The Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest is the oldest permanent bridge over the Danube in Hungary. It was built in 1849 and at that time was one of the largest bridges in the world. Its main span over the Danube was more than 200 meters!

The length of the main span of the Budapest Chain Bridge is more than 200 meters

The initiator and main sponsor of the construction of the bridge was the Hungarian Count Istvan Szechenyi, after whom this bridge was later named. The bridge was built by the British, and its prototype was a smaller bridge built across the Thames River in the city of Marlowe in the UK a little earlier. By the way, the architect of both of these bridges is the same person – the Englishman Adam Clarke. In general, many Englishmen were involved in the construction of the bridge, who came to Hungary with their families, since there were no local specialists in Austria-Hungary who could implement such an ambitious project.

The chains and other cast iron parts of the Széchenyi Bridge were made in England

The Széchenyi Bridge is a suspension bridge held up by massive cast iron chains, made, like other bridge decorations, in England. From the Pest side, the bridge begins at István Széchenyi Square, near the beautiful historical building of Gresham Palace. From the Buda side, the bridge is located near the lower station of the Buda funicular, where you can go up to Royal Palace of Budapest. By connecting Buda and Pest, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge became a symbol of the united Budapest.

At night, the chain bridge is beautifully illuminated

During World War II, German troops blew up the Széchenyi Chain Bridge during their retreat. Only its massive supports remained standing. However, after the end of the war, Hungary completely restored this important structure for the city in just two years. The bridge was reopened in 1949. Initially, the city authorities charged a toll for crossing the bridge. Now passage through it is absolutely free. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the Danube River: from here you can clearly see the building of the Hungarian Parliament and the buildings of Buda Castle.

View of the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament from the Széchenyi Bridge in Budapest

Are you planning to go to Budapest? Then read about what you can bring from there in our article about Hungarian souvenirs. Also, to plan walking tours around the city, we advise you to familiarize yourself with this selection of tourist maps of Budapest. Don’t know where to change money in Budapest and what is the current exchange rate for the Hungarian forint? Then see the article about currency rates and exchange in the capital of Hungary. We also recommend that you read a short phrasebook of the Hungarian language.