Margaret Island

In the middle of the Danube, just above the Parliament, stands Margaret Island – Margit sziget in Hungarian, 2 ½ kilometres of land named after the daughter of King Bela IV who lived in the Dominican monastery whose ruins can still be seen today.

Also visible are the ruins of a 13th century Franciscan church and a 12th century Romanesque tower. Originally called Rabbit Island, since 1908 it has been home to a park open to all, where several sports facilities are located, after having been turned into a harem in the 18th century.

You can walk along the banks of the Island in just 20 minutes or you can spend your time in the 11 pools of the Palatinus water park, a popular destination for Budapest residents especially in the summer.

Vehicles are banned on Margaret Island, making it the perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while staying within it. The thermal water that has been gushing out on Margaret Island since 1886 is famous for its healing effects.

To reach the Island, you can get there on foot or by tram, using lines 4 and 6, the Margaret Bridge where the access is located.

Margaret Bridge

Margaret Bridge, also known as Margit hid, is the second permanent bridge in Budapest after the Chain Bridge. It was designed and built between 1872 and 1876. This bridge connects Buda and Pest, but it is also links Margaret Island to the river banks. It was built in 1900, and for this reason it is characterized by an odd geometry.

Its length is 607 meters, while its width is 25 meters. It has an elegant appearance, which recalls of French style. It was indeed designed by a French engineer, and the iron elements that make up the structure were forged in France.

The Margaret Bridge rests on 7 pillars; the central pillar is situated next to Margaret Island. All pillars are decorated with statues carved in 1874 by a French sculptor.

The bridge carries 4 lanes, two tramway lines and two sidewalks on each side.