Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
Take in the natural beauty of the fabled “Blue Danube” as you pass through the Danube Bend, considered one of the most beautiful sections of the river. Cruising this 40-mile stretch through northern Hungary, you will see peaceful farmland and an ancient castle that once served as hunting grounds for royals and visiting dignitaries. As you sail the passage between the Börzsöny and Pilis Ranges, you will marvel at the steep hills draped with bucolic forests. And delight in the majestic church domes peering at the waterway from inviting villages and historic cities.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Panoramic Budapest
Discover one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sites as your ship sails upriver.
Grand Heritage of Budapest
Journey through the heart of downtown Budapest to uncover its most cherished landmarks.
Videos
At Home in Budapest with Kinga & Eszter
Discover the best of Budapest with two expert Viking guides, Eszter Pozsár and Kinga Tittel, as they each highlight a different side of the Danube River with a focus on hilly Buda and majestic Pest. As someone who naturally loves to share her knowledge of the city with guests and family, Kinga has been a tour guide in and around Budapest for more than a decade, while Eszter has been working as a local guide for 30 years and has been conducting tours for Viking since we began sailing in Hungary. From Buda to Pest, learn insightful tips on how to explore this delightful city from a local perspective as Kinga and Eszter take you on a tour while answering viewers’ questions during this livestream.
Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth
First, Viking invented modern river cruising in 1997. Then, in 2015, we reinvented ocean cruising. In 2022, we began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis. Learn more about our company's growth and our determination to create meaningful travel experiences for our guests.
Explore: Budapest
Explore the beauty of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” with Karine highlighting the city’s top attractions: Fisherman’s Bastion, Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square and more.
Longships Christening 2013
Viking River Cruises sets a Guinness World Record for “The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company” with the simultaneous christening of 10 new Viking Longships on March 20 in Amsterdam.
Longships Christening 2012
On the 21st of March 2012, Viking welcomed four new ships: Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord, and Viking Odin.
Viking Executive Chefs
Come into the galleys of our European river ships for an unforgettable visit with two Viking Executive Chefs, and glimpse some of the passion that goes into every dish they serve.
Shopping in Budapest
Looking for the perfect gift? Join Karine at her favorite shop in Budapest, Hungary: the venerable Café Gerbeaud, purveyors of fine chocolates.
Hungarian Language Lesson
Learn a few useful Hungarian words and phrases with Eszter, your Viking tutor. Jó napot!
Viking Baker
Come inside the 300-year-old Schmidl Bakery in Dürnstein on the Danube River, where Karine meets the owner and sees how the fine breads served on board Viking ships are made.
Viking Longships: Innovative Elegance
Our innovative Viking Longships offer full-size verandas and the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. Dine in the restaurant or al fresco on our Aquavit Terrace®, all with panoramic views.
