You can have a fabulous time as hikers in Nagymaros, who come to the Danube Bend to relax in this picturesque landscape after a hectic and overloaded weekday. When going hiking, we look for beautiful, exciting and special places.

What do we want? Peace, quiet and clean air. These needs are easily and perfectly met in Nagymaros, a small town on the left bank of the Danube.

The panorama of Maros is closely linked to the existence of Nagymaros. The entire area of Nagymaros offers a magical view of the Visegrád Citadel, which still reigns supreme on the hilltop. It is no wonder that the main activity for those who come to the town is a stroll along the Danube. They simply admire the view.

Unmissable Programmes in Nagymaros

The Sváb Tájház that opened in Nagymaros was brought to life by the community of the town. Here, old objects found in attics and removed from display cases were exhibited. Visits are possible at weekends and on public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Sigil Gallery, close to the Danube bank, is also a great destination, with exhibitions of different types of art that change every month. Paintings are the most common, but photographs and sometimes sculptures are also on display. Most of the artists are connected to the city. The gallery, together with the café, is the perfect cultural venue for various events, and the courtyard is child-friendly: there are swings, trampolines and a huge chase!

Of course – as in every season – there are countless activities to choose from in summer if you are more attracted by a day trip to the Nagymaros area. The Mystral Festival, the Swabian Bierfest, the St. Stephen’s Day Wine Festival, the Spicy Festival and the Kálmán Kittenberger Day are all incredibly popular.

The latter is important in the life of the town because Kálmán Kittenberger, Hungarian African explorer, zoologist, teacher, hunter and natural history writer, was a resident of Nagymaros.  His former house, Sylvia Lak, stands on Kálmán Kittenberger Street. The Kittenberger Day offers an interesting and varied programme of events on hunting and nature conservation.

For those who would like to do a bit of sport during the trip, you can rent kayaks or canoes from the local boat rental shop and paddle down the Danube at your own pace, exploring the area at your own pace. You can even paddle down to Szigetcsúcs or Sódersziget, where it’s a great idea to take a dip in the Danube on the hottest days.

The easiest and fastest way to explore the city and the surrounding area is by bike! There’s no happier feeling than rolling under the pink-flowered main square promenade or along the cycle path along the Danube and enjoying the view.

A time capsule of the Catholic Church

If you’re in Nagymaros, you should visit the Roman Catholic Church, which has recently been renovated on the outside, with the frescoes repainted and the altar restored. The results speak for themselves, the church is more dignified than ever.

During the renovation, the cross at the top of the church was removed. Incredibly, a time capsule was found in the cross, which had been placed there by the Catholic community at the time during the last renovation. The letter contains a description of the situation at the time, who was in office, who had the church renovated, etc. Inspired by this, the Catholic community of Nagymaros, when the cross was put back in place, placed a new letter for posterity.

This is both uncanny and a little incomprehensible because their letter will be found in about a hundred years. It is a lot to say, let alone imagine, what it will be like then.

Nagymaros Farmer’s Market

The famous Marosi market has been attracting people from Maros and the surrounding area to the Main Square on Saturday mornings for many years. More than one family comes from Dunakeszi or even from Budapest just for the market atmosphere. The essence of the market is that you can buy all the products from local farmers, so you can be sure of the freshness and quality of the goods.

The products include a wide variety of meats, vegetables, mushrooms, homemade dairy products, juices and syrups, cakes, freshly baked loaves and scones; handicrafts, ceramic ornaments, handmade jewellery, flowers and much more. You can also choose from locally baked horn cakes or scones as a mid-morning treat.

They often organise different (children’s) activities in the morning, so many people come to the market with their families.

The Main Square becomes more and more crowded as the weather improves, and you can stroll through the still leafless but with time, bright green chestnut trees with their crowns of laurel, or under the rows of pink-flowered cherry trees. Or simply sit on a bench with a cup of coffee and watch the hustle and bustle.

Gastronomic Experiences in Nagymaros

If you get hungry during the day, there are several options to choose from, as Nagymaros can cater for practically all possible dining needs due to the diversity of its restaurants. The “Halas” is located not far from the Nagymaros ferry terminal. The hake made here is famous far and wide, and the official cycle path runs alongside it, so many people stop here for a break or cycle there on purpose.

A few years ago, the PIKNIK Manufactory opened not far from the Fisherman’s Hut, a place with a relaxed, youthful atmosphere. The beautiful panoramic view is guaranteed here, and it’s a child- and dog-friendly place! It is also a popular destination for families, as it is located on the Danube bank next to a playground.

