Next stop Budapest

The next morning we continued our journey. We had a quick breakfast ('Buchteln', sweet rolls filled with plum jam) at main station and hopped on the Railjet Xpress.

Buchtel, Ströck bakery

On this high-speed train we crossed the Hungarian border. I was staggered by the on board wheelchair lift that worked seamless.

Wheelchair lift, Railjet Xpress

I was even more staggered when I found out that the wheelchair spaces on the train where located in first class. Could be worse! They offer lots of space and are near the accessible toilet.

Wheelchair space, Railjet Xpress

In about three hours we rushed along summery fields to Budapest.

On board information, Railjet Xpress

There a historic station welcomed us: We had arrived at Budapest-Keleti!

Budapest-Keleti

Our hotel, the Ibis Styles Budapest Center, was 15 minutes away by foot or wheelchair. Jackpot! The hotel was modernly renovated, the accessible room and bathroom were huge for a reasonable price.

Ibis Styles Budapest Center

A perfect home base for our forays to Buda and Pest. Buda and Pest? Yes. The city's name comes from two separate cities that where unified at the end of the 19^th century.

So where to begin? First to the Danube, the lifeline that separates Buda and Pest. On our way we passed the Jewish Quarter and visited the Dohány Street Synagogue. The Synagogue is a beautiful place that is only partly accessible. Entry for wheelchair users and carers is free.

Dohány Street Synagogue

To get from Pest to Buda we crossed the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

From there we took the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular.

Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

Close to the top station is the castle and the relatively calm old town center. A good place for a coffee break. The Dobosh and Cream Cake outside Ruszwurm, Hungary's oldest confectionery, were delicious.

Cream cake, Ruszwurm confectionery

Down the street you can visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a higly frequented photo location.

Fisherman's Bastion

Just around the corner is Matthias Church, also with free entry for wheelchair users and carers.

Matthias Church

To get back to the palace we took the alley on the west side of the hill, that turned out to be much more peaceful than the direct way from the Fisherman's Bastion. Unfortunately the palace area is paved with with old, big and uneven cobblestones. That is why we skipped the palace. To get down to the Danube you can either take a steep path with lots of steps or the funicular again.

Castle Hill

Back in Pest we wandered the streets of the Jewish Quarter and incidently found Klauzál restaurant. A good place for our first evening in the Hungarian capital. Boar goulash with polenta followed by a Budapest delicacy: Pancakes with walnuts and chocolate sauce. Sweet dreams Budapest. Continue here.

Pancakes with walnuts and chocolate sauce, Klauzál restaurant

Klauzál restaurant