On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the Open Water Tournament will host the Generali–OWT Danube Crossing, a 500-meter sprint through the heart of downtown, from Pest to Buda. The start is set on the riverside in front of Corvinus University, with the finish and race center at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) across the water.
Course and Conditions
With all river traffic suspended, swimmers get a rare, uninterrupted line across the Danube—plus a sweeping cityscape as a backdrop. Expect water around 73.4°F (23°C), a sweet spot for a fast, scenic dash.
How to Get In
Participation requires advance registration, and the field is capped at 1,000 entrants. Secure a spot early if you want that downtown crossing stamped on your summer.
Why It’s Special
A city-to-city swim in the middle of Budapest doesn’t come along every weekend—close the laptop, strap on your goggles, and trade your commute for the current. (Cover photo: László Mudra – We Love Budapest)
