Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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Széchenyi Chain Bridge - by Lucas Davies on Unsplash
Description
Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the most famous and oldest permanent bridge spanning the Danube in Budapest. It was designed by William T. Clark, construction supervised by engineer Adam Clark using cast iron, and opened in 1849. The bridge has a total length of 375m with a central span of 202m, and as the name indicates, chains rather than wire are used to carry the bridge deck. The best-known decorative elements are the lions carved in stone at the end of each abutment.
Access & Transport
On the Buda side, the bridge starts next to Buda Castle. The Clark Adam tram (19, 41) and bus stops are next to the landing point, as is the ferry pier. On the Pest side, the bridge starts from Stephen Széchenyi Square. The Széchenyi István tram (2, 2B, 2M, 23) and bus stops are at the northern end of the square. There is also a ferry pier (Akadémia). Alternatively, the Deák Ferenc metro station (M1, M2, M3) and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky (M1) are both less than 10mins' walk away.
Instructions & Recommendations
The heavy renovations were completed in the summer 2023 and the bridge has reopened to pedestrians but personal cars are no longer allowed to cross it. The bridge is beautifully lit up at night and is a favourite of photographs. It is possible to get both the bridge and the Hungarian parliament Building on the same shot. We suggest crossing the bridge on the way to an exploration of the Buda Castle neighbourhood (by bus or walking once the renovations are completed).
Environmental & Social
Visitors don't really add to the carbon footprint and lighting is from a mix of period lanterns and LEDs (for the frame). Part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is not that impressive as a standalone monument, it is the backdrop of either the Buda or Pest waterfronts that make it truly stand out. Therefore, the bridge is best enjoyed as a sight seen from a slightly elevated vantage point - by day and by night.
Key positive
Photogenic with either the Buda or the Pest side as backdrop
Architecturally impressive work for the time
Key negative
Heavy traffic
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 40m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo