Elizabeth Bridge

The Elisabeth Bridge, also known as Erzsébet híd in Hungarian, is one of the most iconic structures in Budapest. Connecting Buda and Pest, it crosses the Danube at the narrowest point of the city, with a length of 290 meters. The bridge is named after Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, beloved by the people and affectionately called Sissi. The history of the Elisabeth Bridge begins at the end of the 19th century, when the need for a permanent connection between the two banks of the Danube became evident. The original suspension bridge, designed by Julius Kübler, was inaugurated in 1903 and held the world record for the longest span of a suspension bridge until 1926. This bridge, with its total length of 378.6 meters, was a true engineering masterpiece of the time. However, the history of the bridge was marked by destruction during World War II. In January 1945, retreating German troops destroyed the bridge to prevent the advance of Soviet forces, leaving only the pier and part of the bridge on the Pest side. This devastation deeply affected the city, leaving a void in its urban landscape. The reconstruction of the bridge began in 1960 and was completed in 1964 with a completely new design, designed by Pál Sávoly. The new bridge, a modern cable-stayed bridge, featured a more minimalist and functional design compared to its predecessor. This new bridge, with its clean lines and white structure, quickly became a symbol of Budapest’s renewal and modernity, while still honoring Elisabeth of Bavaria. Today, the Elisabeth Bridge is one of the main traffic arteries of the city, with six lanes that facilitate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians between the two banks. Despite initial criticism of its minimalist design, the bridge is now admired for its elegance and functionality. Its nighttime lighting, introduced in 2009, makes it particularly charming, offering spectacular views of the Danube and the surrounding urban landscape. The area around the bridge is rich in cultural and historical points of interest. On the Buda side, the bridge connects to Döbrentei Square, near the monument to Saint Gellért and the famous Rácz and Rudas baths. These thermal baths, with their healing waters, represent an important part of Budapest’s culture and history. On the Pest side, the bridge leads to 15 March Square, home to the Parish Church of the Inner City, the oldest church in Pest, which tells centuries of the city’s history.