[Frankfurt] Budapest, Hungary · Pearl of the Danube

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an artistic European city. Here, there is no Parisian opulence, New York modernity, or Maldivian popularity; here, there is the most brilliant night view on the Danube River.
Shen Wei: The Simple Light of Budapest

"During my two-night stay in Budapest, the most profound impression the light left on me was its simplicity," said Mr. Shen Wei, a senior member of the AALD Asian Association of Lighting Designers (preparatory).

This simplicity has three aspects: First, the simplicity of light color, with the entire city mainly using yellow and white warm white light; second, the simplicity of lighting techniques, basically adopting flood lighting methods; third, the simplicity of selection, mainly choosing iconic buildings, interesting vignettes, sculptures, etc., for lighting, unlike the indiscriminate and general approach often seen domestically.

In Mr. Shen Wei's understanding, the lighting in Budapest compared to domestic cities is mainly reflected in these three aspects. Simplicity is not simple; Budapest's lighting also involves many complex factors. Budapest also integrates some high-tech elements into its lighting, such as using 3D projection on building facades and light show performances between bridges.

3D Projection on Building Facades

Light Show Performance

Chain Bridge · Symbol of Budapest

In Europe, perhaps no other city's bridges are as dazzling and charming as those in Budapest, nor do any other city's bridges have as many wonderful stories.

The Chain Bridge is the first major bridge connecting Buda and Pest across the Danube, and it is the most beautiful among the nine bridges in Budapest. It has always been the symbol of Budapest. The elegant Chain Bridge is luxurious and dignified. At night, when the lights on both sides of the bridge are turned on, it looks like a string of crystal-clear pearl necklaces hanging on the jade belt of the Danube, or like a rainbow spanning the Danube, creating a brilliant picture that is truly magnificent and indescribable.

Exquisitely crafted vintage street lamps, rustic and elegant

Exquisite stone carvings on the archway at the head of the Chain Bridge

Top-tier Palace Hotel

The top-tier hotel in Budapest is undoubtedly the Four Seasons Hotel, converted from the Gresham Palace. We can see that Hungary's most famous archaeologists and skilled craftsmen have re-sculpted the mottled Gresham Palace into a radiant gem.

Pushing open the large window of the hotel's viewing room, you can see the full view of the Danube and the Chain Bridge, with the Royal Palace situated on Buda Hill at the other end of the bridge. Walking through the Peacock Gate into the lobby, sunlight becomes incredibly soft as it filters through the high stained-glass roof, and the chandelier on the ceiling is luxurious yet understated. Looking around, the overall style is simple and smooth, but every detail bears the traces of fine craftsmanship.

Many facilities in the hotel remain faithful to the original design: just like the Gresham Palace of the past, the wooden handrails of the stairs are covered with thin copper pipes, filled with hot water in winter for insulation, so that guests can feel warmth even in the coldest winter.
Rustic and Serene · Buda Castle Hill Scenic Area

Buda Castle Hill is a gathering place for historical sites, including the exquisite Fisherman's Bastion, the ancient and deep Old Royal Palace, Matthias Church where kings were crowned, and the Neo-Gothic bell tower.

On Castle Hill, there is a church with white spires and a colorful roof, named Matthias Church. The exterior of this building and the interior stained glass and murals all incorporate Hungarian national art and Turkish design elements.

The southern end of Castle Hill is entirely occupied by the grand Buda Palace. This is a magnificent Baroque palace representing Hungary's long history. The central part of the palace now houses the Historical Museum, Gallery, and Workers' Movement Museum.
Vibrant · Pest Scenic Area

Pest is a vibrant place, with the majestic Parliament Building, the grand Heroes' Square, and the Neo-Renaissance National Opera House shining like stars scattered across the open Pest plain.

Heroes' Square in Pest is world-famous. The entire architectural complex is magnificent, with exquisite and lifelike sculptures, reflecting the respect and remembrance of the Hungarian people for historical heroes after surviving the devastation of war.

Ancient churches, ancient buildings, ancient streets and alleys, ancient verdant forests... Numerous ancient cultural heritage sites reveal the glorious history and charm of this city. Through the eyes of the members of the "21st Yangon Overseas Tour," have you felt it? Vienna is the seventh stop for the Yangon tour group, so please stay tuned for our sharing!

Itinerary Map of the 21st "Yangon Overseas Lighting Tour"