For sporty Budapest travelers who wish to stray from the city center and onto a bike path, renting a bicycle and exploring a calmer forested side of the city's limits will reveal several hidden gems along the way, like swimmable lakes, outdoor riverside cafes, and forests. The trail, at times, is hard to distinguish, but ultimately ends in the picturesque town of Szentendre, where cyclists can lock up bikes and stroll the cobbled streets and browse local art.
Visitors can find a bike rental shop in Pest (the flatter and more urban side of Budapest). Shop attendants will most likely speak English, so it's a good idea to inquire about up-to-date information and recommendations concerning the path. Accessories like helmets and bike locks are a must.
Riding the Budapest to Szentendre Bike Trail
From Pest, cyclists can access the trail best from Pest, by finding Margaret Bridge (Margit hìd) and crossing into Margaret Island, a big leafy park containing many paths and an enormous musical fountain at its entrance. It's possible to ride the length of the island and at the north tip, cyclists will see a tunnel leading up to Arpad Bridge (Arpad hìd).
Once on the bridge, cyclists should go towards Obuda and away from Pest, then exit the bridge via stairs and follow signs for the bike trail. The first and last parts of the trail are the most confusing, particularly when sections are simply roads through neighborhoods. However, visitors shouldn't be discouraged. Bike trail signs are posted along the way.
The trail generally stays close to the Danube River and for some of the path, cyclists can stop at riverside cafes for nourishment.
Once out of the forest, cyclists will come to an open area with several man-made lakes in which nude and swimwear adorned sunbathers alike can be found. It's perfectly permissable to swim in these lakes. This area is also reachable by car.
From here, the trail becomes confusing again. Cyclists should follow the trail to the right, riding away from the lakes and take a small path off to the right when the bigger trail suddenly ends at a driveway to a house. This smaller path leads into the forest again and comes out into the Szentendre town limits.
In order to reach the town center, it's necessary to ride along sidewalk for about 10 minutes. Once in the center, there are places to lock up bikes while sightseeing, eating, and shopping.
Returning to Budapest from Szentendre
Cyclists with bikes can get back to Budapest by public transport if too exhausted to ride back. There is a HEV (green train) station in Szentendre that stops at Margaret Bridge (Margit hìd) in Budapest. Tickets are needed for passengers and for bikes as well. These are inexpensive and visitors with Budapest Card only need to pay the fare up to Budapest city limits. The journey takes approximately forty minutes.
Cyclists should allow an entire day for this trip, but the amount of time it takes to cycle depends on individual priorities and fitness.
Renting a bike to escape Budapest's city center and see Szentendre on the Danube Bend is a perfect day trip opportunity, not to mention, a chance to be active and do something unique.
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