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Universities and parks on the two sides of the Danube

Download track as GPX file for your GPS device.
Teljes táv: 7 km
Össz. emelkedő:  19 m
Össz. lejtő: -29 m
Magasság max.: 108 m
Magasság min.: 97 m

Start: Lágymányos ELTE Campus Northern Block

How to get there:

by car: free parking in Magyar tudósok Street
by public transport: tram 4, 6; bus 153, 154B
nearest Bubi (Budapest Bike) station: Pázmány Péter Street; Petőfi Bridge - Egyetemisták parkja

The trip from the university campus to Kopaszi levee lets you discover the riverbanks of Lágymányos and Ferencváros crossing the Danube twice. Riding along the river you will see one of the most beautiful spas of Budapest, a university building that dominates the riverside, significant cultural spots and probably the most popular park of the city.

Routeplan

Set out from ELTE TTK Lágymányos campus and head towards the river. Turn left and take the biking route along the Danube.

After passing under Petőfi Bridge you will see buildings of Technical university ont he left including the central building in eclectic-secession style.

Budapest University of Technology and Economics The history of Budapest University of Technology and Economics dates back to the 18th century. The academic structure of technical education has changed a lot over the past centuries with the pioneering role of the Budapest Technical University.

When you reach St Gellért Square you will see one of the most beautiful spas of Budapest, the secession style Gellért Spa finished in 1918. Just opposite of entrance of the undreground station down at the waterside you can see an interesting „spa facility”, the riverside hot tub where hot water is discharged from the spa and contained by an ad hoc stone structure to enjoy bathing free of charge. Just a few meters onwards you will find floatplane station memorial plaque.

St Gellért Square St Gellért Square in District 11 is one of the most impressive public squares in Buda. The square named after Bishop St Gellért is a significant junction and hides hot springs below supplying Hotel Gellért with warm water.

Cross Liberty Bridge formerly called Ferenc József Bridge when opened in 1896.

Liberty Bridge Liberty Bridge, the green bridge of Budapest has linked St Gellért Square in Buda and Fővám Square in Pest since 1896. It could not survive WW2. Its center span was demolished, however, it was the first bridge to be restored.

At the end of the bridge the building of Budapest Corvinus University dominates the riverside, which formerly functioned as the central customs office of Budapest. As one of architect Miklós Ybl’s best-known works it opened in 1874 and played a key role in the customs service of the capital.

Corvinus Univ. Main Building (formerly Main Customs Office) The rapid development of Pest in the second half of 19th century called for a proper building for customs service. The building of the former Customs Office designed by Miklós Ybl was a most modern and up-to-date facility and today is home to Budapest Corvinus University.

Main Building of Corvinus University of Budapest
Main Building of Corvinus University of Budapest Photo: funiQ

Riding along the river you will pass a former public warehouse building remodeled by the plans of Dutch architect Kas Oosterhuis in the 2000s. Today it is known as Bálna (Whale) and is home to shops, restaurants and galleries.

Crossing a park along Nehru part you will reach Petőfi Bridge with a skate park under it.

Petőfi Bridge Petőfi Bridge was built by the plans of Pál Álgyay Hubert from 1933 to 1937 and connects the southern end of the boulevards of Buda and Pest. This was the first time that reinforced concrete caissons were used in Hungary for building a bridge.

Following the river you will get to the office buildings of Millennium Center and then two significant cultural spots: the Nationl Theatre and Müpa, aka Palace of Arts.

Turning left at the suburban train stop pass behind Müpa and ride up to Rákóczi Bridge.

Rákóczi Bridge Although its location was selected back in the 19th century construction began only in 1992. Rákóczi Bridge (formerly Lágymányos Bridge) links New Buda with Millennial Cultural Center. Its Buda side is adjacent to Kopaszi levee, the Pest side just ends at the National Theatre.

Return to the Buda side and follow the biking track to exit the bridge. Pass under the bridge and you will reach Kopaszi-gát, your destination. Probably, it is the most popular park of Újbuda with various facilities for recreation.

Kopaszi levee Kopaszi levee has grown beyond its original river management function and has become a recreational center with various facilities for sports, dining and relaxation.