Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)
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Fisherman's Bastion - by Nick Night on Unsplash




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.
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
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo