Paddling tour in the Danube Bend

The boarding place is wide, not too steep, and has a gravel shore section that ensures comfortable water access. Immediately 50 meters downstream, keep a safe distance from the pontoon on which boats may also be moored. The current here is relatively strong, so perform the maneuver quickly and decisively. Then comes the confluence of the Little Danube, followed by another pontoon. Along the shore, we see Erzsbet Park stretching at the foot of Castle Hill, featuring the reconstruction of the former mosque of Özicseli Hadzsi Ibrahim. It is worth paddling slightly inward to also get a better view of the Basilica above, but the most beautiful view will be obtained looking back from the end of the park. From there, we proceed along the lush green bank covered with dense vegetation, turning imperceptibly from initial south-north direction to west-east. Following the bending right-hand curve of the river, after 2.5 km at river km 1716, we catch sight of the confluence of the Garam river flowing into the Danube on the left side.

Before the Helemba Island situated in the middle of the riverbed, we reach two groynes (current-accelerating stone dams). At low water, we bypass them inward towards the upper tip of Helemba Island; at medium water levels, we glide easily over them; at high water, the passage is hardly noticeable. Then we pass between Helemba Island and the Dédai Island close to the shore, or at medium and high water, the narrow right-hand side branch of Dédai Island is also navigable, where it is recommended to paddle through this lush vegetation-covered hideout.

After the lower tips of the two islands, we encounter Törpe Island on the right shore; even at low water, we paddle beside the island in a navigable side branch. After the lower tip, returning to the main branch, we can already see the Helemba shoal, recognizable by its three willow trees, where depending on the water level (medium and low), we can dock for a short rest on the pebbly shore. Then, still in the middle of the river, follows the Szob shoal, but now we paddle to its left side. On the left bank, opposite the middle of the shoal, we catch sight of the confluence of the Ipoly river. We change shore, carefully crossing steeply to the left bank considering boat traffic, and soon arrive at the ferry crossing at Szob (river km 1707). Keeping sufficient distance, we avoid the waiting ferry during the ferry crossing, then 50 meters later, we can dock on an excellent flat, pebbly shore. Here, buffet, ice cream parlor, and a fried dough food stand serve our comfort, while the shaded grassy park with trees and the sunlit Danube sandy shore provide an ideal resting place.

After departure, it is advisable to cross back to the right bank of the Danube, then after about 4 km of paddling, between river km 1704 and 1703, Pilismarót beach appears in the right-hand bend of the river. Here, too, a pleasant environment awaits us with a flat sandy shore and easy shore access. Food and drink can be found at local buffets on the shore. If we decide to remain on the left bank of the river, the Parti Fecske beach near Zebegény opposite Pilismarót offers docking opportunities. It has a flat, sandy shore but no infrastructure or buffets.

After another 4 km paddling, we arrive at the entrance of the Danube Bend, where the current of the river speeds up a bit. Here, the massive Danube is "squeezed" between the mountains: on the right, the Pilis mountain range, and on the left, the Börzsöny block force the river into an increasingly narrow bed. Looking around while paddling reveals a marvelous panorama. To the left, the Dobozi Cliff guards above the entrance of the Danube Bend; to the right, in the distance, the peak of Prédikálószék appears with a lookout peeking through the trees. Our route, and simultaneously one of the narrowest stretches of the Hungarian section of the Danube, is here at Dömös, only 300 meters wide. The Danube also becomes a bit turbulent, but after the boat station, it is worth landing for a short rest. The beneficial backflowing, swirling water makes this easier, providing comfortable docking opportunities. A café operates in the building of the dock. Opposite us, in the hillside, is the huge mouth of the Remete Cave yawning.

From here, another 4 km of paddling separates us from the endpoint of our trip: Visegrád. We soon spot the castle on the distant hilltop, a worthy conclusion with a beautiful panorama. We pass along the stone-constructed artificial dam of the Upper Bay of Visegrád. This riverbank section is not suitable for docking, but the water carries us at a good pace towards the ideal landing site. Our trip ends on the right bank of the river, in a bay, 100 meters before river km 1695, on a flat, pebbly riverbank surrounded by groves of floodplain forest and grassy areas.