The alarm clock rang, jolting me from my slumber. I blinked groggily, checked the time, and let my mind wander for a second, pondering today’s adventures. Being an impromptu traveler at heart, I love the thrill of deciding on the spot where our next destination will be. For today’s escapade, we settled on exploring Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle.
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty!” my wife chimed in. “Did you dream about where we’re going today?”
“Only if that dream included coffee,” I replied, rubbing my eyes.
If you recall from my last blog, we spent day one marveling at Budapest’s top sights: the Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Naturally, Fisherman’s Bastion was the perfect choice to continue our journey through this enchanting city. Buckle up for another day of adventure and discovery!
As we prepared to head out, my wife, with a mischievous grin, said, “Honey, if you’re planning today’s route, we might end up in a coffee shop instead of the Bastion!”
“Hey, no complaints from me if that happens,” my daughter laughed. “But let’s try to stick to the plan this time and no more impromptu famous diversions of yours ”
Click on the links to read about our previous blogs on Budapest visit
Stepping out of our hotel, we grabbed a few burgers and a bottle of Coke to fuel our adventure and headed towards Deák Ferenc tér, expecting to catch a tram. Surprise, surprise! Instead of a tram, we had to catch Bus 216 to Fisherman’s Bastion. After a quick stroll across the street, we found ourselves at the bus station, and soon enough, we were on our way.
The bus ride turned into an unexpected delight when we met a cheerful Turkish family. Their stories about their home country were both entertaining and enlightening. My daughter, ever the social butterfly, ended up teaching their youngest how to play thumb wars, which resulted in a mini tournament among the passengers. The bus ride was filled with laughter, as my wife and the Turkish mom exchanged fashion tips and tricks.
Before we knew it, we arrived at Donati Utca. As we crossed the road, we spotted a staircase winding its way up the hill, leading us to our destination. Who knew getting there would be half the fun?
At Fisherman’s Bastion, we were immediately enchanted by the fairytale-like turrets and arches. “Race you to the top!” my daughter challenged, and before I could protest, she and my wife were already halfway up the stairs.
“Wait for me! I need to pace myself,” I called out, pretending to be out of breath.
By the time I caught up, they were both laughing, and my daughter triumphantly declared, “Victory! But Dad, you really need to work on your cardio.” (With the way I am adding weight to my waist I seriously will have to rethink of joining the gym and yes also go there 😂)
As we made our way to Fisherman’s Bastion, the excitement in the air was palpable. The Bastion, with its fairytale turrets and panoramic views of Budapest, had us all in awe. My daughter, ever the little explorer, was darting ahead, eager to conquer each staircase and peep through every archway.
History of Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion, or Halászbástya in Hungarian, is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1895 and 1902 by architect Frigyes Schulek, it was designed to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. The structure is a stunning blend of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic styles, featuring seven towers that represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in Hungary in 895.
The name “Fisherman’s Bastion” comes from the medieval guild of fishermen who were responsible for defending this part of the city wall. The bastion was built on the foundations of the original Buda Castle walls, which date back to the 18th century.
Fun Facts
- Secret Path: Legend has it that there was a secret path in this part of the castle, used by fishermen to get to the fish market in Buda. Imagine sneaking through hidden passages with fresh fish in hand!
- Miniature Castle: The Bastion looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, with its turrets and towers resembling a miniature castle. It’s no wonder it’s often referred to as a “castle prop.”
Cooling my heels at Fisherman’s Bastion - Tourist Attraction: Today, it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in Budapest. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
- WWII Damage and Restoration: The Bastion was damaged during World War II but was restored by Frigyes Schulek’s son. It’s a testament to resilience and the importance of preserving history.
- Statue of St. Stephen: At the center of the Bastion is a statue of St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king. The statue, created by sculptor Alajos Strobl, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century sculpture.
5.Free Access: The lower terraces of the Bastion are accessible year-round without any charge, offering beautiful views of the city. However, the upper terraces require a ticket.
6.Cafe on the Terrace: After exploring the Bastion, you can relax at the cafe on the terrace, enjoying a coffee or snack while taking in the breathtaking views.
Matthias Church Buda Castle Budapest: Magnificent church on top of the citadel hill. This is an impressive Gothic style church that was established in the 13th century. It was reconstructed after the Othmans demolished it in 1541. It was named after the king Matthias. ( Please note there is entry ticket to this church)
“Fisherman’s Bastion” is not just a historical monument but a symbol of national pride and a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Budapest. Have you had the chance to visit it yet?
Our adventure continued as we wandered around Fisherman’s Bastion, turning every corner into a new photo opportunity. My daughter was on a mission to capture the perfect selfie with each turret, while my wife and I tried our best to photobomb her flawless shots. Spoiler alert: mission accomplished!
We stumbled upon some incredibly talented local performers who filled the air with enchanting music. One artist was playing accordion, in particular, had our feet tapping and, before I knew it, I was giving an impromptu dance performance. My daughter and I tried to join in, but let’s just say their dance moves were more “enthusiastic” than “coordinated.”
After our little dance-off, we made our way to the stunning Matthias Church located right on the Bastion. The church’s intricate designs and colorful tiles left us in awe. Inside, my daughter couldn’t resist whispering a spooky ghost story about the medieval knights that once roamed the halls, while my wife playfully shushed her, all the while stifling her own giggles.
With our stomachs growling, we decided to grab a quick lunch at a cozy restaurant on Donati Utca. The food was fantastic, and the rest was much needed after all that exploring. Fueled up and ready for more, we caught a bus to our next destination: Buda Castle.
The bus ride was just as entertaining as our morning, with my daughter sharing her wild theories about the castle’s hidden treasures and my wife trying to keep a straight face. By the time we arrived at Buda Castle, we were all excited to dive into yet another chapter of our Budapest adventure.
It was an afternoon filled with laughter, music, and a touch of the surreal. Fisherman’s Bastion wasn’t just a beautiful landmark—it was a stage for our family’s playful antics and unforgettable memories. 🎶📸😂
