Park & nature
Shoes on the Danube Bank
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The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a haunting memorial located on the Pest side of the Danube River in Budapest. It consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes, sculpted in various styles from the 1940s, scattered along the riverbank. The memorial commemorates the Jews who were shot into the river by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944-45. Visitors often leave candles, stones, or flowers among the shoes, creating a deeply moving atmosphere. The site offers a stark contrast to the vibrant city life nearby, with views of the Parliament Building and the river. It's a place for quiet reflection, not just about history but about humanity. The memorial is accessible at all times and is free to visit, making it a powerful stop on any Budapest itinerary.
Don't miss
- View the 60 cast-iron shoes, each representing a victim
- Leave a stone or candle as a tribute
- Photograph the shoes with the Hungarian Parliament in the background
- Read the memorial plaques in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew
- Visit at sunset for a reflective experience
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Shoes on the Danube Bank
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Shoes on the Danube Bank with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inWalking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank4.9★ · 392 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →
Most bookedBudapest Danube Cruise and Dinner Options, Live Music and Dance4.7★ · 7,541 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$57 per personSee dates →
Top ratedBudapest free walking tour: Parliament and Shoes Memorial5★ · 502 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The memorial is outdoors and accessible 24/7.
- Respectful photography is allowed; avoid climbing on the shoes.
- The area can be slippery when wet.
- Combine with a visit to the nearby House of Terror museum for deeper context.
A bit of history
In 1944-45, during the Holocaust, Arrow Cross militiamen executed thousands of Jews on the banks of the Danube. Victims were ordered to remove their shoes before being shot, so the shoes could be taken. The memorial, created by Can Togay and Gyula Pauer, was installed in 2005.
Common questions
Why are there shoes on the Danube bank?
The shoes memorialize Jews who were shot into the river during World War II, after being forced to remove their shoes.
How many shoes are there?
There are 60 pairs of iron shoes, including children's shoes.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the memorial is free to visit.
Can I visit at night?
Yes, the memorial is open 24/7 and is lit at night.
How long should I spend here?
About 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a reflective visit.
Is the memorial near other attractions?
Yes, it's close to the Hungarian Parliament, the Danube Promenade, and the Chain Bridge.
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