On Two Wheels – Szentendre Island
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular again. New cycle paths are being built across Hungary and in Budapest, although their routes and the safety of cycling infrastructure sometimes remain subjects of debate. This time, we invite cycling enthusiasts to discover Szentendre Island.
Szentendre Island lies between the Szentendre branch of the Danube and the main river channel near Vác. It is approximately 31 kilometres long and 2.5–3.5 kilometres wide. Its permanent settlements are Szigetmonostor, Pócsmegyer, Tahitótfalu and Kisoroszi. The island also includes extensive holiday areas, notably Horány, belonging to Szigetmonostor, and Surány, belonging to Pócsmegyer.
The island can be reached by road via the bridge at Tahitótfalu. Several ferry crossings also provide access: ferries operate between Vác and Tahitótfalu, from the Határcsárda area of Szentendre to Szigetmonostor, and from Dunakeszi to Horány. It is advisable to check ferry timetables and possible service interruptions before setting out, as operating hours and crossing options may vary.
For those looking for a full-day excursion and feeling fit enough for a longer ride, the island can also be approached from Budapest via Szentendre. The cycling route between Budapest and Szentendre connects with the EuroVelo 6 international cycling route, although reaching the island itself requires a separate crossing of the Danube.
A main road running roughly 21 kilometres from north to south cuts across the island. Between Szigetmonostor and Kisoroszi, there are few significant changes in elevation, making this route suitable for cycling. However, motor traffic levels can vary depending on the time of day and the season. Near the northern tip of the island, close to Kisoroszi, the island’s headland offers particularly beautiful views. Across the Danube, the landscape includes the Visegrád Hills, Visegrád Castle and the surroundings of Nagymaros.
If you would also like to explore the island’s holiday areas, a touring bicycle is a good choice. Unpaved tracks lead towards the riverbanks and holiday homes in several places, but their sandy surfaces can make cycling difficult even in dry weather. On some stretches, the wheels may sink several centimetres into loose sand.
From Budapest, you can take the H5 suburban railway to Szentendre and then continue to the island using one of the available river crossings. Before travelling, check whether bicycles are permitted on your chosen service and confirm the current ferry timetables.
Accommodation on the island consists mainly of private rooms, apartments and smaller guesthouses. If you plan to stay for several days, it is worth exploring the towns and attractions on the opposite bank as well. The sights of Vác, the historical heritage of Visegrád and other destinations in the Danube Bend can add variety to your trip. Small shops, cafés, confectioneries and other hospitality businesses in the settlements offer opportunities to rest and refresh yourself. Along some routes, the green mass of the Visegrád Hills accompanies you for long stretches, while the proximity of the Danube and the tranquillity of the landscape shape the atmosphere of the ride.
In the holiday areas, you can still find occasional houses built in the 1930s, lending the surroundings a distinctive character. These older buildings evoke an earlier era of Hungarian holiday culture.
The island’s natural environment deserves particular attention. Szentendre Island plays an important role in Budapest’s drinking-water supply, and strict restrictions apply in certain areas to protect the water resources. Visitors should therefore take special care to respect the environment.
So, get on your bike and enjoy the almost silent glide, surrounded by nature. Leave everyday worries behind for a few hours and discover a quieter side of the Danube Bend, just a short distance from the bustle of Budapest. Szentendre Island is especially appealing to those who are not looking to race or tick off a list of attractions, but instead want peaceful cycling, riverside scenery and time close to nature.
By:Viktor Szentkiralyi
English translation: Galatea – an LLM-based digital assistant.