Let’s face it, it’s hot! To cool down, why not take a dip in the Danube, on the Római embankment, a haven of alfresco bars and eateries up in Óbuda. To celebrate International Danube Day this Saturday, 29 June, urban activists Valyo and the Trees for the Római Embankment association have got together to set up a free beach. Just bring a towel!
In a one-off test event, this will be the first time that people have been able to enter this section of the river, legally, since 1973. Valyo are already well known for their popular initiatives, such as the Liberty Bridge picnics and the riverbank mobile sauna in winter.
Trees for the Római Embankment have been actively involved in opening up this tranquil part of the river for the last two years. The Valyo team have spent the last five days with an international crew designing and devising Saturday’s pop-up beach.
Their efforts have not gone unrewarded as, along with Saturday’s special event, the local council has agreed to create a free beach on the Római Embankment in 2020.
In the meantime, on Saturday you can try canoeing, SUP and play volleyball – as well as sinking into the Danube for a bathe. A musical bike will set the beach mood, and Hungarian-speaking visitors can find out about the developments planned for the Római embankment in a round-table discussion.
You can reach Római part by boat, part of Budapest’s public transport network, the weekend number 12 from central jetties such as Petőfi tér in Pest and Batthyány tér in Buda, journey time about 1hr to 1hr 20mins. A single ticket is 750 HUF.
You can also get the HÉV electric train from Batthyány tér to the Rómaifürdő stop, journey time 15mins, standard transport tickets and passes valid. From the station, to reach the river is another 15min walk down Rozsgonyi Piroska utca, passing the Római Strandfürdő lido on the way, with its water slides and extensive greenery for sunbathing and picnics.
