorge with dense rocks, waterfalls and wooden bridges. Not an easy hike.

Cycling is a popular way to explore the Visegrad area and there are several cycle paths along the Danube and the surrounding area. The section of the Danube Raft between Visegrád and Szentendre is particularly beautiful.

The Danube offers numerous opportunities for water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. There are also excursion boats on the Danube.

Boat trips from Budapest and other locations: More info and booking

History of Visegrad

Visegrad has a history of more than a thousand years and played an important role in the Hungarian Middle Ages. The city served as the royal palace of the Hungarian kings in the 19th century and was the scene of important events such as the founding of the Visegrad Group, a political and cultural alliance between Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. In German the town was called Plintenburg.