The Danube Bend is a very unique curve that is formed by one of the greatest rivers in the world, the Danube River, located in the northern part of Hungary, right after the Danube crosses the border with Hungary’s neighboring country, Slovakia.
As the Danube flows through 4 capital cities in Europe, and those are: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade, it makes a dramatic curve in Hungary, resembling somewhat a horseshoe. There, before reaching Budapest, the Danube first widens and then passes between hills and turns through a narrow valley to the south, a section often experienced when cruising on the Danube.
This bend played an important role in Hungarian history, especially because the Danube is a navigable river with a lot of maritime traffic, so that numerous historic towns can be found on both banks of the Bend. Among them, Szentendre and Esztergom can be mentioned; however, Visegrád is perhaps the most important one, as it is one of the oldest cities in the country on the right bank, thus attracting many tourists.
ADVERTISEMENT
In addition to this, the city of Vác, together with the botanical gardens of Vácrátót, the charms of Nagymaros, and Zebegény, should be mentioned as other cities that can be located here. Still, it is not only cities and settlements that can be seen throughout this region, but rather there are also the neighboring Pilis and Börzsöny highlands on the left bank of the Bend that can offer quite the views too, together with monuments.
Overall, if you ever decide to visit Hungary, keep in mind that this hidden gem in Central Europe has many spots and hidden gems that you should consider, and cruising on the Danube Bend is something that should not be missed. When you are traveling by boat up or down the Danube River, you can see all the cities with a unique atmosphere and sights, and see something different from the capital city, Budapest, and other bigger cities.
