- Gems of Budapest
Gems of Budapest - Margaret Island
Margaret Island - located between Buda and Pest in the Danube river - is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Budapest. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, this enchanting island has something for everyone. So, next time you're in Budapest, be sure to escape to Margaret Island and immerse yourself in its natural beauty and charm.
The island is long and narrow – it’s 500 meters wide, and measures 2.5 km in length between Árpád Híd (Arpad Bridge) on the north and Margit Híd (Margaret Bridge) on the south. Margaret Island (Margitsziget in Hungarian) boasts a rich history dating back centuries.
Originally known as "Rabbits Island," its name was derived from the abundant wildlife that inhabited the area during the medieval times. Throughout the centuries, Margaret Island served various purposes, including as a royal hunting reserve, a recreational area for nobility, and a retreat for religious orders. It wasn't until the 19th century that the island began to take shape as a public park, with the construction of pathways, gardens, and recreational facilities.
In the early 20th century, Margaret Island underwent further development, with the addition of thermal baths, swimming pools, and entertainment venues. The island became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, seeking relaxation and leisure activities amidst its natural beauty.
View of Margaret island in Budapest, with the Thermal hotel, water tower and the Palatinus baths
How to get there:
By public transport:
Take tram number 4 or 6, which go over the Margaret bridge. The stop on the Margaret bridge is called Margitsziget / Margit híd at the southern tip of the island, from there it's a short walk to the island
Take bus No. 26 (the only public transport which can actually enter the island) - from Nyugati Train Station, through Margaret Bridge, then Margitsziget island with several stops, then onto Árpád Bridge
By public boat service: a scenic, though a bit slower way to get to the island. It runs between Tuesday to Sunday, between 12.00 – 20.00 at every 2 hours. You can get on the boat at Vigadó tér/Dock 5 in the city centre in Pest, from there the journey will take about 25 minutes
Program ideas for visiting Margaret island (entering from the southern tip of the island and moving to the north)
Discover the Musical Fountain
Experience the magic of the musical fountain, a captivating attraction that comes to life with colorful light displays and synchronized water performances. The fountain hosts regular hourly shows - usually between 11 a.m. and 21. p.m. - set to classical and pop music hits, providing a delightful sensory experience for visitors of all ages.
The musical fountain during the evening light show on Margaret island, Budapest
The musical fountain on Margaret Island is considered to be one of the largest in Europe.
The fountain jets water up to 10 meters high, in the evenings 250 energy saving LED lights provide moodlighting around the 35 meter diameter pool - containing 400 cubic meters of water, and more than 1000 square meters water surface.
The fountain opened in 1962, at first there was live music, today it features hourly music shows, and a light show at night - with music, lights and water formations coordinated by a computerized program. The repertoire ranges from classics such as Liszt, Mozart, Brahms, to modern pop hits by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, George Ezra, and also Hungarian kid songs and pop hits (usually referencing Budapest in some way).
Enjoy a Leisurely Stroll
Begin your exploration by taking a leisurely stroll along the island's picturesque pathways. Lined with lush greenery, vibrant flower gardens, and ancient ruins, Margaret Island offers a scenic retreat away from the urban chaos.
The central flower garden area on Margaret island, Budapest
The Rose Garden in Margaret island, Budapest
One of the oldest sycamore trees on Margaret island, Budapest
Margaret Island Mini Zoo
There is a small petting zoo on the island, mostly featuring rescued animals, including storks, deer, ponies, bunnies, ducks - the mini zoo is managed by the big Budapest Zoo (located in the City park). If you are visiting with small children, it can be nice, but do not expect to have a full-fledged zoo experience, due to the limited space and small number of species.
Storks in the Mini Zoo on Margaret island, Budapest
Visit the Thermal Baths on Margaret Island
Unwind and rejuvenate at the famous thermal baths on Margaret Island. The island is home to the Palatinus Baths, where visitors can soak in thermal pools, enjoy water slides, and indulge in spa treatments, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of the Danube.
For more information, please click on the link below:
1900 was a turning point in the history of the island, when the connecting walkway from Margaret Bridge (constructed 24 years earlier) was built. In 1909 the capital purchased the island and it became the most important public garden. The acquisition of Margaret Island by the capital also meant that facilities serving the needs of the general public were established, including the Palatinus Baths, which has been in operation since 1919. This was the very first Bath in Budapest where visitors could bath outdoors. Today the spa, open air bath and wave bath, now open all year round with 15 pools, offers a colorful range of spa and wellness treatments.
Palatinus Baths on Margaret island, Budapest
The Ensana Thermal Margaret Island hotel is also offering thermal pools, a large spa and wellness area, and also a wide range of medical treatments. The Ensana Grand Margaret Island hotel is a more historic hotel (shown below).
The Ensana Grand Margaret Island hotel on Margaret island, Budapest
Engage in Outdoor Activities
Margaret Island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Rent a bicycle or a pedal-powered cart (bringóhintó in Hungarian) and explore the island's scenic trails, or enjoy the recreational facilities scattered throughout the island, including several children's playgrounds.
Explore Margaret island with a four-wheel bike
Explore Historical Landmarks
Delve into the island's rich history by exploring its historical landmarks. Don't miss the ruins of the 13th-century Dominican convent and the Water Tower, which offers panoramic views of Budapest.
The Water Tower is about 2 kilometers north of the Margaret Bridge ramp. It is 57 meters high, a conical rotunda supported by slender legs. It was built in 1911 by Szilárd Zielinski and Rezső Ray in the secession style of architecture, characterized by clean lines and ornate decoration. An interior staircase leads to the top, offering expansive views of Margaret Island, the Danube and the city beyond. There is an open air theater at the southern base of the tower. The tower is open during the summer months.
Keep an eye out for cultural events and performances held on Margaret Island throughout the year. From open-air concerts and theater productions to art exhibitions and festivals, there's always something exciting happening on the island.
For programs at the open-air Margaret island theater, please click the link below:
The Water Tower on Margaret island, offering panoramic views of Budapest
Ruins of the 13th-century Dominican convent on Margaret island, Budapest
Among the island’s century-old oaks and poplars are the ruins of a Dominican convent where princess Margit lived - known to the world as St. Margaret of Hungary - who became a legend here.
Born in 1242, Margit was the favorite daughter of Hungary’s King Béla IV, from the House of Árpád, who lost his realm in battle to the invading Mongols. He had promised the Almighty that if he and his wife, Queen Maria, survived the Mongol attack, they would offer their next child to the church. Margit was just three or four years old when her parents entrusted her to the Dominican convent. It was within the convent walls that she, as a teenager, defied her father’s order that she marry a neighboring king. Instead, she devoted herself to God. Saint Margaret lived a devout and charitable life on the island, earning her a reputation for piety and sanctity. She was canonized as a saint later, and the island was subsequently named in her honor.
Visit the Japanese Garden
On the northern tip of the island there’s a Japanese garden, with a fish pond, a rock garden, dwarf trees and an artificial waterfall.
The Japanese garden on Margaret island, Budapest
And there is also a musical well in the north (not to be mixed up with the already mentioned musical fountain at the southern entrance of the island!). Just north of the Japanese Garden, on a raised gazebo, is the revamped Musical Well, which plays Hungarian melodies every hour on the hour and a four-trombone ditty on the half-hour. At ground level there are taps pumping out potable well water.
The musical well on Margaret island, Budapest
Today, Margaret Island remains a beloved landmark in Budapest, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Its lush greenery, historical landmarks, and recreational amenities continue to attract tourists from around the world, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Hungarian capital.
