Danube Promenade

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Quick Useful Facts

  • Open all year round, day and night
  • Entrance: free
  • There are 60 pairs of men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes made of steel

The Danube Promenade is more than just a walkway by the river. Even if it was just that it’d still be an awesome tourist attraction thanks to the gorgeous view over the river.

But it’s also a touching Memorium of World War II. During the war, Hungary was ruled by the anti-semitic far-right Arrow Cross Party. Like the Nazi party in Germany and Austria, the Arrow Cross persecuted and killed Hungary’s Jewish citizens. 20,000 of them, in particular, were shot on the banks of the river. Their bodies were then dropped in the water to be carried downstream.

Before the execution, the people were made to take off their shoes. The shoes were used for sales or soldiers. The Danube Promenade uses shoe sculptures to pay respect to that tragic moment of Hungarian history.

Useful tip

Most tourists visit this location during the day, but at night there are more symbolic atmosphere and view

Reviews

  • "A very historical surreal experience. And it was lovely to walk down the whole Danube promenade where there are plenty of other statues too! There are not scripts to tell you the story behind the shoes if you don’t already know. So googling the history is advised"
  • "Water attracts everyone. Danube river gives the perfect attraction by having its wide size and different beautiful locations arround it. Hungarian parliament is also located on its edge. Night view full of lights, cold breeze and light smell. Love it!"