Ram Gorge

The Ram-szakadek is a steep, narrow ravine cut by a stream in the Visegrad hills above the Danube Bend, and it is walked upward along the streambed itself, using fixed iron ladders, steps and chains bolted into the rock to get past the waterfalls and the tighter sections. It is short, roughly a kilometre and a half of climbing, but it is the closest thing to a via ferrata that a day trip from Budapest offers, and it is popular enough that queues build on the ladders at weekends. From the top, trails continue up to Dobogoko and the ridge, or loop back down to Domos. The gorge has been closed for repair in the past after rockfall.

What's there

• Iron ladders in the streambed - the fixed route past the waterfalls.
• A ravine cut into the Visegrad hills - narrow rock walls on both sides.
• Ridge trails from the top - the continuation toward Dobogoko.
• The Danube Bend below - the river seen on the descent.

When to go

May to October, in dry conditions. Half a day. Avoid it after rain, when the rock and ladders are slippery and water levels rise. Weekends bring queues at the ladders.

Practical notes

You get wet feet, and in high water the route is genuinely dangerous. It is not suitable for small children or anyone unsure on ladders. Sections have been closed after rockfall; check before travelling. Parking at Domos fills early.

Nearby

Domos is on the Danube below; Visegrad lies east.