On 2nd of January 2025, black barriers were installed at the lower section of Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion, requiring visitors to pay a 1,500 HUF fee for panoramic views of the Danube. This decision, made by the District I Municipal Assembly on December 12, 2024, was intended as a 30-day trial to manage tourist influx and increase revenue.
Telex
The barriers faced immediate backlash for their negative impact on the historic site's aesthetics. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony labeled the move as "absurd and unworthy." Responding to public criticism, District I Mayor László Böröcz ordered the removal of the barriers on January 3, 2025, acknowledging that the implementation was inappropriate.
Mayor Böröcz emphasized the need to alleviate the heavy tourist burden on the Buda Castle area and suggested that future strategies would focus on enhancing services rather than restricting access. He stated, "Based on the feedback, it was clear that this solution was not appropriate in terms of appearance."
The removal of the barriers has restored unrestricted access to the Fisherman's Bastion, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy the views without charge. The District I leadership plans to explore alternative methods to balance tourist management with the preservation of the site's historical integrity.
This incident highlights the challenges urban centres face in managing popular tourist destinations, balancing revenue generation with public accessibility and heritage conservation.
This blog post is based on information from Telex.
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