Discover the tumultuous history of Budapest’s dramatic falcon-clad iron bridge at the point where Pest and Buda meet in the heart of the city.
The Liberty Bridge is the shortest bridge in Budapest’s center but is one of the most important in the city. Initially built as part of the Millennium World Exhibition at the end of the 19th century, the bridge’s art nouveau design, mythological sculptures and the country’s coat of arms adorned on its side have made it as fascinating today as when it was built.
Gaze up at the large bronze statues of the Turul, a type of falcon from Hungarian folklore, that decorate the masts. The bridge has a length of 1,090 feet (333 meters) and a width of 65 feet (20 meters), all of which can be seen illuminated as a vibrant part of Budapest’s electric skyline at night.
Stand in the center of the bridge and snap photos of the city across the River Danube. The vista includes Gellért Hill, which has a citadel and the Liberty Statue that commemorates the Soviet Red Army’s World War II victory. Walk across the small bridge in just 2 minutes to admire the view from the other side.
At either end of the structure, see the small buildings that used to sell tickets for the tram. Look for the plaques that contain details of the bridge’s construction. The northeastern house contains a museum on the bridges of Budapest.
Find out about the history of the bridge, which was built in 1894. The Liberty Bridge was built in the style of a chain bridge, which was a trend at the end of the 19th century. Hear how Emperor Franz Joseph inserted the final silver rivet in the iron bridge during the opening ceremony.
The bridge was the first in Budapest to be rebuilt after suffering heavy damage during World War II.
It is free to enter the small museum, which is open on Mondays and Thursdays. Cross the bridge for free at any time.
The Liberty Bridge connects the sides of Buda and Pest in the city center. It is south of the Elisabeth Bridge on the River Danube. Take the subway to the Fövám tér stop on the northeastern side of the bridge. You can also reach the bridge by tram or bus. Ride a boat to the Szent Gellért tér port on the southwestern end of Liberty Bridge.
