Bridges, ferries

Monostor Bridge - Komárom / Komárno

The idea of building a new road bridge connecting North and South Komárom already occurred to the local authorities of the two towns around 2000, since the limited bearing capacity of the historic Elizabeth Bridge forced long distance lorry drivers involved in north-south international transport to make long detours. Due to its geographical position, it also increased the traffic in the town centres significantly. Following long preparatory and construction work the Monostor Bridge close to the Komárom Railway Bridge finally opened for traffic in autumn 2020. It can be crossed not only by car but also by bicycle and on foot. The steel structure weighing some seven thousand tonnes which spans the Danube for more than 600 metres is suspended from a slanting pylon nearly 120 metres high. A similar technical approach can be seen only in Canada – another reason why it is worth seeing the bridge at close quarters. From the middle you can admire a real Danube panorama.

Elisabeth Bridge - Komárom / Komárno

The road to the Elizabeth Bridge leads over the opening bridge overlooking the port of Komárno and the shipyard. The shipyards were established at the end of the 19th century and experienced the greatest expansion during the period of socialism, when sea-river ships were mainly built here. The first so-called the ship bridge was built in Komárno in 1586 and was carried by 79 ships. In 1892, the bridge was replaced by the solid Elizabeth Bridge, named after Empress Sissi.
The bridge is built over the River Danube. For more than 100 years, it has been linking two cities that once formed one city and were divided by the first Czechoslovak Republic. It is a border bridge between Komárno and Komárom. At the half of the bridge is a line that divides our republic with Hungary. It is clearly marked on the bridge and thanks to this, it is quite interesting to stand in the middle of the bridge with one foot in Hungary and with the second in Slovakia.

Ferry - Lábatlan / Karavany nad Dunajom

The Danube ferry linking Lábatlan in Hungary and Karva (Kravany nad Dunajom) in Slovakia can be easily accessed from the main road in the town centre. A connection on water of this type existed between the two settlements from the 13th century. It lasted as long as 1945 when retreating German troops blew up the installations of the crossing. That was followed by a long period when it was possible to get from one settlement to the other only on land, involving and a long detour. Putting the ferry, which currently takes passengers and bicycles, into service was made possible by a subsidy resulting from a successful competition bid in 2013. Depending on the water level, it operates from spring to autumn according to a timetable and also depending on advance booking. You can admire the unique vista of the Danube from the ferry’s landing stage, the path in the washland woods along the river, as well as from the boat itself.

Marie Valerie Bridge - Esztergom / Štúrovo

Marie Valerie Bridge crossing the Danube and connecting Esztergom and Párkány (Štúrovo), namely Hungary and Slovakia, is worth visiting for its history and setting. It opened to the public in 1895 and was named after Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, the daughter of Austrian Emperor and Hungarian King Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth (Sissy). The steel bridge with five spans was designed by János Farkasházy who excelled primarily in designing metal structures. During its history the bridge had to be rebuilt twice. Czech legionaries blew it up in 1919 and the withdrawing German army detonated it at the end of 1944. Following the latter it was not renovated for 50 years, during which time a ferry ensured the connection between the two towns. It was opened for traffic in its present form in 2001. From the bridge a wonderful view offering an unseen angle can be had of the Basilica of Esztergom and the Castle, and incredible photographs can be also taken of the Danube.

Ferry - Dömös

Walking to the ferry crossing in Dömös, you will find yourself at one of the nicest, albeit not elevated, yet unique panorama points of the river bend between Nagymaros és Zebegény on the other side. From the surface of the water the opposite range of hills seems to rise to enormous heights. There is the Julianus Tower on Hegyes (Pointed) Peak, one of the finest lookout points in the Börzsöny Hills and the Danube Bend. However, it is impossible to see it, but you can detect hikers, the size of ants, who are climbing and crawling on the hillside. Their target is nothing other than the romantic Remete (Hermit) Cave. Looking back from there the glittering water of the Danube, the village of Dömös and the ranges of the Visegrád Hills behind are visible. If you stay on this side, by all means visit the ruins of the provostship founded in 1107, take a short or long tour of the Rám Precipice, or climb up to Prédikálószék, the highest point of the Visegrád Hills, or the unique rock formations, the Vadálló Rocks.

Neszmély - Dunaradvány ferry

In September 2022, after 1 year of preparation, 1 year of construction and 3 months of trial operation, the ferry was handed over, which provides another opportunity to cross the Danube between Hungary and Slovakia. The road connection to the ferry port, the reception building of the port, and the ramps were built on both the Hungarian and Slovak sides. 9 parking lots were created on the Slovak part of the coast and 28 on the Hungarian side. The carrying capacity of the ferry is 50 t, it can carry 172 cars a day, and it also provides the opportunity for many pedestrians and cyclists to cross.