The Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) is Budapest’s landmark crossing over the Danube, linking the streets of Pest with the foot of Buda Castle Hill. Its stone towers, iron chains and watchful lion sculptures make it one of the city’s most recognisable sights.
Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest, then separate towns. Reformist Count István Széchenyi championed the project; English engineer William Tierney Clark designed it, and Scottish engineer Adam Clark oversaw construction. Destroyed during the Second World War, the bridge reopened in 1949.
Walk across for views of Parliament, the Danube and Buda Castle, then linger after dark when the bridge and riverfront are illuminated. For a quieter crossing, come early in the morning. The Pest end is close to tram 2, while the Buda end is a convenient starting point for exploring Castle Hill.