Gellért Hill

Named after a saint who was rolled to his death from here in a barrel, this hill offers magnificent views of the Budapest skyline.

TravelCurious Tip

A large part of the hill consists of parkland — keeps your eyes peeled for bats and hedgehogs during the summer nights

Gellért Hill is 235m high, and towers over the Danube. It only started to be called Gellért Hill from the 15th century onwards, in honour of St Gerard, a bishop who was killed by pagans during their rebellion against Christianity in 1046. They put him in a barrel and rolled him off the top and straight into history.


War and peace

The citadel at the top was built by the ruling Habsburgs after the 1849 Hungarian uprising as it offered a perfect site for shelling either Buda or Pest if there was a future revolt. It was used for similar purposes by the Russians after the Second World War: Soviet tanks bombarded the city from Gellért Hill to put down the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The Citadel has since been a prison and an anti-aircraft missile launchpad, but is now a tourist attraction.


The Statue of Liberty celebrates Hungary’s more free and peaceful recent history. Standing atop Gellért Hill, this lovely monument can be seen from all parts of the city. Although erected during the Communist era, the statue became a symbol of the city and was spared during the purge of other Communist icons in the 90s.


Up and down

Although it is quite a hike to the top, the view is worth it. Many consider it to be the finest panorama of Budapest and the Danube, but it can be quite crowded, so it is best to come on weekday afternoon if possible. Then on the way down you can give your feet a well-earned rest at the Gellért Baths, by Liberty Bridge.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Budapest
Buda Castle
The historical residence of Hungarian royalty, this impressive palace complex has seen a series of transformations since the mid-13th century.
Gellért Baths
This thermal spa is part of the famous Géllert Hotel, containing eight pools in elegant Art Nouveau style.
Castle Hill Funicular Station
The Castle Hill Funicular or Budavári Sikló in Budapest inaugurated in 1870 connects Adam Clark Square, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle
Great Market Hall
Budapest's oldest and largest indoor market, selling a vast range of local delicacies.
Hungarian Goulash
Hungary is the birthplace of goulash, a delicious meat stew spiced with paprika.
Inner-City Mother Church of the Blessed Virgin
In 1046, Bishop St Gellert was buried at Budapest's Inner City Parish Church, the main parish church which stands today.

Related Tours

Buda Castle District: Private Tour including Gellért Hill
On your private walking tour, your expert local guide will take you to some of the important historical and cultural sites of Buda. Once the capital of Hungary, the Buda area of the town contains monuments that define the city’s legacy. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • Commence your tour on Castle Hill, which offers phenomenal panoramas of the city;
  • Visit the stunning Matthias Church with tickets included;
  • Enjoy a short stop at the Fisherman's Bastion (with tickets included), and admire the panoramic views;
  • Explore the gardens of Buda Castle and learn about the Hungarian monarchy;
  • Discover Gellért Hill, a 235mt high hill overlooking the Danube;
  • Visit Gellért thermal baths, since 1918 have become the city's most famous Art Nouveau baths;
  • Your tour ends with tickets included to enjoy the thermal baths at your leisure, be sure to bring your swimsuit.

Budapest is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, home to an incredible array of World Heritage Sites and stunning architecture that draws millions of tourists each year. The Danube river splits the Buda side of the city from the Pest which, having both been independent cities originally, were unified to become Budapest in 1873.  The multitude of hot springs has made the city famous for its public baths which come in a variety of architectural styles from the Turkish era to Art Nouveau. 

Your private guide will begin your tour on Castle Hill, which stands more than 100 m above the Danube and offers outstanding panoramas of the city. Here you will find the stunning Matthias Church, dating back five centuries. The Fisherman’s Bastion is also worth your attention, a terrace with stunning views dedicated to the fisherman that defended the city walls in the Middle Ages. Buda Castle is the historical residence of the Kings and Queens of Hungary, an imposing building that has undergone a series of transformations since the mid-13th century, and on this tour, you will explore the gardens with your guide.

As you wander to Gellért Hill, enjoy yet another stunning vantage point to admire the city in all its glory. The hill was named after Saint Gerald, who was thrown to his death here. Built with impressive Art Nouveau architecture dating back to the 20th century, the Gellért thermal baths are the quintessential place to spend the rest of your day. Your guide will depart with you here, so you can visit the bathhouse and enjoy the Gellért spa at your leisure. 

Please note that children below 15 years are not allowed to enter the Thermal Pools.
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