Nearly one thousand people swim across Danube in Budapest for first crossing in six years

Nearly one thousand swimmers braved the Danube on Saturday in Budapest for the first Danube Swim event in six years. The Generali OWT Danube Swim took place between Corvinus University and the University of Technology, a typically busy stretch of the river. Organiser Balázs Mezős explained that the event requires extensive preparation, with 40 paramedics, 12 motorboats, and the entire Danube closed for four hours to ensure safety.

Larger ships had to be moved from the start and finish zones. For participants, swimming in the Danube, usually off-limits, was an extraordinary experience, offering a unique perspective of Budapest. One participant, a young woman, had always wondered about swimming across but never thought it was possible. The organisers assured the public that the water is clean and safe, with no dangerous eddies.

Mezős noted that increased open-water Danube beaches in Budapest and across the country have helped overcome the public's initial wariness. He encouraged everyone to give it a try, emphasizing that while the first few swims might be uncomfortable or even scary, the experience becomes a pleasure by the third attempt. The Danube Swim is part of the Generali Night Run sports festival, offering a variety of running distances through Budapest's iconic locations.