The Danube is a popular escape in the summer heat, but many people are unaware of the strict rules in place. Swimming is prohibited in many parts of the river due to strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and heavy boat traffic — all of which can pose serious risks.

To stay safe, always choose one of the 22 official free beaches along the Danube, where conditions are regularly monitored and swimming is allowed.

Be warned: swimming in prohibited areas can result in a fine of up to HUF 150,000. Even worse, getting swept away by the current can quickly turn a summer outing into a tragedy.

In addition to staying out of non-designated zones, swimming is strictly forbidden:

• Near shipping lanes and buoys,

• Close to large vessels, floating platforms, bridges, or ferry crossings,

• At night or during poor visibility.

Fortunately, several safe and officially designated Danube beaches do exist, where water quality is regularly checked and the environment is suitable for a refreshing dip.
 

Here’s the list of approved free spots along the Danube in Hungary:
 

• Halászi Strand (Duna sétány 1053/5 hrsz.)

• Zátonyi Strand, Dunasziget (0213/228 hrsz.)

• Itató Strand, Mosonmagyaróvár (9246)

• Aranypart Strand, Győr (9024)

• Koppánymonostori Szabadstrand, Komárom (2903)

• Verőce Free Beach (2621, left bank of the Danube)

• Nagymaros Free Beach (2626, between Magyar utca and Király utca, on Hunyadi sétány)

• Zebegény Free Beach (2627 Zebegény)

• Forgó Strand, Szentendrei Danube Branch (right bank)

• Postás Strand, Szentendre (2000)

• Dömsödi Free Beach, Dömsöd (2344, Középső-Dunapart)

• Római-parti Plázs, Budapest (1039, Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart)

• Alsógödi Free Beach, Göd (2131)

• Felsőgödi Free Beach, Göd (2131, 3659/1 and 3255/2 hrsz.)

• Dunakeszi Free Beach (2120 Dunakeszi)

• SHO Beach, Budapest XI (Kopaszi-gát)

• Vadkacsa Free Beach, Ráckeve (Dömsödi út 4, near Duna Bridge)

• Szigetcsépi Free Beach, Szigetcsép (2317, Zrínyi Miklós utca 32)

• Szigetszentmártoni Free Beach, Szigetszentmárton (2318, Telkes u. 10)

• Horányi Strand, Szigetmonostor (2015)

• Szalki-sziget Free Beach, Dunaújváros (2407, southeast shore of the bay on the right bank)

• Bajai Strand, Baja (Kamarás-Duna area, Sugovica)
   

Stay safe this summer by choosing one of these supervised spots for a riverside bathing adventure.

Original article in Hungarian published on Origo.hu

 

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