Chain Bridge

Welcome to Budapest’s very first and oldest bridge - “The Old Lady.”

Before its grand opening in 1849, there was no permanent way to cross the Danube here. Residents and travelers had to rely solely on boats, which made crossing especially difficult during harsh weather. The idea for the bridge came from Count István Széchenyi, who was personally affected by this issue. According to local legend, he once missed saying goodbye to his dying father because the river was frozen and the ferries weren’t operating. That moment is said to have fueled his determination to make a permanent crossing a reality.

Here’s a fun fact: did you know there are apartments inside the Castle Hill Tunnel? In the past, the bridge’s caretaker and his family actually lived there! While no one lives there now, the caretaker still uses the space as an office.

Construction of the Chain Bridge took nearly a decade and was overseen by William Tierney Clark, a British engineer also known for designing London’s Tower Bridge. You might even spot some similarities between the two. When it finally opened, the bridge was seen as a symbol of modernity, helping establish Budapest as one of Europe’s leading cities. For a time, it was even considered one of the wonders of the modern world.

Those majestic stone lions that guard the bridge? They weren’t added until 1852. A widely told myth claims the sculptor forgot to carve their tongues, but that’s not true—they’re just not visible from the walkway. (Please don’t try to climb for a closer look—we promise they’re there!)

The Chain Bridge has been celebrated on Hungarian coins over the years, most recently appearing on the 200 Forint coin issued in 2009.

Sadly, the bridge you see today is not the original. During World War II, retreating German forces destroyed it, leaving only the pillars behind. Fortunately, reconstruction began almost immediately, and the bridge was rebuilt in time for its 100th anniversary—reopening on November 20, 1949.

It’s easy to see why the “Old Lady” is still a beloved symbol of Budapest to this day.