Top bicycle - Danube Trail II. Vienna - Budapest

Weather

The Central European continental climate
consists of long, hot summers and cold,
snowy winters. The best time for cycling
tours is between April and October.
In the summer months it can get quite hot.
Bear in mind that it will be cooler on the
mountain tours at this time. May June and
September are generally good months to
take advantage of the cooler, but still warm
weather.

It must be noted that, according to the tourism calendar, the
first two weeks in August are when most people go for their
holidays. Generally July and August are the busiest months. We
mention this with regard to seeing cultural monuments and
UNESCO protected areas with greater ease and with less people
around.

Cultural Events

You might wish to adjust the times of your tour to coincide with the following festivals
and cultural events:

Vienna

Vienna Spring Festival (14-18 March 2009)
http://www.musikverein.at

International Youth and Music Festivals (11-14 July 2009)
http://www.austrianfestivals.at

The Vienna Festival (8 May-14 June 2009) - Renowned for its superb international
theatrical performances, also invites musical ensembles and opera companies from all over
the world, in addition to staging many Austrian musical productions.
http://www.festwochen.at/

World Choral Festival (23-27 June 2009)
http://www.austrianfestivals.at

Jazz-Fest Wien (27 June- 17 July 2009)
http://www.viennajazz.org

Budapest

Budapest Spring Festival (20 March-5 April 2009) - Huge music festival that takes place
in the outstanding city of Budapest.
http://festivalcity.hu/btf2007/

Danube Carnival (1-30 June 2009) - The Danube Carnival (Duna Karnevál) is the
framework event for the music and dance presentations, held by different settlements
alongside the Danube.

Danube Festival (June 2009) - One of Europe’s greatest water events to be organized in
Budapest, on the 1,5 km section of river Danube between Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge
on these two summer days. Different programs, sports events – rowing, kayak, canoe and
motor boat competitions – await spectators during the whole day. Besides these events,
hand-driven and motor boat processions are organized both in the morning and in the
evening. Burning candles float down on the river and Midsummer Night’s fireworks are
presented in the closing event.

Budapest Fair (16-18 April 2009) - Real carnival spirit takes over the city, marking the day
when the last Russian soldier left Hungary.

Island Festival - multicultural youth festival (1-31 August 2009) - Thousands of young
people move out to a deserted shipyard island (Hajógyári sziget) in tents for a week to
participate in a giant pop festival better known as Pepsi Island. Pepsi Island has since
grown into the largest concert festival in Central Europe.
http://www.sziget.hu/festival_english

The Jewish Summer Festival (August-September 2009) - Celebration of Hungarian and
indeed Central European Jewish Culture. Events range from exhibitions to music concerts
and theatre performances.
http://www.jewishfestival.hu/index.php?lang=eng

Foundation of the State and Constitution Day (August 2009) - Part of the celebrations
is a large-scale fireworks display is held in Budapest. All are welcome to join the crafts fair
and concerts held along the Pest side of the Danube Embankment in the days before and
after the festivities.

Budapest parade (August 2009) - Budapest street carnival at the end of the summer.
The procession convoy goes through one of the most beautiful route of the capital
between Roosevelt tér (Roosevelt Square) and Hősök tere (Hero’s Square).

Budapest International Wine and Champagne Festival (September 2009) -
International Wine Festival presents famous Hungarian wine specialties and wine regions.