Danube bend 1
Settlements in the Danube bend
Budakalász
It is often called as the gate of the Danube bend where people have been living in this area for 15.000 year. Budakalász is mainly visited in the summer as it has 2 natural lakes. Omszki-lake is good for those who are into the sport of wakeboard while Lupa-lake which quite newly renovated is good for those who would like to sunbathing and swimming in the lake.
Founded in 1135.
Dömös
Dömös is the city which is an excellent choice for those who would like to
hike a little. Many hiking trails cross each other in the rolling-hills.
Budapest’s resident’s favourite hiking destination as the most popular so
called Rám-Szakadék (a hiking trail) can be accessible from here, Dömös. Also
this is the starting spot to reach the andesite rock, called ”Preacher Chair”
lookout. This lookout is about 639 meter high and this has one of the most
beautiful panoramic view from the Danube bend. We can admire the town of
Visegrád with its Salamon tower and the Acropolis. On this area there are so
many unique plan species so thank to that, this area is a protected one.
Founded in 1079.
Dunabogdány
At the bottom of the Visegrád-Mountain lies the cozy and quiet Dunabogdány. Here you should visit the so called Nepomukin Saint John statue on the Saint John square. It has a legend which says that the Czech King gifted this sculpture to the Buda Castle and during the Turkish occupation in 1526 they started to save the values including this statue. However the means of the transport broke when arrived in Dunabogdány so they decided to leave it there temporary. After a little time Turkish arrived to the place where the statue had been, but the local people buried the statue so this is the reason that the statue have been saved from the Turkish’s descruption. There are chapels and churches that are worth t ovisit or we can dip in the opened beach. If we decide to stay for a night we can rent a small accomodation for pennies.
Founded in 1285.
Dunakeszi
Dunakeszi is on the opposite side of Budakalász, and people also called this location as the Gate of the Danube bend. Dunakeszi was ranked among the ”first” in Hungary thank to its activities. The first railways route of our country was submitted in 1847 which crossed Dunakeszi. On the first train István Széchenyi was travelling also. In the 1870s the gardeners of Dunakeszi were the first tomato producers in Hungary. Dunakeszi is a must visit town in autumn as that is the season for the so called alagi horse festival. This is a tradition since 1893.
The two towered St. Michael Church is the city’s main architectural monument which was built in 1765 and was expanded in 1944 in the style of neo-baroque. Heroes statues are only 2 minutes away from the Church which is a memorial site for the World War’s victims.
Founded in 1255.
Esztergom
Esztergom has an exceptional and unique town history. The historical and cultural treasury of the Danube bend is undoubtedly Esztergom. Esztergom is the city where one day is not enough to see everything. The red Desiro train takes you to Esztergom directly from Budapest. As we can see the landscapes of Pilis, the train route is also a special experience itself. Esztergom was the Hungarian Kingdom’s Early Medieval capital. In Esztergom, Várhegy is the best option to start our tour as the Basilica of Esztergom and the Royal Castle is located here. By the way, Basilica of Esztergom is the country’s highest building
Founded in 972.
Göd
Göd is the best choice to relax. It is famous for its chateaus and mansions. There is a famous local thermal bath which is good for a daily rest. From 1850 until 1880 its resident of stable was Kincsem, who is the most succesful race horse of all time. By the way, this stable is the oldest building of Göd. If you would like to wander in Göd’s small street, then visit the Nemeskéri-Kiss chateaus, Tost-Vigner- Mansion, the Schöffer-Castle, Latabár-Mansion and the Szapáry-Castle’s buildings. Walking next to the Danube we can choose from many restaurant while watching the sunset.
Founded in 1640.
Kismaros
Kismaros located between Verőce and Nagymaros which is a small town. They own a villa museum which introduce the life of the village and you get to know the rural farming’s old vehicles and tools. From Kismaros we can enjoy the so called ”Királyréti Forest Railway” which was originally used for wood and stone transportation but in this days it works as a children’s railway. From the Kismaros village there are many hiking route which can be easier with an approximately 1-1,5 hour tour or a little bit harder which can be 4-6 hours to reach the destination and walk back to the village.
Founded in 1773.
Kisoroszi
Kisoroszi is a small town which has natural beauties. One of its beauty is the Lake Ceres which is a must see destination if were are here in Kisoroszi. It is also worth to visit the local history collection and if we are in a need of active recreation then they can offer us a golf course and a horse arena.
Founded in 1394.
Leányfalu
The first written record is from 1407 certificate where this place was already known as Leanfalva.
Founded in 1407. The real change for this town was in the 1960s when they founded thermal water and due to it thermal baths were built which attract many people to relax.
Founded in 1407.
Nagymaros
Its history is closely linked to Visegrád which is on the other side of the Danube opposite to Nagymaros. From Nagymaros we can see the Acropolis of Visegrád. Nagymaros was the favourite residence of the rulers, like Matthias, Louis and Sigimund. Matthias really liked knight’s tournaments and knight’s games. Nagymaros was the perfect location for Matthias’ favourite activities. From Budapest hydrofoils can take you to Nagymaros which is an unforgettable experience by itself also. Hegyestető lookout is close to Nagymaros which is a 482 meter high mountain where the panoramic view is stunning and breathtaking especially during sunset or sunrise.
Founded in 1002.
Pilismarót
Pilismarót can be found at the bottom of the Pilis Mountain. From the conquest the village was the property of the prince, later the royal and the queen. By the of the 19th century the village became a popular destination for tourism which also affected Marót as well. Dobogókő is an excellent hiking destination which can be reached from Pilismarót .
Founded in 1138.
Pócsmegyer
This is the town which have been already existed in the Árpád-House and they avoided the Mongol invasion’s destruction and fortunately the Turkish occupation did not make huge damages in the village. Unfortunately in 1838 an inundation destroyed down the villa but the villagers reconstructed it. Here the Pázsit Lake is a popular place for relaxation. Lake is family friendly as people can have a picnic next to the lake while children are playing in the playground. Surány is a location which connects to Pócsmegyer and is popular summer resort for people who arrive here.
Founded in 1000.
Szentendre
Maybe Szentendre is the hardest to introduce amongst the other cities in the Danube bend as Szentendre is the second town after Budapest which is a worldwide known Hungarian city. You can reach Szentendre from Budapest in 40 minutes by H5 Train, or 30 minutes by car, 2 hours by bike or even boats are available to take you to the popular city. Szentendre gives place for many museums, exhibitions, restaurants and confectioneries. Because of its museums and galleries this town, Szentendre is an artistic city and a cultural center. It has an inexplicably good feeling as you wander among the small houses on the narrow streets. Szentendre has a Skanzen which can be good for a family programme with children or transportation museum is also located in Szentendre if you are not into arts.
Founded in 1146.
Szigetmonostor
Szigetmonostor lies on the Szentendre-Island between Szentendre and Göd. Because of its location the small town is really protected from the everyday bustling. An interesting watchtower’s damage can be visited in Szigetmonostor. The Island of Szentendre belong to the Danube-Ipoly National Park. This National Park is a protected area and its results that the natural condition here is unique and outstanding.
Founded in 1214.
sources :
https://ilovedunakanyar.hu/telepulesek/
pixabay