Elisabeth Bridge

At the narrowest point of the Danube in Budapest stands a bridge named after Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, lovingly known as Sissi. Once you cross to the Buda side, you'll find a small plaza featuring a bronze statue of the empress herself.

Back in the late 19th century, the construction of this bridge attracted over 50 design submissions from around the globe. The winning plan led to the creation of a stunning chain suspension bridge, built between 1897 and 1903, during a time clouded by political scandal. After six years of construction, it was unveiled—and at the time, it held the title of the longest chain bridge in the world.

Sadly, the bridge has its share of modern misfortune as well. A dangerously sharp curve just beyond the bridgehead caused multiple accidents over the years, claiming lives until authorities lowered the speed limit to 40 km/h for safety.

Like the Chain Bridge, this structure was blown up by retreating German forces near the end of World War II in 1945. But unlike its more famous counterpart, reconstruction didn’t begin for another 15 years.

Today, we can still appreciate the graceful silhouette of the rebuilt Elisabeth Bridge, which remains unique as the only bridge in Budapest reconstructed according to its original design.