Views – Insights: Diversity on the Danube River
Although the route is designated as the north bank route, since the last section follows the overall northern variant, the path is mainly located south of the Danube. From Hainburg, it passes the first foothills of the Carpathians, crosses the Austrian-Slovak border, and leads into the capital Bratislava, where numerous sights around Bratislava Castle await to be visited.
This stage is short and easy. Ideal for leisurely exploring the medieval town of Hainburg. With its 2.5 kilometers long city walls, three medieval city gates, and large towers from the early 13th century, Hainburg has one of the oldest and best-preserved city fortifications in Europe.
At the top of the Schlossberg with its extensive castle ruins, you will not only enjoy plenty of medieval flair but also an impressive view. By the way, from the Braunsberg at the edge of town, you also have the best views far into Slovakia.
At the small community of Wolfsthal, you finally cross the state border and soon enter the suburbs of the Slovak capital Bratislava, which offers you – as the conclusion of your bike trip – numerous sights:
The four-towered castle, the city's landmark, rebuilt only in 1968 after a fire in 1811, towers on a rock 85 meters above the Danube. In the old town, baroque palaces are lined up, with smaller and larger churches in between. The Slovak National Museum, the National Theatre, as well as the Jewish Museum, are also part of many sightseeing programs.
If you want to 'worthily' say goodbye to the Danube as a versatile companion on your bike tour, a walk along the river is recommended. In Bratislava, the Danube bank shows many facets, from a bathing beach to a party beach. And maybe you'll toast your happy bike trip with a glass – in the restaurant on the top of a pillar of the Most SNP Bridge. Because of its shape, locals have nicknamed it "UFO".
