Margaret Island is a 2.5 km long island on the Danube in Budapest, which in the Middle Ages was called the Island of the Rabbits (sometimes hyphenated when talking about the island, sometimes written together, when talking about the Budapest district).

The whole island is in fact a huge park, a park of the capital with medieval sacral architecture, sculpted walkways, small lakes, a fountain and a zoo. Motor traffic is prohibited, except for buses and taxis. The island is connected to the south by the Margaret Bridge and to the north by the Árpád Bridge to the Pest and Old Buda quays.

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A brief history of Margaret Island Budapest

The island was named after St Margaret of the House of Árpád, daughter of King Béla IV, who, in accordance with her vows to the king during the Tartar invasion, lived here in the monastery of the Order of St Margaret of the Domonkos in the 13th century. Until the 19th century, Margaret Island Budapest consisted of three parts.

The ice flood of 1838 covered the island by about 2.5 metres, causing extensive damage to young and middle-aged plants. A spectacular example of this is a still living orange mulberry tree, which was felled when young and has grown into an old tree. To prevent further flood damage, the island's original elevation of 102.5 metres above sea level was raised to 104.85 metres by filling, and by 1880 the island's rhombic banks had been built.

At the end of 1866, Vilmos Zsigmondy, a mining engineer and an excellent researcher of the artesian waters and medicinal springs of Hungary, started drilling an artesian well on the west bank. In May 1867, 43 degrees Celsius medicinal water erupted from a depth of almost 1200 metres. Based on this well, the plan to develop the place into a spa island was born. The three separate islands of Painter's Island, Bath Island and Rabbit Island were then merged to create a bathing resort of European renown.

Ruins on Margaret Island
Ruins on Margaret Island Budapest © ZandArt

From 1869, a steamship came to the island. Outside the island, it was accessible only by boat until 1900, when the Margaret Bridge wing bridge was built. The island's second bridge connection was established in 1950 with the construction of the Árpád Bridge.

Until 1919, the island was only accessible on payment of an entrance fee, but today it is free of charge.

 

 

Sport activities

There is a running cirquit on the island. The Margaret Island Budapest running circuit is a 5.35 km long, recortan-covered circuit, popular for both its quality and its location. It is a popular choice for runners due to its excellent surface and the pleasant views it offers of the surrounding Danube river and cityscape.

The circuit is made up of a smooth and solid recortan surface that is comfortable to run on. The recortan provides excellent cushioning for the feet, helping to reduce the strain and impact on joints. The surface also helps to reduce the risk of slipping and sliding, making it a safer option for runners. In addition, the route is often well-lit in the evening, allowing for evening and night sessions.

The route of the run includes the Palatinus Beach Baths, the Alfréd Hajós Sports Centre, passes the Margaret Island Athletics Centre and then runs under the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side of the island. On this side you can also run past well-known attractions such as the Little Zoo or the Grand Hotel.

Runner on Margaret Island Budapest
Zsuzsi is running on Margaret Island Budapest © ZandArt

There are the street workout places located on both ends of the island. These street workout places have become increasingly popular over the years, and provide a great way for people to stay fit and healthy without having to go to the gym. Each place is equipped with a variety of exercise equipment, from pull-up bars to monkey bars, and is a great way to enjoy a workout outdoors. The street workout places are also open to the public and offer classes for those who are interested in learning more about fitness and health.

Working out outdoors is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and connect with nature. Additionally, the street workout places provide a great way for people to socialize and make new friends, as the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

The Margaret Island running circuit is a popular choice for both locals and visitors to Budapest. It offers a safe and comfortable surface to run on, as well as stunning views of the city. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to get out and enjoy a run in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Overall, the street workout places on both ends of Margaret Island Budapest and the running circuit are a great way for people to stay fit and healthy while also enjoying the beautiful scenery of the island and Budapest. It is a great way to connect with nature, make new friends, and have fun while staying active.

