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Budapest’s iconic Fisherman’s Bastion cordoned off: You can only admire the Danube for a fee
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Starting 1 January, a new barrier has been erected at the lower level of Budapest’s iconic Fisherman’s Bastion, with a sign announcing that a HUF 1,500 (EUR 3.36) entrance fee is now required to enjoy views of the Danube. The 1st District Assembly has stated that this new arrangement will be in place for a trial period of one month, aiming to assess the viability of charging for access to the lower terrace.
Fisherman’s Bastion cordoned off
The decision to close off the lower section of the Fisherman’s Bastion was approved by the Assembly on 12 December, Telex reports. While the upper viewing platform had already required an entrance fee, this fee has been increased and extended to the lower section, which is now fenced off with an unsightly black cordon that critics say detracts from the historic building’s aesthetic (check out the photo of the cordon in THIS Telex article).
A point of contention during the Assembly meeting was the restaurant operating on one of the lower terraces, which holds a permit to remain open until 31 October 2025. Former mayor Márta Váradiné Naszályi raised concerns that the restaurant’s terrace effectively blocks access to a part of the lower level of the Bastion, and that non-paying visitors are not allowed to enter the area. Representative Gábor Csobánczy, however, pointed out that the restaurant’s contract stipulates that it must ensure an exit for visitors.
This issue has gained significance because, with the closure of the lower section, the only free access to the Danube view is through the restaurant, making it increasingly difficult for the public to enjoy the landmark without paying.
You want tourist to visit Hungary! The fisherman’s bastion is one of the most beautiful landmark in Budapest. It not only allows a great view of the river, of Pest, and the surrounding areas, but brings people to our beautiful city by the bus loads. I guess I see how some money hungry people want to “sell” the view, but isn’t the upper level entrance fee enough for that? Why take away the opportunity of walking along the bastion and looking out over the river? What else will these money hungry people put a price on?
Enough! Does there have to be a payment for everything in this city? Budapest is a beautiful city for residents and visitors, and not too long ago it was a cheaper alternative destination for visitors vs some Western European major cities. More and more the prices are Western European whilst most locals earn MUCH less. How can most Budapest locals enjoy their own city? If there must be a payment for something as simple as a view, maybe make it cheaper (or free) for those that have Identification showing that they actually live in Budapest (or Hungary more widely). What next? A fee to walk along the Duna Corso in Pest? A ticket to take a walk on Margit Sziget (Margaret Island)?!
This is a very bad decision made by some greedy politicians. I was born in Hungary and I do visit Budapest quite often. Not a good policy to charge money for a beautiful view. Hope we can change the local politicians mind, and eliminate the fee.
Orbánisztán, nagyon rasz! 🙁
Pretty soon, they’ll figure out a way to charge you for the air you breathe in Budapest. Turning everything that was once free into a paid service—what a brilliant way to make life unbearable!