The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the
Volga, flowing for 1,771 miles (2,857km) through nine different
countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow
twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube
Bend, 8 miles (13km) from Budapest. 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.
It is an extremely scenic area with green valleys and hills
rising up from the river, picturesque little towns with market
squares and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. Many
visitors choose to do a boat cruise on the Danube from Budapest
stopping at the little towns along the way. Combined with good
facilities and easy accessibility it is one of the more popular
destinations in Hungary.