The Maros Restaurant with its huge panoramic terrace is also a popular tourist destination, but locals also like to spend their leisure time here, and if you want to grab a quick bite to eat on the Main Square, Bor-só is at your disposal.

Sweetie, Alíz’s pastry shop and bakery is almost on the other side of town. It could also be a good choice for us, as we can have lunch and delicious pastries in one place. The courtyard is also a great place to keep the kids occupied, with plenty of games to play. And the plants and flowers in the garden are a real source of peace.

Danu Bar is located on the site of the old Panorama pub. The panoramic view is a given, of course, and it is easily accessible by car and bicycle – there is a car park next to the restaurant.

Artisanal, all-encompassing, divine

Last summer, Sakura Confectionery opened on Magyar Street, where its handcrafted ice creams and cakes include sugar-free, dairy-free and paleo versions. The patisserie has a small courtyard area with stylishly designed tables made of pallets for guests’ convenience.

Maros Yacht Harbour and Restaurant, Sólyom Camping Restaurant, Ájj Burger in the Panorama parking lot, Nokedli, PIKNIK Manifaktúra, Halas, Sakura, Rév buffet, Maros Restaurant, Bor-só Streetfood, Sweetie. This is the order of the restaurants if you are coming from Vác, either by car or by bike.

Excursion in Nagymaros

For a wonderful panoramic view of the Danube, it is worth going up to the Calvary. Even if it’s a short hike up, the view will make up for it. The Calvary starts not far from the church, between the houses, and climbs gradually up the stairs to the town.

Interesting fact: The steps of the Calvary were built in the 1920s by families from Nagymaros and the names of the builders can still be read on many of the steps.

And if you have more time or want to go for a good hike in the Börzsöny, the best option is to climb the Julianus Lookout. From the lookout, you can see the whole Danube bend. Even Visegrád Castle looks low from here, as the Hegyes-tető is 482 metres high, while the Fellegvár is only 333 metres high.

In the far distance, the red rocks of Naszály in Vác can be seen on the horizon, while the silhouette of the Csóványos lookout tower can be seen to the left. For the more adventurous, a night hike is an option. You will have an unforgettable experience!

Approach to Nagymaros

Visitors to Nagymaros will find it easy to experience the excitement of the journey itself: you can even take a cruise boat, which offers a unique view from its deck. It is rare to admire a city from a boat, but the experience is usually even more special when you plan a day trip to the heart of Nagymaros.

You can also get to Nagymaros from Budapest quickly by train, in about 50 minutes, but it takes no more than an hour by car, and you can park conveniently in the main square.

You can also arrive by bicycle, as there is a continuous cycle path from Göd to Szob so you can connect anywhere: for example, you can drive to Vác and then cycle to Maros. The cycle path is safe all the way and the only crossing is at Halas, where the main road turns off to the ferry.

By ferry to Nagymaros

The ferry offers many extra options for excursionists.

If you’re coming to Nagymaros from the other side, it’s best to leave the car and cross the ferry on foot (or by bike). The opposite is also true if you want to explore the other side, it’s easiest to leave your car in the main parking lot and walk to the ferry. The ferry runs hourly, leaving Visegrád every hour at 45 and returning from Nagymaros at the full hour.

During the peak summer periods (especially during the Palota Games, the second weekend in July), the ferry often makes several turns in an hour. This depends on the number of passengers and can never be known in advance, it depends on the daily traffic.

A separate ticket is required for each vehicle, including bicycles. For passenger tickets, it is also possible to buy student and pensioner tickets.

If you arrive by car, it takes about an hour to get here from Budapest – 64 km. if you come from the other direction, for example from Esztergom, it takes only 45 minutes – 40 km. The fastest way is to come from Esztergom via Slovakia to Maros. Everything is signposted, we can travel without any disturbances. You can also come from the Visegrád side, but it’s a slightly longer trip and you have to adapt to the ferry’s schedule – it only runs every hour. Also, the ferry is full in the summer – peak season – so if you want to avoid this crowding, we recommend the straight route from Esztergom to Nagymaros on the left bank of the Danube.

Kayak – Canoe rental in Nagymaros

Discover the most beautiful stretches of the Danube, the Ipoly and the Garam
while paddling! Paddle in hand,
can you start relaxing?

https://btz.hu/

Bike rental in Nagymaros
( bike rental )

https://www.erdeikirandulasok.hu/nagymarosi-bringapont