Margarete Island

Margit-sziget is the most popular of all Danube`s islands in Budapest. Originally named Island of Hares (Nyulak szigete), it has faced all the ups and downs of the city through history. First settlements recorded belonged to the order of St John, dating from 12^th century AD. Legend goes that Ottomans used the island in 18^th century as a harem island. Today, it is name after St Margaret (1242 – 1270), daughter of King Béla IV of Hungary who lived in the Dominican convent on the island. The thermal springs led to a real improvement of the island´s infrastructure in 19^th century. With the building of Margaret Bridge in 1900, three former islands were connected with each other to build modern Margaret Island, which is 2500 m long, and 500 m wide. Today, the island is a favorite spot for sports enthusiasts. Bikers, joggers and Nordic walkers love the island promenades and paths. Others just stroll around or relax. See the Centennial Memorial of 1973, the Japanese Garden with thermal fish pond, the small island zoo with waterfowls, the Music Well (Zenélő kút), a pavilion for open air concerts near Árpád Bridge, the most beloved Music Fountain (Zenélő szökőkút) with music and light shows in summer, near Margaret Bridge. See also the ruins of the Franciscan church and the Dominican monastery.

Swimmers enjoy life at Palatinus water park, the biggest open-air swimming complex in town, and Alfréd Hajós sports pool (where three European LC Championships took place, the last one, in 2010. There is also a tennis stadium and the athletics centre. Wellness & Spa friends prefer the Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget or the Grand Hotel Margitsziget. There are also world renown offers for medical eye treatments and dental help, on the Island, and elswhere in Budapest.

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