How many bridges in Budapest?

The river and three cities

The capital of Hungary was created with the unification of three cities the Buda, Obuda and Pest. These three cities were around each other but divided by the river Danube and after Budapest was carved out Buda and Obuda remained on the west bank of the river, Pest remained on the east bank.

The unification of the three cities whilst having tremendous advantages also created its own disadvantages. The unification happened in 1873 and it became apparent that easy access had to be created to facilitate human and traffic movements between the three areas.

The capital city and its bridges

1. The Chain Bridge

There was only one bridge crossing and that was the Chain Bridge which was built and then inaugurated on November 20, 1849. This bridge was designed by an English engineer and built by a Scottish and financed by a Viennese. These three came together to build this iconic edifice which was a masterpiece in design and engineering.

The retreating Germans during World War II, blew up most of the bridges in Hungary to slow down the Allies from pursuing them and one dastardly act that they did was to blow up the Chain Bridge on January 18, 1945. The bridge was nearly completely destroyed except for its pillars which remained intact but subjected to shock and some damage. Restoration work began after the war ended and with a determination that displayed the character of the Hungarian people it was reopened for the public on November 20, 1949 exactly 100 years to the day after it was first inaugurated.

2. Megyeri Bridge

This is the longest of all bridges in Budapest and also the one at the northern most part of the city. The need for another bridge over the river Danube was seen as inevitable especially with the rise in population. The idea was mooted way back as the year 1900 but the planning on the drawing boards started only around 1993. The requirements, especially the aesthetics of the intended bridge was high and they had to make the best and the most acceptable in every way.

The Megyeri Bridge connects Ujpest one of the northern districts of Budapest with Bekasmegyer and Budakalasz on the old city of Buda on the other side. The bridge consists of five parts with a width of 35 meters and a total length of 1,862 meters.

The initial idea to bring about an aesthetic ambience to keep in line with Hungarian culture has been achieved with success. The bridge stands tall displaying just that to every visitor who would either pass on it or under it in one of the most spectacular sights to be ever seen.

3. Arpad Bridge

Named after the Grand Prince Arpad who founded the Hungarian state in the 9th century AD, it spans across the river Danube and is the second longest and most congested due to the heavy traffic that plies on it. The planning of this bridge took ages and due to many issues including World War II work on it was suspended. After much delay the bridge was completed and inaugurated on November 7, 1950.

It is interesting to know that it was named after the dictator Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union by the Socialist government that was in power at that time in Hungary. Later sanity prevailed and it was changed to carry the name of Arpad who was worthy to say the least.

4. Margaret Bridge

This bridge spans 607 meters across the river Danube and was first inaugurated on April 30, 1876 but was blown up twice by retreating Germans during World War II. The first attempt was made on November 4, 1944 which did not completely destroy the bridge but a later dastardly attempt was initiated on January 18, 1945.

It was rebuilt and re-commissioned on August 1, 1948. The Margaret Bridge connects Szent Istvan Boulevard and Margit Boulevard plus providing access to Margaret Island too.

5. Elizabeth Bridge

This bridge is named after the Queen Elizabeth of Hungary who was assassinated on September 8, 1898. She is the spouse of Emperor Franz Joseph who ruled over Hungary and Austria between 1848 and 1916. The bridge spans 380 meters over the river Danube and is spectacular in its milk white color and enchanting shape.

The Elizabeth Bridge joins at the Pest end where one could find the Marcius 15e square, the home to Budapest’s most ancient church and the famous restaurant Matyas Pince. At the Buda end the bridge ends at the foot of the famous statue of St,Gillert.

6. Liberty Bridge

This is the shortest bridge in Budapest which spans 334 meters across the river Danube. At the Pest end of the bridge you would find the famous Fovam Square which is home to the Market Hall the completely roofed market where you could buy fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, spices etc.

At the Buda end you would have access to the Gellert Square and many other places of interest. The Liberty Bridge being the shortest a walk across it would take just a few minutes and one could take some spectacular sights.

7. Petofi Bridge

This bridge takes its name from the famous Hungarian revolutionist and renowned poet Sandor Petofi. The bridge is 25.6 meters in width and 378 meters in length. At the Pest end of the bridge is the Boraros Square where the terminus of the Csepel Suburban railway and the south end of the Grand Boulevard are located. The Budapest University of Technology and Economics and many other places of interest to the young as well as the old are located.

8. Lagymanyosi Bridge

This bridge spans the river Danube at its southern most point with a total length of 494 meters with a width of 30.5 meters. At the Pest end of the bridge is the Palace of Arts and the National Theater which sit next to each other ensuring visits to both very convenient and time consuming.

It was inaugurated on October 30, 1995 to connect the developing areas in the south of the city with the recently built Konyves Kalman Boulevard. To see the beauty and splendor of Budapest’s river shoreline and its eight spectacular bridges a Budapest Cruisewould be your best option.