In the Old Town of Bratislava, along the Danube River you will find the UFO Bratislava Bridge.
During our travels, we enjoy seeing alien inspired attractions, like the extra terrestrial highway in the USA so when we heard about the UFO Bridge in Bratislava we were excited to see it.
While you are in the Old Town of Bratislava you might also like to check out our favourite attraction Bratislava Blue Church!
UFO Bratislava – The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever seen a UFO – flying saucer – in real life? Want to gaze at one before you die? You can find one at the Most SNP Bridge in the Old Town of Bratislava.
Bratislava UFO Facts
The UFO can be found above the pylon of the bridge. The Bridge being dubbed as the ‘UFO Bridge’ is actually because of the UFO like object that appears on top.
Its official mane is Most Slovenského Národného Povstania – the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising – in short Most SNP.
However, after it was completed, people began calling it Nový Most (New Bridge). This name gained momentum and even replaced Most SNP up till August 2012.
Why did the name change? A new bridge – the Apollo Bridge – was finished. People became bewildered as it wasn’t the “New Bridge” anymore. So, they reverted back to calling it Most SNP.
The UFO Bratislava is the 7 biggest bridge in the world and it’s probably the longest bridge to have one pylon and one cable-stayed plane.
Furthermore, the UFO at the top of the pylon houses a restaurant, and an observation deck.
The view from the deck is extraordinary. Drop by the deck to catch the best sights of Bratislava from way high up. You don’t want to miss it!
A LANGUAGE POINTER: ‘Most’ means ‘bridge’ in Slovak.
Photo Gallery: as seen from the Castle
UFO Bratislava History: The Beginning
Shrouded in the Communist Era, the origins of the Bridge are a bit tragic.
Its construction began in 1967 and after much hard work on the part of the workers, it was completed in 1972. For such a long bridge, this time span of 5-6 years is close to lightening speed. Apparently, it was made a top priority so it was completed fast.
Unfortunately, in order to erect it, the Czechoslovakia Government took steps to demolish a significant part of the Old Town, Bratislava.
The Moorish-style Synagogue and the Jewish Quarterwere the spoils of this act. Similarly, the Vydrica Neighborhood and a part of Castle Hill were destroyed.
The construction of the UFO Bridge even caused St. Martin Cathedral to be in danger. Thankfully, a lot of repairs were later done to secure the cathedral.
Despite its painful past, it’s a great place to visit due to the alien aircraft on top.
UFO Bridge History: Result of the Bridge
A while after the UFO Bridge was finished, a housing scheme was started. In the languid settlement of Petržalka, a large development of concrete houses took place. This community grew extensively over the years.
Now, Petržalka is the biggest borough in Bratislava, housing over 100,000 people.
Since then, people have been able to cross the Danube River more easily and without boats.
Over the years, the UFO Bridge has become a well-liked spot for performers.
Architecture
The UFO Bridge is one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in Bratislava.
Moreover, the UFO Tower is a part of the World Federation of Great Towers.
Engineer A. Tesár and architect J. Lacko were the prime designers of this bridge. They fashioned the bridge and the steel tower (pylon) that was supposed to hold it above the Danube River with cables.
The bridge is 431.8 m in length, 21 m in width and has two floors. The lower floor of the Bridge is 3.5 m and is used for walking while the upper floor is utilized for car traffic.
The bridge weights 8,000 tons. It is an architectural masterpiece how such tiny cables can hold it up!
Above ground the pylon stands the UFO with its restaurant (85 m) and observation deck (95 m).
In one of the pylon legs is an elevator – with a capacity of 10 people – that can take you up. In the other leg, lies the 430 emergency stairs.
The entire tower has around 50 windows. The view from all the windows is spectacular. The restaurant was made to hold about 120 to 140 people at one time.
Current Use
The Bridge is extensively used to cross the vast Danube River.
The UFO at the top of the bridge serves as a restaurant serving both traditional Slovak food and international cuisine.
To reach the restaurant an elevator takes you there in 30 to 45 seconds. You can also use the 430 stairs if you fancy a LONG walk.
At the observation deck, you can find some of the best sights in all of Bratislava. Most of the Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral and other monuments like the Old Town Hall are visible from the deck.
Charge up your camera as you don’t want to miss a chance to catch some amazing sights!
Why you should visit: The UFO Bridge received an architectural prize in 2001 – it was awarded bridge of the 20 Century!
How to Get There?
If you are in Old Town, it will take about 20 minutes to walk to the UFO Bridge.
It is also possible to reach the bridge by tram or bus from the city.
