When the Icy Danube Engulfed the City
In March 1838, the city of Pest—now part of Budapest—experienced one of its most catastrophic natural disasters when the Danube River unleashed a devastating and icy flood. This calamity not only reshaped the city's landscape but also played a pivotal role in its urban development.
Hungary has had many floods throughout its history. The oldest record dates back to 1012, when “countless people, cattle and buildings perished”. Various chronicles also mention the Danube floods of 1126, 1193, 1210 and 1211. This was followed by a similar ice flood in January 1268. Later, in 1275, 1280, 1316, 1402, 1465, 1480, 1490, 1508, 1516, 1595, 1622, 1640, 1661, 1668, 1694, and in the 18th century in 1730, 1732, 1740, 1741, 1744, 1775, and 1799 were years with particularly large floods, but none caused as much destruction as the famous glacial flood of 1838.
Flood level signs for the 1775 flood (below) and the 1838 flood (above) in Buda.
The floodwaters began rising on 13 March, 1838, exactly 187 years ago today. The water level reached its peak on 15 March, with water levels surging to heights that submerged vast portions of Pest. Contemporary accounts describe the cityscape as a vast expanse of water, with only rooftops and church spires piercing the surface. The deluge wreaked havoc, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and tragically claiming numerous lives.
According to contemporary data, the flood destroyed a total of 2,281 houses on the Pest side, severely damaged 827, and left 1,146 intact. On the Buda side, the damage was much less extensive, as the majority of the houses were built on high ground, so the water did not reach them. In Buda, a total of 204 houses collapsed, 262 were severely damaged, and 2,023 remained intact. Approximately 50,000-60,000 people were left homeless.
A postcard of the plaque of Wesselényi rescuing residents from the flood
image credit: hungaricana.hu
Baron Miklós Wesselényi became a hero during the 1838 flood in Pest due to his extraordinary bravery and selflessness. As the Danube’s icy waters engulfed the city, he tirelessly rowed a small boat through the flooded streets, rescuing countless people trapped in their homes. His efforts earned him widespread admiration, and he became a symbol of courage and leadership in Hungary. Despite his noble background, Wesselényi was a strong advocate for social reforms and national progress, and his rescue efforts during the flood reinforced his reputation as a man dedicated to the welfare of his fellow citizens. He remains one of the key historical figures associated with the disaster.
The scale of Baron Wesselényi's relief in Pest
In the wake of the flood, Pest faced the monumental task of rebuilding. The disaster highlighted the need for improved urban planning and flood defenses. Consequently, the reconstruction efforts led to significant changes in the city's architecture and layout. New regulations were implemented to ensure buildings were more resilient to future floods, and the event accelerated discussions about unifying Pest with its western counterpart, Buda. This unification eventually materialized in 1873, forming the modern city of Budapest.
Today, the 1838 flood is etched into Budapest's collective memory. Hungarian and German plaques and markers around the city denote the water levels reached during the disaster, serving as poignant reminders of nature's power and the city's resilience. These markers offer visitors a tangible connection to the past, illustrating the challenges faced by the inhabitants of Pest in 1838.
A plaque on the fence of the National Museum, one of the numerous plaques around the city
As you explore the capital, especially the areas along the Danube, take note of these historical markers. They not only commemorate the victims of the 1838 flood but also celebrate the enduring spirit of a city that rose from the waters stronger and more unified.
