Construction on New Wooden Danube Swimming Pools Set to Begin in 2025
Wooden swimming pools may make a comeback in Budapest, as plans are in motion to reintroduce a special kind of swimming experience to locals and tourists. In the 19th century, there were several open-air, “floating” wooden swimming pools on the River Danube, even in its downtown section. These pools were a popular attraction and a part of Budapest’s history.
David Vitézy, a member of the Budapest Municipal Assembly, has proposed the idea of bringing back these wooden swimming pools to the city. The water quality of the Danube has been found to be acceptable for swimming, making it a feasible option for such a project. Valyo, an NGO, has measured the water quality and found it to be suitable for swimming, especially at locations like the Római Beach.
The proposal to prepare the building and creation of the first Danube wooden swimming pool downtown has been accepted by the Municipal Assembly. Plans are underway to start the preparatory work in early 2025. These wooden swimming pools were a part of Budapest’s history, with nine such pools existing at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The goal is to bring people closer to the river and enhance the natural beauty of the Danube. By reintroducing these wooden swimming pools, Budapest hopes to create a unique and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors. The Budapest Municipal Assembly’s decision to move forward with this project is a step in the right direction towards reviving a piece of the city’s history and creating a new attraction for all to enjoy.
