logo
ic_menu

Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)

Szentháromság tér, Budapest,

Description

Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) is a fortress-like monument designed in Neo-Romanesque style with terraces providing some of the best and most sought-after views over the Pest side of Budapest. It was built in the late 19th century, around the time of the Millenium celebration, to symbolize the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars who founded Hungary in 895. The main features are the three-stage marble staircase and the equestrian statue of Stephen I of Hungary.

Access & Transport

The monument is located near the Buda Castle, next to Matthias Church, on the western bank of the Danube in central Budapest. The Halász tram stop (19, 41) is at the base of the stairs and the Halász station (M2, H5) is just a little further downstream. It is also possible to come from the "back side" and avoid the stairs with the Déli train station and tram stops (17, 41, 56, 59, 61) about 1km to the west.

Instructions & Recommendations

Views are excellent both by day and night when the city and Chain Bridge are lit up. We suggest combining this attraction with Matthias Church and the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Meta review

Often listed near the top of sights by travel bloggers, this is mostly on account of the spectacular views it provides over Budapest, as confirmed by online reviewers. However, with that comes the crowds and on a sunny day it can get quite busy. Beyond that, the monument is certainly nice to look at but lacks any historical background so that visitors tend instead to share their opinion of the surrounding architecture, be it that of Matthias church or the nearby Castle Quarter.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally & socially neutral

Conclusion

The monument itself feels architecturally out of context and is worth a few pictures but clearly not one of the highlights of the city - however, the real draw here are the views and those are among the best in Budapest though not necessarily much better than those from Buda Castle or Gellert Hill.

Key positive

Exceptional views over the city

Other attractions nearby

Key negative

Can get busy

Suitability

No restrictions but visitors with reduced mobility will need to access the area from the west side (not the stairs on the Danube side)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
There is a small fee (HUF 1,200) for the upper observation deck from 09h00 to 19h00 (21h in summer)
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.