We would like to share a brief update that may affect the appearance of Budapest during your visit in August 2026. Due to the exceptionally low water levels currently experienced along the River Danube across much of Europe following the prolonged heatwave and dry weather, the Hungarian authorities are monitoring the country’s energy supply situation and may introduce temporary energy-saving measures during August if necessary.
Should these measures be implemented, the architectural illuminations of certain landmark buildings in Budapest may be temporarily switched off during the evening. This would only affect the decorative lighting of selected buildings; public street lighting will remain fully operational, and all river cruise programmes will continue to operate as scheduled. While the city’s nighttime panorama may appear less illuminated than usual, we hope for your kind understanding that any such temporary changes would be beyond the control of the Budapest river cruise and boat operators and are introduced solely as a precautionary public measure.
In addition, due to the current low water levels on the Danube, all sightseeing and cruise services continue to operate as scheduled. However, during the coming weeks, Duna Bella sightseeing cruises departing from Dock 7 Vigado Square will temporarily operate without the usual stop at Margaret Island and will instead sail continuously along the route. Margaret Island remains easily accessible by public transport via tram 4/6 or by bus, as well as on foot or taxi across Margaret Bridge (southern tip of the island) or Arpad Bridge (northern tip). Guests travelling on Duna Bella cruises may also continue to request the complimentary Budapest discount coupon booklet, offering a range of savings at selected attractions and restaurants across Margaret Island specifically during the warmer season.
River traffic in Budapest remains unaffected
It is important to note that the current situation does not affect navigation on the Budapest section of the River Danube. Sightseeing cruises in the city as well as Budapest dinner cruises and scheduled passenger services continue to operate as normal. While temporary adjustments may be required to certain landing points or the city’s evening architectural lighting, the river remains fully navigable in Budapest and visitors can continue to enjoy the capital from the water as planned.
We certainly hope that you will take amazing photographs of daytime, sunset or dusk cruises with the beautiful riverside attractions dotting both sides of the river Danube.
Why is the Hungarian Nuclear Power Plant in Paks town affected?
Paks is a Hungarian town located approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of Budapest. The temporary measures are linked to the situation at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides considerable electric power supply to Hungary. Unlike the Budapest section of the Danube, the river conditions at Paks town directly affect the plant’s cooling water supply. Following an extended period of exceptionally hot and dry weather, water levels have fallen to record lows, requiring the gradual reduction of reactor output, block by block, and the temporary shutdown of individual units as a precautionary safety measure until river conditions improve. (Source: Portfolio.hu)
Temporary energy-saving measures in Budapest
In response to the reduced electricity generation capacity, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced that the architectural illuminations of more than 300 municipally managed landmarks are expected to remain switched off temporarily as part of a public energy-saving initiative. The measure applies only to decorative façade lighting. Public street lighting remains fully operational, ensuring that the city continues to function normally for both residents and visitors. (Source: Gergely Karácsony – official Facebook page)
Budapest continues to welcome visitors
Although the city’s famous evening panorama may appear less illuminated than usual during this temporary period, Budapest’s tourism infrastructure remains fully operational. River cruises, sightseeing programmes, restaurants, attractions and cultural venues continue to welcome guests as normal on and by the river Danube in Budapest. The current measures are purely precautionary and are intended to reduce electricity consumption during an exceptional period of low river levels and extreme summer temperatures, without affecting the visitor experience beyond the temporary reduction in decorative lighting.
We wish you an unforgettable river cruise in Budapest, whichever boat or programme you have selected for your August 2026 stay. Even if the city lights shine a little more modestly than usual, the magic of the Danube remains unchanged. We’d be delighted if you shared your favourite photos and memories with us.