Bratislava on the Danube, also known as Beauty on the Danube is the capital of Slovakia and an interesting and historical port on your Danube River Cruise. One of the most prominent buildings in this city is the Bratislava Castle as seen on the left in the photo below. The hill where the castle exists has been continuously occupied since the period between the Stone and Bronze ages. In the 10th century, a stone castle was built here and undergoing several transformations over the centuries, we now see a restored Bratislava Castle, rebuilt in the 1950’s and as recent as 2008!
Most of the historical buildings are concentrated in Bratislava’s Old Town district which is also where the castle is located. This area is part of the Small Carpathians mountain range. Bratislava was once under Austro-Hungarian rule and many monuments to this period can be seen here.
Numerous museums dot the historic Old Town, and for all of our river cruisers, the Museum of Wine Production in the Municipal Museum tops our list of must sees.
St. Michaels Gate (seen on the very far right edge of the above photo) has 7 floors and a tower where the adventurous can go for beautiful views of the city. Topped with a statue of the archangel Michael, the entrance to St. Michaels’s Gate is through the Museum of Arms.
For food lovers, Bratislava’s proximity to both Austria and Hungary promise the visitor the best of both cuisines. Goulash and Schnizel will be on many of the restaurant menus here in Bratislava on the Danube. You can also find evidence of the old communist “Daily Menu” meals as well as some adventurous takes on new cuisine offerings utilizing an abundant range of fresh and local ingredients. And don’t forget the signature dish of Roast Goose with potato pancakes (loske) and stewed cabbage.
One of the great advantages of a River Cruise on the Danube whether on Ama, Viking, Uniworld or Crystal is experiencing such a wondrous, historic as well as future-oriented city like Bratislava. Go with an open mind and an open heart and you will be well rewarded.