From our hotel, the Doubletree by Hilton Budapest, we reached the bridge in less than 10 minutes by taxi.
UFO Observation Deck Opening Times
The UFO Observation Deck is open from 10am – 11pm daily (including the lovely restaurant).
MONDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
TUESDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
WEDNESDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
THURSDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
FRIDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
SATURDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
SUNDAY: 10:00 am – 11:00 (23:00) pm
Tickets and Prices
To reach the observation deck at the top of the UFO it costs:
- ADULTS: € 7.40 f
- STUDENTS (groups of people above 15): € 4.95
- KIDS UP TO 15 YEARS OLD (at least 111 cm in height): € 3.95
- CHILDREN UNDER 15 (less than 111 cm in height): Free
- TOURIST GUIDES: Free
- DISABLED PEOPLE: Free
Note: Students, disabled people and tours guides have to show their ID cards to be allowed in. You can get 25% or 10% discount with the Bratislava Card. This discount is only for the observation deck.
You can enter the restaurant without paying a shilling. Nevertheless, you will need to pay for whatever you buy, be it food or drinks.
Tip: I have good news for the spend thrifts among you. If you want to see the view from the deck for free, then order at the restaurant and wander up to the deck. No one will stop you or ask you to pay € 7.40. Shh don’t tell anyone!
Things to do Nearby
The UFO Bridge is magnificent in its own right. If you are ever in Bratislava, you just need to drop by the Most SNP or you will regret it. However, in its surroundings are other monuments worth seeing and visiting in Bratislava Old Town.
Alžbeta Durínska
Huddled in Mikulášska 1 in Bratislava, Alžbeta Durínska is located in the Bratislava Castle grounds.
Alžbeta Durínska is the statue of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. St Elizabeth is a saint due to all the great work she did helping and feeding the poor.
The distance from the Most SNP is about 1.4 km – around a 4 minutes’ walk.
Holy Trinity Column
At Hviezdoslavovo Square, 4-5 in Bratislava, you will encounter a column known as the Holy Trinity Column
It was constructed in the 15 Century as a tribute to the people who died as a result of plague.
People infected with the plague were killed – burned – outside Bratislava’s gates so that the disease would not spread.
It’s also known as the Marian Columns because of the Statue of the Virgin Mary on top of it.
Designed by the Italian artist Stanetti, the Holy Trinity Column is a very detailed Baroque Column.
This column is not that hard to spot in the Hviezdoslavovo Square.
The walk is a little far so its best to catch the tram or bus to reach to reach it.
Monument to the fallen in World War I
This is a very interesting monument and well worth seeing.
It is known as Slavin which is the graveyard of Soviet heroes that died in the World War II.
This war monument helps the people of Slovakia honor the heroes who died for Slovakia.
It is possible to see the Alexander Dubček’s Peace Meadow, the World War II military bunkers, the Hall of Farewell with the obelisk (only from the outside) as well as the Russian wooden cross.
From the UFO Bridge, Slavin is about 3.1 km away so you can either walk (if you are feeling energised!!) or take the bus.
Restaurants near the Observation deck
Here are some restaurants we would recommend if you don’t wish to dine in the UFO.
Fou Zoo Pan Asian Restaurant
Located at Sevcenkova 34 in Bratislava, this restaurant serves Japanese, Asian, Fusion and Sushi.
The food is so delicious that it has been awarded two Michelin stars.
The best things to order are the Tom Kar soup, Green Thai curry both with seafood, Coconut sweet sauce and the Mango sticky rice.
The staff are friendly. Drop by if you have a craving for Asian Cuisine.
It is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. On Saturday from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm and on Sunday from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Koun
Are you a sweet tooth? So are we!
In Paulinyho 1 in Bratislava, this café has the BEST homemade ice cream in Old Town. I
t’s renown for exotic and quirky ice cream flavors including rum, coffee, poppy seed, guava and chocolate. The cones are also very delicious.
Don’t be off put by the line, its well worth your time.
It is open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Closed on Monday.
17’s BAR
Located in Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 17, this bar offers lunch, dinner and drinks.
The menu at the bar is great. It includes garlic soup with loaf of bread, homemade burgers and pizzas.
Note: The wine is just as good as the food.
It is open Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 am. On Thursday from 10:00 am – 1:00 am. On Friday from 10:00 am – 2:00 am. On Saturday from 11:00 am – 2:00 am. On Sunday from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.
The UFO Bridge in Bratislava has a striking structure. If you’re ever in Old Town, visit the bridge that has been marked by the aliens. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