The Fascinating Music well

The Bodor Fountain, or the Music Fountain, is one of the two music fountains on Margaret Island Budapest, located in the northern end of the island, facing Árpád Bridge. (The other musical fountain is at the southern end of the island, facing Margaret Bridge.)

The fountain, built in 1936, conceals loudspeakers from which you can hear the typical turn-of-the-century square music of the previous century every hour on the hour. The renovated well was inaugurated on 17 September 2014, together with the renovated adjacent Japanese Garden.

The Music Well is a beautiful and unique musical fountain that is filled with colorful lights and water. It is surrounded by a park and a small artificial lake that makes it an ideal spot for a romantic stroll or a picnic. The fountain is powered by a hydraulic system and plays a variety of classical and folk music, including works from composers such as Brahms, Strauss and Haydn. During the summer months, the Music Well is a popular spot to catch a beautiful sunset while listening to music.

The Music Well
The Music Well on the Northern Part of Margaret Island Budapest © ZandArt

Site location: northern part of Margaret Island near Frigyes Schulek alley

GPS coordinates: 47.535275, 19.052134

Google photos: Click here

 

 

The Iconic Water Tower

The Margaret Island Water Tower, built in 1911, stands in the central part of Margaret Island, Budapest, next to the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage. It was declared a monument of urban significance in 1977. Restored in 2013, the inside of the monumental water tower houses Visual Art exhibitions.

The Water Tower used to be a part of the water supply system of Budapest. It was designed by Miklos Ybl, who was a noted Hungarian architect and engineer. The tower was constructed with a unique combination of brick, stone and cast iron and is a classic example of the neo-Gothic style. The tower stands at a height of seventy-five meters and is made up of four floors. The first floor is a storage area for the water supply, while the second and third floors are open and contain a balcony, an observation deck, and a terrace. The fourth floor is the actual water tower, which supplies water to the city’s water supply system.

The area around the Margaret Island Water Tower is not developed. Passing along the Art Nouveau circular staircase to the eight-arched viewing room, visitors can admire the panorama of Buda and Pest and the bridges over the Danube. The Margaret Island Water Tower, resplendent in its original splendour, is one of the natural and architectural heritage sites of Budapest.

The building, together with the programmes of the Free Space Theatre, is part of a cultural attraction of outstanding tourist value. The largest water tower of the country, the Margaret Island Water Tower, is a real tourist attraction, offering a 360-degree panorama of Budapest, the buildings and sights of the capital and the silhouette of the Buda Hills.

The Water Tower
The Water Tower on Margaret Island | Source: cnn.com

Site location: near Szilárd Zielinski alley

GPS coordinates: 47.530206, 19.050098

Google Photos: Click here

Events on Margaret Island Budapest

Today, Margaret Island Budapest is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who come to experience its rich culture and history. Popular events hosted on the island include the International Music Festival, the Margaret Island Open Air Theatre, and the Margaret Island Wine Festival.

The International Music Festival is an annual event that takes place on the island in late June and early July. This event attracts some of the best musical acts from all over the world, and it is a great opportunity to experience a variety of different genres of music.

The Margaret Island Open Air Theatre is another popular event. This outdoor theatre hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. This is a great chance to experience the best of Hungarian culture.

The Margaret Island Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place in September. This event offers visitors the chance to sample some of the best Hungarian wines, as well as food, entertainment, and other activities.

Margaret Island also hosts a range of other events throughout the year. These include art and culture exhibitions, festivals, and concerts. These events are a great way to experience the culture and history of Margaret Island.

In conclusion, Margaret Island is a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the middle of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. It has been a popular destination for tourists since the 12th century, offering a range of attractions and activities. Popular events hosted on the island include the International Music Festival, the Margaret Island Open Air Theatre, and the Margaret Island Wine Festival. These events are a great way to experience the culture and history of Margaret Island.

 

Site location: near Szilárd Zielinski alley

GPS coordinates: 47.530206, 19.050098

Google Photos: Click here

 

For more information about Margaret Island Budapest visit its website: Click here

For more fun and program opportunities visit our website regularly where you will find constantly updated content!

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