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The wonderful bridges of Budapest

Writer: how2budapesthow2budapest

Updated: Nov 29, 2021

A real landmark of Budapest are its bridges. Before 1872, Budapest was divided into two independent cities, Buda and Pest, which were separated by the Danube.


Due to the unification of Buda and Pest, eleven bridges were built over the years, crossing the Danube and therefore connecting Buda and Pest. Nine of the eleven bridges are road bridges.

Four of these bridges are the most famous and definitely worth a visit. In the following we will introduce you to the bridges in more detail.


1. Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks of Budapest. It is both the oldest and the most famous bridge in the city. The Chain Bridge was the first bridge connecting Buda with Pest. Thus, it laid the foundations for modern Budapest as it is today and is therefore very important for the history of the city.

The structure is supported by two triumphant arch-like supporting pillars. Through these piers run chains through the bridge body.

Therefore, the bridge is called Chain Bridge. It was built from 1839 to 1849 and is a full 375 meters long.

Due to its wonderfully pretty appearance, the Chain Bridge is the favorite bridge of most Budapest residents and city visitors. A walk on the bridge is worthwhile in both directions, to Buda or to Pest. The Chain Bridge is regularly used for festivals and running competitions. In addition, on the holiday of the foundation of the Hungarian state, August 20, the fireworks of the most grandiose fireworks of the year are shot up from it. To get all the splendor of the bridge in a photo, it is very common to snap a photo from the opposite so named Elisabeth Bridge.


2. Elisabeth Bridge

Elisabeth Bridge is also a very famous bridge in Budapest. It is named after the Austrian Empress and Hungarian Queen Elisabeth. Therefore, this bridge is especially interesting if you are interested in the history of Hungary and especially in the imperial couple Elisabeth and Franz Joseph.


At the same time the bridge is a popular photo object. The 379 meters long bridge connects Buda between the Castle Hill and the famous Gellért Hill with the 15th of March Square.





3. Liberty Bridge

Another of Budapest's landmarks is clearly the Liberty Bridge. This is located on the Pest side directly at the famous Great Market Hall and Corvinus University, making it very central and easily accessible.


The bridge was originally called Franz Joseph Bridge, named after Emperor Franz Joseph. At that time, Franz Joseph struck the last rivet on the Pest bridgehead, which bore his initials F.J.I.. Since the original was unfortunately stolen, today a replica can be seen, which you should definitely have a look at!

It is also interesting to note that the bridge was the first of the new Danube bridges to be reopened after being blown up in 1945. At this reopening it was renamed to its current name Liberty Bridge.


What is also special about the Liberty Bridge is that besides cars, the tram also cross the bridge. In summer, the bridge is often closed on weekends for cars and public transport. During this time on the bridge can be found many street musicians, acrobats and picnickers. In addition, the bridge is a popular meeting place for young people, because it is easy to sit on it in the middle, where the metal structure is lowered. Moreover, from the bridge you have an optimal view of Gellért Hill and its Statue of Liberty. So it is definitly worth a visit!


4. Margaret Bridge

The fourth bridge that we think you should see is the Margaret Bridge, which is probably the most popular bridge among tourists and cyclists, as it connects the city with the beautiful Margaret Island, after which the bridge is named.


The special feature of this bridge is its stone piers. Moreover, it is one of the few preserved older bridges that cross the Danube. In addition, the bridge consists of two parts. Each part has three segments, which then meet on the Margaret Island.

Furthermore, you can make great photos on the bridge. Especially at night, the bridge has a very special flair, because its roadway is illuminated. Moreover, the entire bridge is illuminated by LED spotlights, which gives it a special charm.


Ultimately, all bridges are super suitable to shoot your next selfies, as they represent great locations and backgrounds :)

 
 
 

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