Fisherman’s Bastion In Budapest: A Very Photogenic Place
The Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a fantastic place to visit, as it is beautiful. It is also a fantastic viewpoint to see panoramic views across the River Danube. The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city; thus, it can get rather busy.
Every time I visit Budapest, I come here, as it is very special. The architecture, vibe and views make it worth returning time and again. It is also a great place for a dog walk when it’s quiet.
What Is The Fisherman’s Bastion?
The Fisherman’s Bastion at Buda Castle is a decorative fortification made up of some beautiful towers, steps, arches and more. They built the Fisherman’s Bastion between 1895 and 1902. It has 7 distinctive turrets, which they built to represent the 7 Hungarian tribes who founded the country in 895.
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There are many guided tours and experiences that include visits to the area. You can find many of these on the GetYourGuide website.
Features And What To See Nearby
The Fisherman’s Bastion has many features to see and is very photogenic. Matthias Church on site also adds to the area’s pretty nature. As a bonus, there are also places to eat or drink, including a cafe with a view of the river below.
Upper Terrace
My favourite part of the site is the upper terrace, which costs a small fee to enter during the daytime, payable at the nearby vending machine. However, in the evenings after 7 and before 9 am, entry is free. The terrace has wonderful views of the riverbanks and the parliament building.
During the early mornings, this is photography central, with many people taking photos. This includes those posing for wedding photos and various influencers from around the world. On the terrace, you can also see inside two of the 7 turrets and enjoy the views.
Schulek Staircase
The Schulek Staircase is a set of steps to the road below the bastion, offering fantastic views from below. This area seems quieter than up on the fortification. I found it quite eerie on a 5 am walk before people were about.
Statue of St Stephen
On the Fisherman’s Bastion is the equestrian statue of St Stephen. St Stephen founded the Magyar state and was the first king of Hungary. He ruled Hungary from 1000 until his death in 1038. The statue is rather nice to see and certainly adds to the area.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church is a beautiful building at the Fisherman’s Bastion. It is a very photogenic church and a fantastic sight. It is considered one of Hungary’s nicest churches. The spires and roof are stunning to see, especially up close. Mooching around outside is free and well worth your time to take in all the details.
The Gothic church dates from the 14th century. Matthias Church has an interesting history, including being a mosque for 150 years under Ottoman rule, and two kings were crowned here. The interior is also beautiful, with many things to see and learn about Hungarian history.
Views From The Fisherman’s Bastion
The views of the River Danube and the rest of Budapest from the Castle Quarter are fantastic.
When Is Best to Visit?
The area is open for visitors to mooch around 24/7, so you can visit early or late to avoid crowds. My favourite times of the day are before it gets light, very early in the morning, and at sunrise. The views as the sun is coming up are splendid.
I really enjoyed the area when it was dark too; it has a spooky element, and it’s rather quiet. They light up the area, which certainly adds to the vibe and makes it feel a bit safer. Note: A few people were sleeping in the area.
During the quieter times, I’ve enjoyed a few dog walks in the area with Henry and taken the obligatory photo or two.