Welcome To Buda Castle!
Yes, the view at sunset is spectacular – the majestic Buda Castle overlooking the Danube River in Budapest…imagine what the views from up there are like!
Well, imagine no more!
Alex and I spent part of a day exploring one of Budapest’s most popular attractions: the magnificent Buda Castle!
Part of the fun in going to the castle district is how you get to it – by funicular!
Time To Ride The Budapest Castle Hill Funicular!
It’s a bit of a hike from the Danube to the Castle, so they offer a ride on a historical cable car!
Connecting the banks of River Danube and the Buda Castle, the Funicular (“Budavari Siklo” in Hungarian) has been in service since 1870.
The funicular had been meticulously reconstructed and rebuilt in a vintage style after being completely destroyed in a WWII bombing raid.
Here’s how they describe themselves:
“Located at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge, the funny ride on the Funicular takes only a few minutes, and it does provide a unique and beautiful view of Budapest, the River Danube and sights at the top of Castle Hill, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Running every 10 minutes up and down the Castle Hill from early morning till late at night, do not be recoiled by the queues.”
That’s right, “do not be recoiled!”
Exploring Buda Castle!
We took the Funicular down, not up – but you’ll see that soon. The walk up the hill from the street below gives you many chances to get unique photos, as there are fortified walls and gun turrets along the way:
Once you reach the top, you can see all of the “Pest” side of Budapest across the river, and we weren’t the only ones trying to capture the shot:
Yes, the view of Budapest and The Danube from Buda Castle is incredible, and there is so much to explore from above, like this:
Budapest’s “Fisherman’s Bastion!”
The Fisherman’s Bastion was built between 1895 and 1902 as part of the series of developments that were to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state.
As their website point out:
“The Bastion was inspired by the architectural style of the early medieval times (Neo-Romanesque) approx. the year 1000, when the first Hungarian king started his rule. What is more, the 7 towers of the Halaszbastya features the 7 Hungarian chieftains who had led their tribes to the present day Hungary to settle down in 895, and the Statue of St Stephen (1906), the first Hungarian king (1000-1038). In short, it is a historical monument for the millennial Hungary.”
The Majesty Of Matthias Church!
Also in the area is this amazing church – as they describe it:
“Matthias Church is one of the finest churches in Budapest, and the most unique churches in Europe. Located atop the Buda Castle hill, it has been serving the citizens of the Buda Castle Hill since 1015, its foundation by the first Hungarian king.”
Nearby, a bombed out area from the war is still there:
After our fun tour, we took the funicular down, and I got completely unwanted narration from a group standing next to me:
The Buda Castle was a great way to see Budapest’s history, and spectacular views….and if you take the sunset tour on the Danube, this is what Buda Castle looks like:
Pretty spectacular, right? Budapest really lights up at night, and you can see that video here:
Of course, if all this tourism makes you hungry, then you have to dig into a bowl of real Hungarian Goulash:
My wife documented her meal, and so did I – click here to see my Schnitzel and Spaetzle!
Let me know if you’ve ever been to the great city of Budapest!
Categories: Art, Exotic Travel, Food, food blog, Food Review, Memoirs, nature, Pop Culture, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, Uncategorized, Wacky Food
Stunning photographs! Looks like a great place.
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Thank you! It’s like Paris in the 50’s: a bit beat up around the edges, but trying to clean up and move on!
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I would love to travel more, but reading your words and seeing your phots is a good start!
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Thank you for the comments!
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I have not been but would love to visit. You certainly live an interesting life, John. The goulash looks delicious.
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Robbie, it was all part of that anniversary trip on The Orient Express – giving me LOTS and LOTS of blogging material! Thanks as always for the comment!
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Marvellous stuff, John. Magnificent views of a classical European city indeed. I have been on a funicular railway in Barcelona, and in a few spots here in Britain too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete! I took the one in Barcelona as well…we actually took this one down and walked up – not that far!
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