The Flood of 1838 Budapest
Memories on the walls
The Danube always played a significant role in the city life of Budapest, or Pest, Buda, and Óbuda before 1973. The powerful river was not always friendly, as it used to flood the city which caused severe damage, especially on the flat Pest side.
If you wander around the city you may notice plaques with water markers set in stone at different levels. The majority of them refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high and several kilometers deep into Pest. You can see the whole map of the flooded areas during its first days on this memorial plaque in Egyetemi sq. Even though the watermarks are subtle and hard to notice, the flood was far away from being understated: a lot of people died, 50.000 residents lost their homes, 2485 (2281 in Pest only) houses collapsed and 1089 buildings were severely damaged.
This event had a huge influence on the city's face and structure, as it cleared up space for the new buildings and neighborhoods, and inspired better water management projects that include not only restricting the Danube stream and reinforcement of its banks but better drainage system. The city was reborn as a Phoenix, and became stronger and better prepared for possible natural disasters.
Searching for the watermarks can be an exciting quest, this website with the images and addresses can help you identify them. In any case, now if you see one, you will know what it refers to.
About this spot
Budapest
- 247
HUF
free
Find your way with 174 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
Altair Teaház
TranquilTea in Budapest
I always go for the rose and caramel teas, which I usually accompany with a few biscuits dipped into the melted sweetness.
by
Betti
Galos
Orient Café
Coffee asylum at the train station
I have been wishing for a place like Orient café Budapest for so long — having such a calm spot close to the bustling Keleti train station just feels right!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Ghraoui Chocolate
The sweet empire strikes back
"Ghraoui Chocolate" in Budapest offers tastes you’ve never tasted, yet somehow remember, proof that when we invest time & care, we can save the past...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Hello Gyula Gastro bar
Takeaway like no other
Hello Gyula, a tiny gastro bar in Budapest. It serves bold, creative dishes with unusual ingredients, daily menus and a big heart in every detail.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Móka
A multifunctional little corner
Móka in Budapest immediately drew my attention with its modesty mixed with eclectic coziness. It's the perfect place to meet locals from the neighborhood!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Trafó House
The hub of contemporary art
Trafó House is the place to go if you're interested Budapest's contemporary art of all kinds. Its unique atmosphere keeps bringing me back.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Alföldi Cipő
Hungarian leather shoes & slippers
"Alföldi Cipő" and their outlet in Budapest do not follow the same big-name trends to be found in regular shoe fashion. They've stuck to quality...
by
Zoltán
Fejes
Ukrán Udvar
Delights from babusya's courtyard
"Ukrán Udvar" in Budapest means 'Ukrainian courtyard' -- come eat some borsch and dumplings with sour cream exactly like at your grandmother's...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Wekerle Estate
A fall fairy in the city
"Wekerle Estate" in Budapest is like a village within the city - inspired my medieval & rural buildings, it has created a beautiful sense of local spirit.
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Lake Naplás
Urban waterworld
Artificial "Lake Naplás" in Budapest is an unexpected delight where few downtowners or tourists ever venture. It's perfect for interesting nature treks...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Heading to Budapest?
174 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 174 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Budapest
Get to know our other Spotters from Budapest
As featured on:
