Make a Splash in Budapest

Budapest celebrates the anniversary of its famous Chain Bridge across the Danube each summer.

The suspension bridge, which connects the two sides of the Hungarian capital, Buda and Pest, opened in 1849 and has been in use ever since.

Events are organised each year in front of the Hungarian parliament building and in the shadow of stunning Buda Castle. The festival takes place on the third Saturday of June and the bridge is closed to traffic for the day, as performances by dance groups, brass bands and musicians take place.

As part of the Bridge Festival and the Danube Water Carnival, boat races are held along the river, concerts and theatre shows take place on the banks and the evening sees a firework display and candles light up the bridge.

One of Budapest's most famous landmarks, the impressive Chain Bridge is 375 metres (1,230 foot) long and 16 metres wide. It was designed by William Tierney Clark and Adam Clark at the behest of Count Szechenyi and is credited with sparking an economic revival that led to Budapest's Golden Century.

The Chain Bridge became a symbol of Hungarian liberty and the city of Budapest after it was used for independence demonstrations in 1989.

Budapest is becoming increasingly popular with British travellers since Hungary's accession to the EU, as tourists are drawn by its culture, beauty and cheap hotels.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Budapest

Updated: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:45:34

Related Links:
Budapest Tourist Board
Budapest Airport