Flowing gracefully through Budapest, the Danube River is more than just a natural boundary dividing Buda and Pest—it’s the very soul of the city. Known locally as the Duna, this iconic river is one of Europe’s most storied waterways, connecting 10 countries and weaving together centuries of history, culture, and architectural beauty.
How wide is the Danube River?
It ranges from 120 to 1,500 meters wide, depending on the location.
How deep is the Danube River?
The river depth varies between 4 to 10 meters, depending on the season and water levels.
Where does the Danube River start and end?
It starts in Germany’s Black Forest and ends at the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine.
How long is the Danube River?
It’s about 2,850 kilometers (1,770 miles) long, making it Europe’s second-longest river.
The Danube is not just a river — it’s Budapest’s most scenic highway. A cruise along its waters reveals the city from a perspective you simply can’t get on foot. Here are the different types of cruises available:
These daytime cruises focus on showcasing Budapest’s shining landmarks with audio guides or live commentary in multiple languages. These cruises are perfect for understanding the city’s history as you float by its most iconic spots.
Enjoy a delicious Hungarian meal while gliding past the city’s illuminated landmarks reflected in the river. Many of these cruises include live music—from classical strings to folk bands—for a full cultural evening.
These drinks cruises offer a fun and relaxed way to enjoy the Danube, combining stunning city views with expertly crafted drinks. Many cruises include lounge music, open-air decks, and a casual, social atmosphere—making them perfect for evening outings or date nights.
The Budapest Parliament is a striking Gothic Revival masterpiece, especially stunning when illuminated at night. It’s the third-largest parliament building in the world and the crown jewel of the Pest riverside.
Yes! Both Buda and Pest sides have promenades, especially the Danube Promenade on the Pest side, popular for walking, jogging, and riverside dining with views of the Budapest Parliament building and Castle Hill.
The Danube flows at an average speed of 5–8 km/h in Budapest. The current can be stronger after heavy rains or snowmelt from upstream countries, influencing boat schedules and navigation.
The Danube Bend, located just north of Budapest, is one of Hungary’s most scenic natural regions, where the river dramatically curves between forested hills and historic towns like Visegrád, Esztergom, and Szentendre, making it a popular day-trip destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Yes, the Danube River of Budapest is an active shipping route, with cargo ships, ferries, and cruise boats sharing the waterway. It’s part of the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal system that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea.
Despite its romantic nickname, the Danube isn’t actually blue in most places. In Budapest, the river often appears greenish-grey due to sediment, lighting, and weather conditions, though it can appear blue on clear days.
The Danube in Budapest is home to over 100 fish species, including catfish, carp, pike, and perch. Fishing is permitted in certain zones outside the city with a license.
It rarely freezes in Budapest today, but it did in the past. The last major freeze occurred in 2017, though full freezing across the width of the river is now uncommon due to milder winters.
Yes! Events like the Danube Carnival, Budapest Wine Festival, and New Year’s Eve cruises happen along or on the river, celebrating everything from music and dance to food and fireworks.
