New beach opens at the site of the closing Budapest beach: operator is a well-known person

On Monday, it was revealed that SHO Beach, located next to Kopaszi Dam in Budapest, will permanently close. The beach was unique for being the only safe swimming area along the Danube in Budapest. However, disagreements between the landowner and the operator led to its closure. Despite this, Lágymányosi Bay will soon have a new beach, Flava Beach, opening this year.

Flava will start welcoming visitors in 2024 on the sandy shores of Lágymányosi Bay. The precise opening date remains uncertain due to the current flood situation.

SHO Beach was unique for being the only safe swimming area along the Danube in Budapest. The site is now being taken over by the son-in-law of PM Viktor Orbán, István Tiborcz. Photo: Facebook

SHO Beach has to go: another operator is to take over the coast

Daily News Hungary reported on Monday that SHO, one of Budapest’s most cherished beaches, will shut down after three years. Opened in 2021 following a HUF 300 million investment, SHO included amenities like changing rooms, restrooms, and the MÁK Terrace bistro.

In a Facebook post on Monday, SHO’s operators stated that they could not reach an agreement with the property owner to continue operations. Over the past three years, SHO Beach faced financial difficulties, only generating HUF 6 million from ticket sales in its inaugural summer.

The area won’t remain unused for long, as Flava Beach is set to take over the site previously occupied by SHO Beach. The new management promises enhanced services, an updated menu, and a refreshed appearance. According to their statement, visitors can expect sports facilities, a cocktail bar, a playground, a live music venue, and various summer events.

Flava: an asset of the son-in-law of PM Viktor Orbán

Flava Kitchen&More is a subsidiary of BDPST, owned by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s son-in-law István Tiborcz. According to Telex, Tiborcz is passionate about premium tourism as he has previously said that it is not good that today “people come here just because they think Budapest is a cheap destination”. He believes that this is why the average prices of five-star hotels should be raised.

The new operators also plan to host sporting events such as the popular Öbölúszás (Bay Swim).

“Due to the extraordinary flood situation, the opening date of Flava has still not been finalised. However, during the June pre-season, the beach will be open to the public free of charge on weekdays, thanks to the new operator. Additionally, entry fees for the summer peak season will be significantly lower compared to last year,” the Budapart statement noted.

Therefore, once the flood situation improves, the shore will be accessible for free in June, marking a new beginning for Lágymányosi Bay’s holidayers.

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