Széchenyi Chain Bridge

History, Design and Tips for Visiting the Bridge

The Chain Bridge opened in 1849, after nearly a decade of construction. It was championed by Count István Széchenyi, the reformer whose name it carries, who had been frustrated at how hard it was to cross the Danube in winter when pontoon bridges were removed and ice made ferries unreliable. The bridge was designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark and built under the supervision of the Scottish engineer Adam Clark, who settled in Budapest. The square at the Buda end, Clark Ádám tér, is named after him.

The structure is a suspension bridge hung from two massive stone towers shaped like triumphal arches. Its stone lions at each abutment have become a favourite photo subject. At the end of the Second World War the bridge was blown up along with the city's other Danube crossings. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1949, exactly a century after its first opening. More recently it went through a major renovation that restored its ironwork and deck.

Making the most of a visit

• Walk across rather than just looking at it. The pedestrian walkways give some of the best views of the Parliament building, Buda Castle and the river.
• Come at dusk. The bridge is illuminated after dark, and the view from the Buda embankment or from the castle terraces above is especially striking.
• Combine it with nearby sights. On the Buda side, the Castle Hill Funicular starts at Clark Ádám tér. On the Pest side, the bridge leads towards Széchenyi István tér, the Gresham Palace and the Danube promenade.
• Check current access. Traffic arrangements on the bridge have changed in recent years. Look at local transport information before planning a drive or bus route.

If you are building a wider walking route around the riverside, our Places section covers other landmarks nearby. You can also find practical ideas for exploring the city in the Guides.