Some useful information for wheelchair user guests visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion in the Buda Castle, Budapest.

Accessibility of Fisherman’s Bastion

Unfortunately the upper turrets of the Fisherman‘s Bastion in Budapest are not wheelchair  accessible, but the lower parts, ramparts, terraces offer great views for visitors in wheel chair  too, with some important considerations to keep in mind before making your visit: first, the area is mostly covered in cobblestones, but not everywhere, so the ride is occasionally bumpy and the cobblestones may affect the wheels of your wheelchair negatively.

For a better understanding what the surfaces look like near the Fisherman‘s Bastion and the Matthias Church, please zoom in on this view : https://goo.gl/maps/gaNDxP8HtCC2

Accessing the Buda Castle area

With these road circumstances in mind, if you decide to go ahead, and take the smoother pavements, and on some parts, the bumpier cobblestone ways to the bastion, we recommend to access the Buda Castle District by bus or taxi. There are public buses which are wheelchair friendly but please be prepared that the minibuses and the Castle buses are mostly crowded, and not easy to get on them with a wheelchair, unless the other guests – mostly tourists – are considerate enough to make you space on the bus (it should not be impossible but please do not be surprised to see fully packed buses in the Castle District).

From the bus one needs to get off at the Holy Trinity Square (Szentharomsag Ter): from there there is approximately 22 meters / 72 feet to cover as a distance – partly on smoother pavements and partly on cobblestone – to reach the Fisherman’s Bastion (right behind the Matthias Church).

Accessibility of Attractions near Fisherman’s Bastion

Holy Trinity Square has been recently renovated, and according to local wheelchair users, it is easily manageable with a mobile chair or wheelchair.
Matthias Church has got a rampart for wheelchair users, so it is also accessible for visitors.
In the nearby Hotel Hilton there are many accessible toilets that you can use.
Please note that the Buda Castle courtyards (next to the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery) are all covered in cobblestones, which make them, unfortunately, not wheelchair friendly.

Tours: kindly note that currently none of the public Castle Tours are truly wheelchair friendly. However, private tours can be offered and are relatively affordable if you and your partner / family wish to get a private guide to accommodate a slower pace and accessible routes throughout the guided tour including the visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Castle courts. For a Guided Accessible Tour, kindly contact us via info [at] budacastlebudapest.com

1. Access to Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle Hill

• Accessible Entry Points:
  • The lower terrace is wheelchair accessible via ramps from Szentháromság Square (Holy Trinity Square). The pathways are relatively flat at this level, making it suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Upper Terraces: Access to the upper levels of the Bastion requires navigating stairs. Unfortunately, there is no lift or elevator to the higher terraces.
• Cobblestones: The surrounding area has cobblestones, which can be challenging for wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility. Assistance may be needed in some areas.

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2. Access to Matthias Church, Buda Castle Hill

• Accessible Entrance:
  • Matthias Church provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the right side of the church (when facing the main facade).
  • Assistance may be required to navigate the slight incline leading to the accessible entrance.
• Interior Accessibility:
  • The main sanctuary and primary areas of the church are accessible, but some side chapels or upper levels may not be due to the lack of lifts.

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3. Access to St. Stephen Statue, Buda Castle Hill

• Location: The statue of St. Stephen stands prominently near Fisherman’s Bastion, embraced by the lookout terrace and its arcades. While the terraces are overlooking the Danube, the statue is looking at the chapel of Matthias Church.
• Pathway: The pathways leading to the statue are mostly flat, and the viewing area around the statue is accessible.
• Cobblestones: While the immediate area is relatively smooth, some cobblestoned paths leading to the statue may require extra caution or assistance. Kindly be aware that the attractions near Fisherman’s Bastion welcome many hundreds of tourists at certain hours of the day so please make sure to pick calmer days / hours for your Buda Castle visit to avoid busy roads.

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4. access to Fisherman’s Bastion Restaurant

• Accessibility:
  • The Restaurant, located within Fisherman’s Bastion, is wheelchair accessible.
  • Step-free entry is available, and the interior is spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Accessible restrooms are also available within the restaurant premises.
• Advance Arrangements: It’s recommended to contact the restaurant in advance to ensure assistance is available if required.

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5. Public Toilets by Fisherman’s Bastion

• Location: Public toilets are located near Fisherman’s Bastion, close to Szentháromság Square. The toilet is on the right side of the Bastion, if you are facing the river Danube of Budapest.
• Accessibility:
  • An accessible toilet is available.
  • Note that the toilet has specific operating hours and could require a small fee for use.
• Recommendation: Visitors with specific accessibility needs should confirm the availability and accessibility of the toilets before visiting.