The Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic monuments of Budapest. Even though the bridge is closed now until 2023, because of construction, you might want to know and learn about it and its history, so you can come prepared next time the bridge is open.

Chain Bridge spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of the city. The bridge is especially charming in the evening with the lights on. Unfortunately, because of the renovation the bridge has no light after the sun goes down, but when it is finished the view of it will be better than before.

Designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark, it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary. It was opened in 1849.

Let’s dive into the history of the bridge a bit more

It is a larger-scale version of Tierney Clark’s earlier Marlow Bridge, across the River Thames in Marlow, England, and was designed in sections and shipped from the United Kingdom to Hungary for final construction. How amazing is that!

It was funded to a considerable extent by the Greek merchant Georgios Sinas who had financial and land interests in the city and whose name is inscribed on the base of the south-western foundation of the bridge on the Buda side.

As we said before, the bridge opened in 1849, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, becoming the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital. At the time, its centre span of 202 metres (663 ft) was one of the largest in the world. The lions at each of the abutments were carved in stone by the sculptor János Marschalkó and installed in 1852. The bridge was given its current name in 1898, which is Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

The bridge’s cast-iron structure was updated and strengthened in 1914. In World War II, the bridge was blown up on 18 January 1945 by the retreating Germans during the Siege of Budapest, with only the towers remaining. It was rebuilt, and reopened in 1949.

What can you see from the Luna scooters?

We offer an exciting and refreshing tour in the beautiful city of Budapest. On our electric scooters it is a different experience to explore the city. Different but not less fun, that is for sure!

You can enjoy the sunshine and the light breeze as you ride by the first and most beautiful bridge of Budapest, with massive pillars and impressive stone lions.

Picture Budapest in your head! What’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Of course, it’s Chain Bridge, so you cannot miss out on this, since from postcards to movies, the iconic bridge is the most famous sight of the city.

Explore the Chain Bridge with Luna Tours and check out the notorious lion statues when they will be back on their place.

Chain Bridge spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of the city. The bridge is especially charming in the evening with the lights on.