Every journey begins with a first step ...

Today we reach the center of Budapest! On this stage – just before the city – all Jerusalem routes converge in Hungary. 

Here, the main route from Austria and the Jerusalem Way feeder routes from Poland/Slovakia/Esztergom converge. From Budapest, the routes run together on the Hungarian Pilgrimage Route (MZ) – to the border with Croatia and Serbia. The Hungarian Pilgrim’s Way (MZ) is the JERUSALEM WAY Partner for Hungary. See website: Magyar Zarandokut (MZ) 

Thanks to the friends of the Hungarian Pilgrimage Route Magyar Zarándokút!

We now look forward to our journey through Hungary together. The MZ will accompany us until just before Mohács – in the border region at the tri-border point. Hungary–Croatia–Serbia. 

Budapest – Castle District and historical highlights

Today's stage takes us directly to Castle Hill in Budapest – a place of immense historical and cultural significance! The Vár Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the Holy Trinity Column, the Fisherman's Bastion, and the famous Matthias Church.

Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria was crowned Queen of Hungary here in 1867.
A reminder for pilgrims to Jerusalem from Spain: In Geneva on the Lake, also on our route, Empress Sissi was assassinated in 1898 – the scene was just a few steps away from the pilgrimage route.

Sights and pilgrim symbols

Back in Budapest, many more sights await us at the castle grounds: the Fisherman's Bastion, the Vienna Gate, and much more. On the descent from the castle to the Danube, we pass the famous “Zero Kilometer” stoneFrom here, all roads in Hungary are measured – it thus marks the center of the Hungarian road network.

Also not to be overlooked is the inscription “Our 0 km stone beam” – a reference to Jerusalem pilgrims from Spain who have already covered over 3000 km. 

Cathedral and Old Town

We then cross the Chain Bridge and reach the Cathedral of Budapest, the St. Stephen's Basilica, with its large forecourt in the heart of the old town. A wonderful holiday atmosphere prevails here: street musicians, cafés, and squares bustling with life.

If you want to stay in the Hungarian capital, you should allow yourself 1-2 days – because there are countless sights to discover!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE FURTHER WAY FROM BUDAPEST

After reaching Budapest, the route leads south for the first time—and for many weeks—essentially all the way to Greece! Step by step, we now delve into the Hungarian lowlands and get a little closer to our distant destination, Jerusalem.

Pilgrim passport and hostels:
For the further route towards the Croatia/Serbia border, there is a cooperation with the Hungarian Pilgrimage Route Magyar Zarandokut (MZ)It was agreed that pilgrims with the Jerusalem Way pilgrim's pass could stay overnight in the hostels at favorable rates. The only requirement is that they also carry the Hungarian MZ pilgrim's pass. The pass is both a symbolic souvenir and an important organizational tool for the Way.

Numerous hostels are located along the entire route down the Danube – from Budapest to Baja. From Baja, it's only a day's journey to the border town of Mohács, at the border triangle with Croatia and Serbia. Even pilgrims arriving from outside Vienna, such as Poland, the Czech Republic, or Slovakia, can find hostels from Esztergom (Gran) all the way to Budapest.

Note: Further details on accommodation, hostels and the pilgrim passport can be found in the Menu Hungary.

GPS: The complete GPS route for all countries of Budapest to Jerusalem (over 4.000 km) can be accessed directly in the Webshop can be purchased. Additional information on GPS navigation and using the app is also available there.