Bottomless Lake Budapest
Oasis in Buda
Once I lived next to this picturesque lake just a stone throw's away from busy Móricz Zsigmond körtér. The only mystery was its name - 'bottomless'. The lake is surrounded by a myriad of urban legends claiming that it managed to swallow tanks during WW2 or that after the system change in 1989 dead bodies were washed ashore.
In fact, the lake came to life by an accident in 1877 when workers of nearby a clay factory cut through a deep-lying underground water stream. According to another legend, the water came up so rapidly that it swallowed tools and even some unfortunate workers, which is why fishing in it was unsuccessful, as the nets would be torn apart by the parts of the equipment.
The most likely origin of the name, though, comes from the time of construction of the Cistercian church, that yellow one you can see in front of the lake. They tried to dispose of the soil and debris left after the construction in the lake, but the soil kept on floating, therefore they concluded that the lake was 'bottomless'. In the 1960s the lake was cleaned, refurbished, and populated with fish, and a park was formed around it with the New Buda Park Stage, which is an open air bar now.
The park is a great place for an escape from the buzzing city life, watching birds, snacking, enjoying the sunshine, or, if you feel sporty, running on a track or exercising at the open air gym.
About this spot
Budapest
- 247
HUF
no-price
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
KÉK – Co-working on a vibrant street in Buda
In search for a warm environment to work remotely? KÉK – Contemporary Architecture Center has it all, a hub for creativity, connection, and inspiration.
By
Eszter
Baracskai
Arquitecto Pitpit – The secret garden
In the place of a former canteen, a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court.
By
Claudia
Leporatti
Csendes Vintage Bar & Café – Surrealist blast
"Csendes Vintage Bar & Café" in Budapest means 'quiet' but the name is a bit misleading - it's a buzzy ruin bar without the rains & a comfortable eatery...
By
Claudia
Leporatti
The Magic – Tasty Harry Potter experience
It does not look like Hogwarts, but rather a medieval castle where each part has a reference to an event or a place from the books of J. K. Rowling...
By
Mária
Morozova
Zoo Cafe – Meet the animals
One of the ideas behind the place is to give a possibility for those who want to adopt an animal to try spending some time with them at the café.
By
Mária
Morozova
Pál-Völgyi Cave – Get adventurous
The cave is famous for its funny-shaped dripstones, significant differences in levels & narrow corridors. Let your fantasy run free at the Fairy Tale hall.
By
Mária
Morozova
House of Music – Feel the vibes
You can try out various sizable musical instruments & jump on the inbuilt constructions that produce sounds, and it is accessible outside of working hours.
By
Mária
Morozova
Koller Gallery – A secret garden
The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously.
By
Mária
Morozova
Medieval Wall of Pest – The memory of the past
The first wall was erected around Pest in the 13th century, but it was soon deconstructed. Another wall around Pest was built a century later...
By
Mária
Morozova
China Town – Taste & feel China
Don't let appearances fool you, at Monori Center you will find some of the most authentic Chinese restaurants that serve seafood, hot pots, and dumplings.
By
Mária
Morozova
The Flood of 1838 – Memories on the walls
The plaques with water markers set in stone refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high.
By
Mária
Morozova
Gólya Presszó – Easy way to meet the locals
Check their program, as they have a lot of fun activities ranging from concerts, queer drag shows and performances to board game evenings and conferences.
By