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Spacious meadow on Óbuda IslandPhoto: Dömsödi Áron, Hungarian Hiking Association
As the Danube slows down after leaving the Kanyar bend, the sediment it deposits initially forms shoals, and occasionally islands. Óbuda Island is such an island, which later – being an urban area – was shaped by artificial fillings and dredging.
The northern tip of the island is the most famous migratory waterbird stopover in the area. Among the migrating birds, all Central and Northern European species occur. Songbirds breed in the gallery forest of willow, poplar, and wild grape in summer.
The northern part of the island was once used as agricultural land, after the original forest covering the entire island was cut down. Already in the mid-1930s, the Metropolitan Public Works Council designated the area then called Great Island as a forest-public park area, but this was not implemented at the time. In May 1974, the Detailed Development Plan of Óbuda Island was completed, which prescribed the creation of an urban public park. The work was carried out in several phases; by May 1975, a 340,000 m² park had been created along with necessary roads and parking lots, and a 2-kilometer forest exercise track on the western shore. The next phase involved arranging the northern tip of the island. The Óbuda Gasworks, which was located along the Danube’s Buda side at the northern part of Óbuda Island, operated from 1913 to 1980. During this period, gas sludge sedimentation ponds were also established on the northern part of Óbuda Island, which were rehabilitated during this phase.
By 1980, the 63-hectare park, 17 hectares of riverside forest and other areas, a roller hill, slides, six tennis courts, and playgrounds were completed. In 1982, the Mermaid statue by Gábor Szabó was erected. Officially, on the 100th anniversary of the unification of Óbuda, Buda, and Pest into the capital, the public park was handed over in 1983 under the name May 9 Park. The riparian forest once typical of the Danube bank, characterized by wooded steppe vegetation, has almost completely disappeared due to human intervention on the Budapest section, so the near-natural state shoreline of the northern part of Óbuda Island remains one of the last visible examples. During lower water levels, we can still observe the river’s continuously eroded and changing shore structure.
The detailed description of the route can be read under the Directions menu.
Author’s recommendation
- Events are common here beyond the Sziget Festival, so it's advisable to check in advance whether the entire park is open.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRoadbook
We visit one of Budapest's barely developed, underutilized islands and simultaneously one of its largest parks. People wishing to walk, runners, dog owners, families all visit Óbuda Island in large numbers, which once served agricultural and industrial purposes but today is a place for relaxation.
At the start of our walk, we reach the island via the notorious K-Bridge. Built in 1955 from rapidly assembled military bridge elements, the structure has undergone no major renovation since, only minor alterations. The construction ensured the railway connection to the Hajógyár, the tracks of which can still be seen today. Turning immediately left on the island, we set off north on a gravel-covered promenade. On the left side, a riverside gallery forest grows; its winding, wet association recalls the original, but earlier felled forests. It is characterized by a near-natural state, and this narrow strip therefore hides a rich insect and birdlife. After the trees of the island were felled, agricultural fields covered the area, only being reforested in the 20th century.
Reaching the tip of the island, the soil disappears and we step on gravel transported by the river. Opposite stretches the long stripe of the Northern connecting railway bridge above the river. Its predecessor was already inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, but after being destroyed in World War II, this section of the railway network was missing for years. Finally, the current bridge was completed in 1955. To the left, the colorful and graceful towers of the Óbuda Gasworks appear – their elegant and aesthetically valuable appearance reflects the spirit of the time when industrialization was a symbol of progress and an unquestionable pride for a city and country. Later, supporting facilities serving the factory were also installed on the island, but no trace remains today. It now stands abandoned, and its area awaits full cleanup, as the infrastructure built long before environmental protection concepts caused serious contamination; its soil still presents a considerable environmental risk today.
Moving toward the other side of the island, soon the soil again covers the gravel bed, and a vigorous, lush forest towers above us. Returning to the promenade, we walk long south towards the island’s center, where huge clearings grow, separated from each other by groups of trees.
On the eastern side of the island, buildings intended to serve visitors line up, many of which have stood empty without function for a long time. On the way back toward the K-Bridge, we cross the island’s most modern section, the playground famous for its huge slides, renovated in the 2010s. Nearby, it is worth seeing the biodiversity educational trail, which includes insect hotels and bird boxes, introducing urban vegetation. From here, we can walk out along the parking lots to the Buda side.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- You need to travel with the H5 suburban railway to the Filatorigát stop.
- On Saturdays and public holidays, you can travel to the interior of the island with the bus 226, and return from there to Nyugati Railway Station.
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Directions
- The walk starts at Filatorigát, beside the platform along a narrow street.
Parking
- Crossing the K-Bridge, you can find parking within the island or leave your car near the Filatorigát suburban railway stop.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- Maps of Budapest are generally sufficient, but it is advisable to use a mobile phone for navigation.
Equipment
Casual streetwear is perfectly sufficient for the walk.Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions