Hidden secrets of the Margaret island

This beautiful island is stretching on the Danube between the Margaret and Árpád bridges and it's very popular among the locals. I personally enjoy my morning jogging with a small yoga section here a few times every week. The 5 km running track is flat and offers a nice view.

Do we know this charming place in depths? I left the well-known paths and this morning I discovered the green oasis of Budapest like never before! Join me for an irregular running routine and explore the island with me! The tram nr 4/6 has its own stop called Margaret island, that's the easiest way to get here. Walk from the Margaret bridge towards the Árpád bridge and you will make a circle. You can also rent bikes and all kind of tandems close to the Centenary Monument, fun way to get around! Enjoy the Danube breeze and the spring flowers!

Centenary Monument

Quick history - Old ruins

The island used to be three little, separate islands, later on due to the Danube regulations it got merged in the 19th century. In the Middle Ages the place used to be called the island of rabbits and famous kings used it as a hunting reserve. The Hungarian king Béla IV. had a daughter, Margaret, she moved to the island, rejected the royal luxury and settled down the first cloister here, she became a nun. The island is named after her. In the 13th century a Dominican and a Franciscan church were built here, that shows the importance of the island in history. You can still visit the ruins and step back in time. In the shadows of the Dominican remains, where Saint Margaret used to live, you will find her grave.

There is not much left from the original Franciscan church, that was built by King Béla IV as well. In the 19th century this building was in ruins but the Habsburgs decided to rebuild it as a holiday complex. It used to be called the Nádor Guesthouse. It was an extremely popular place among writers and poets in the 19th century.

Nature all around

Apart from a few sport facilities and hotels, there are no more buildings on the island, but you will find some very old, rare trees and a peaceful Japanese Garden close to the Árpad bridge.It's perfect for a romantic walk with its fish pond and rock garden especially during spring time, when everything is blooming. Here you can be in harmony with the nature.

In the middle of the park you will pass by some rare, old trees, these are huge ones. Look at the so called London plane tree, that was planted in 1823 and is called the Ancient sycamore. Close to this special tree another London plane is standing, you will spot its silver colors easily, that's the reason it's name is Silver sycamore.

Ancient Sycamore

Silver Sycamore

Water Tower

This is a very nice example of Secession style architecture, the water supply of the island is provided by this tower. An open-air stage has been operated on spot since 2011, every summer you can enjoy concerts, musicals and all kind of performances here, at the maximum 3000 people can watch the show at the same time. Check out the upcoming programs HERE!

Saint Michael's Chapel

Close to the water tower you will find a special chapel hiding. It was originally built in the 12th century, but later on it was totally destroyed during the Ottoman invasion. What we see today is the renovated version from 1930. In the 20th century a storm twisted out a walnut tree and right under that the original bell was found, after this miraculous story excavation works were carried out in the region, when some of the formal monastery was also exposed.

Endless greenery

Many people come here to relax in the hidden gardens and it's just so lovely that you are surrounded by the Danube. If you've never visited the place before, get on tram nr 4/6 and discover the secrets of the Margaret island!

Summer time the island shows its different face, I will reveal my favorite open-air bar and the magical fountains in June.