Inktober Budapest Inspiration: The Statue with the Mustache That Looks Like Woody Harrelson

If you’re in Budapest this October with sketchbook in hand, ready to tackle the Inktober prompt “mustache,” then you’re in luck. Forget about the usual suspects like barbershops or classical portraits of Hungarian gentlemen — there’s a far quirkier muse waiting for you on the slopes of Castle Hill. Yes, Budapest happens to have a statue that looks uncannily like Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson… complete with a very distinctive mustache.
A Mustache with Star Power
Hidden among the medieval charm of the Fisherman’s Bastion, along the winding Schulek Stairs, stands a statue of an Árpád-era warrior. To most, it’s another noble stone figure guarding the gates of old Buda. But to sharp-eyed visitors (and a growing number of internet users), it’s become something much more amusing: the “Woody Harrelson statue.”
Why? Because the likeness is uncanny. From the actor’s trademark squint right down to a muscular jawline and, most importantly, the glorious mustache, this medieval warrior could easily double as Harrelson’s distant ancestor. If Woody ever wanted proof of being Hungarian royalty in a past life, this statue might well be Exhibit A.
For your Inktober sketch, that mustache is the obvious star of the show. It’s thick, bold, and exudes the kind of old-world charisma that modern hipsters at Budapest’s ruin pubs only wish they could pull off. But here’s the fun twist: you can style your sketch however you want. Give it sunglasses, plop Harrelson into medieval armor, or draw him dueling with a magician straight out of “Now You See Me.”
When the Meme Meets the Man
The resemblance became so famous that even Woody Harrelson himself couldn’t resist checking it out during one of his stays in Budapest. While the actor was in town filming the third installment of Now You See Me, he actually popped by the Fisherman’s Bastion to meet his lookalike in stone. And yes — smartphones were ready, photos were taken, and the internet rejoiced.
Imagine the scene: centuries of Hungarian history immortalized in limestone, now sharing space with one of Hollywood’s most laid-back actors, both sporting mustaches that seem to whisper, “yes, we’re related.” For Budapest tourists, this moment sealed the statue’s status as a must-visit curiosity and a sketch-worthy gem.
Making It Your Inktober Highlight
So, how does this tie into your artistic journey through Budapest? Simple. Next time you find yourself wandering the Fisherman’s Bastion, peek around the staircase where the lookalike stands. Take a moment to study the angles, the sharp lines of the warrior’s face, and of course, that mustache with a life of its own. Then, pull out your pen and sketch away.
It doesn’t matter if your style leans toward detailed realism or goofy cartoon caricature — this statue practically begs for both. You might even capture Harrelson himself in the same drawing, padel racket in hand, standing shoulder to shoulder with his stone twin. That way, you’re blending Budapest’s cultural history with a dash of Hollywood charm, which is really what art in travel is all about.
Why Budapest Gives the Best Inktober Vibes
Budapest is already overflowing with sketchbook-worthy moments: Gothic spires, steaming thermal baths, and eccentric ruin pubs filled with vintage relics. But what makes it perfect for Inktober is its mix of solemn grandeur and unexpected humor. The Woody Harrelson statue is the ideal proof — part monument, part meme, and part mustache masterpiece.
So if you’re tackling this year’s “mustache” theme, don’t just draw any mustache. Draw the mustache. The one that belongs to both a Hungarian warrior and, somehow, to a Hollywood legend. And when your ink lines dry, you’ll have a sketch that captures not only Budapest’s spirit but also a story you’ll enjoy retelling long after October ends.
If you create a picture inspired by this post and share it, please tag us at #budappest.
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