Daytime Date to Margaret Island

Margaret Island (Margitsziget), which sits in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest, has an interesting history.  Its most famous resident and namesake, St. Margaret of Hungary, lived here in the 13th century.  Her father, the king, promised that if he defeated the invading Mongols, he would send his daughter to become a nun.  He did both.  He built a Dominican convent on the island and sent his daughter off to live there, where she did for the rest of her life.  The ruins of the convent and her grave are still there.

Now the island is the home to a hotel and spa, a water park, bike and running trails and lots of open spaces.  But no cars.  Only bikes and city busses are allowed.

Charlotte and Nicholas had a 3 1/2 hour birthday party, so Tom and I (still babysitter-less) took the opportunity to explore on our own.  Such a luxury!  We walked the whole of the island (5 km) and took in the sights.

Love this explanation of our beloved chimney cake.  "Fresh Transylvanian pastry Horn baked in place".  No idea why the 'H' is capitalized.

 

Not the most exciting petting zoo ever...except for the chickens!  I love cool chickens!

 

Can't wait to bring the kids back!