List of forbidden bathing spots in Hungary – to avoid being fined

MTI/Péter Komka

This summer’s extreme heatwaves in Hungary make everyone want to rush to the beach as frequently as possible. Before choosing the perfect spot at a lake or a river, it is crucial to remember where we can freely take a swim – without having to pay a fine.

In terms of weather changes and heat, this summer has been crazy in Hungary so far.

Hottest summer in Hungary since 1901

With these high temperatures lasting weeks, no wonder everyone needs a cool refreshment and a nice swim. But before we leave home, it is crucial to check out which waters are suitable and open to the public. Apart from the possible dangers of choosing a prohibited river,

violating the law can come with a fine of up to 150 thousand forints (around 400 euros).

We do not only talk about hidden and banned areas of Hungary’s big rivers but also about otherwise popular bathing spots at the Danube or the river Tisza. Some of these locations became dangerous after the recent storms that deposited alluvium and made them a possible source of infections.

Hellovidek.hu highlights the most important

rule regarding rivers: bathing is only allowed in sections flowing through a city if there is a man-built beach.

They are considered safe places where the flow of the river will not cause an accident.

In general, the most crucial regulation

considering outdoor bathing in natural waters is to always do so in marked areas where it is not prohibited!

Easy and informative signs help us decide where to look for a refreshing time.

The designated sign for a bathing area is usually marked with a black figure on waves on a white-based board.

If a location is not considered safe for bathing or swimming, two red lines cross the black figure.

It is important to remember that not only walking into the water for a while is considered bathing. Any equipment for swimming, inflatable objects like a beach mattress, and water bicycles all fall under this category.

If we choose a hidden spot of a lake or a river instead of a built beach, it is key to know which areas to avoid, not to get hurt and not to receive a hefty fine. Always look for the sign of the black figure on the waves!

Here is a brief list of where and how it is forbidden to go into water:

On the path of a ship or in the 100 metres radius of a buoy marking the path of a ship, the radius of floating construction machines, or of any object floating on water not designed for a beach
In the 300 metres radius of water stairs and underwater constructions; in the 100 metres radius of bridges, underwater machines, ferries, and havens
In the area of ports, loading stands, hithes, designated areas for jet-ski, water ski, and other water sports
In waters that pose a risk on health, in areas at the borders, and waters inside a city
At night with limited visibility, except if the surface of the water is illuminated, but only until deep water, marked by a sign

These locations are forbidden for a reason. There are no lifeguards or anyone that could help in case of a dangerous situation.

Every year at Lake Balaton, between April 1 and October 10, a storm signalling system is being operated. It has 29 stations around the lake. The system differentiates two levels of storm intensity:

Level 1 means that the yellow light flickers 45 times a minute which forbids bathing farther than 500 metres from the shore
Level 2 means that the yellow light flickers 90 times a minute. Bathing is forbidden!

Bathing in most of Hungary’s quarry ponds is prohibited!

Their water deepens very quickly with the illusion of the lakebed disappearing, apart from the sudden temperature change, which is hard on the human body.

If you can not leave the city but want to be refreshed while out with your dog or with friends, we have bad news.

Climbing into a fountain is also forbidden!

In case you violate these rules, you can receive a fine on the spot for 5-50 thousand forints (15-150 euros). If you are spotted for the second time, it increases to 200 euros. The third option of the Police is to start a legal procedure, the cost of which can be as high as 400 euros.

These are the lakes where bathing is open for anyone (apart from the beaches of Lake Balaton):

Lake Omszki, Pest County
Quarry Pond of Rücker, Baranya County
Quarry Pond of Fyőrújfalu
Quarry Pond of Tarcal, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County
Some lakes of Délegyháza, Pest County
Quarry ponds around Békéscsaba, Békés County
The majority of quarry ponds of Somogy County

When it comes to the Danube, here are the areas where we can have a swim:

all public beaches operated by the settlements of Dunakeszi, Göd, Szentendre, Verőce, Dunabogdány, Nagymaros, Kisoroszi, Ráckeve, Szigetcsép, and Szigetszentmárton.

If you need more information, you can find all Hungarian beaches on this website.