Shoes on the Danube Bank: History, Location & Meaning (2026)

TLDR: The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a poignant Holocaust memorial located on the Pest side of the river, just south of the Hungarian Parliament. It honors the 3,500 victims killed by the Arrow Cross militia in 1944–45. The memorial is free to visit and open 24 hours a day.

Located on the edge of the Danube Promenade, sixty pairs of rusted iron shoes face the river. They are not just art; they represent the thousands of Jewish victims who were ordered to remove their valuable footwear before being shot into the freezing water during WWII.

This guide covers the history behind the monument, how to reach it by tram, and the meaning behind the different types of shoes you will see.

What is the story behind Shoes on the Danube Bank?

The memorial was created in 2005 by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. It honors the memory of Hungarian Jews executed on the riverbank by the Arrow Cross militia during the winter of 1944-1945.

Victims were ordered to remove their shoes before being shot into the icy Danube. Shoes were valuable, and the killers reused or sold them. What’s left now are 60 pairs cast in iron, permanently frozen in time.

Is the shoes along the Danube based on a true story?

Yes, tragically, it is. The memorial captures a very specific and brutal moment during Hungary’s Nazi occupation. The Arrow Cross regime, aligned with Hitler, carried out mass murders along the river.

According to the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest, an estimated 20,000 people were executed by the Danube, many of them Jews. These iron shoes don’t symbolize general loss; they mark a real, horrifying event that unfolded on this exact spot. 

What do the shoes on the Danube Bank mean?

Each pair of shoes tells a silent story. You’ll notice men’s work boots, women’s heels, and even tiny children’s shoes. It’s not random. The variety is intentional, reminding us that whole families were killed.

The shoes mean absence. They represent people who were here one moment and gone the next. It’s a quiet, powerful protest against forgetting.

What the Shoes Represent:

• The Variety: You will see men’s work boots, women’s heels, and tiny children’s shoes, symbolizing that no one was spared—regardless of age or status.
• The Placement: The shoes are scattered casually, as if their owners just stepped out of them moments ago.
• The Iron Material: Represents the harsh permanence of their absence.

Can you walk along the Danube in Budapest?

Absolutely, and I recommend you do. The Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó) is one of the most scenic walks in the city. It stretches from the Elisabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge, passing by the Shoes on the Danube Bank and the Parliament Building.

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

• The grand Hungarian Parliament glowing golden at dusk
• Art Nouveau buildings and classic riverboats
• Street musicians playing melancholic Hungarian tunes
• Benches for quiet reflection or river-watching

Bring comfortable shoes and go just before sunset; the light is unforgettable. Pair it with the guided audiowalk from StoryHunt to learn more about the landmarks around the river.

How to Get to the Shoes on the Danube Bank?

The memorial is located on the Pest side, about 300 meters south of the Hungarian Parliament Building.

• Tram (Best Option): Take Tram 2 (the scenic river line) to the Kossuth Lajos Tér stop. Walk towards the river and turn left (south); you will find the shoes about a 5-minute walk away.
• Metro: Take the M2 (Red Line) to Kossuth Lajos Tér.
• Walking: It is an easy 10-15 minute walk north from the Chain Bridge along the river promenade.

Who were the Arrow Cross and what happened in 1944?

The Arrow Cross Party was a fascist Hungarian militia that came to power in October 1944 with Nazi support. For the next six months, they unleashed terror across Budapest.

Thousands of Jews were deported or killed outright. The Danube Bank executions were part of their reign. Victims were marched from the Jewish ghetto, shot at the water’s edge, and left to be carried away by the current.

What’s the best time to visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank?

Early morning or twilight. I’ve visited during midday and it’s still powerful, but those quieter times of day allow for personal reflection.

It’s also best in late autumn or early spring, when the crowds are fewer and the atmosphere feels especially raw and honest. Bring a tissue. You may need it.

Tips for a Respectful Visit:

• Candles & Flowers: Visitors often place tealights or stones inside the shoes (a Jewish tradition) to pay respects.
• Silence: This is a grave site; please maintain a respectful volume.
• Photography: Photos are allowed, but avoid posing "with" the shoes or stepping on the memorial.

How long should you spend at the memorial?

While it’s technically a small site, give yourself at least 20 minutes.

Read the inscriptions. Watch others react. Walk slowly along the line of shoes.

Is there an entrance fee to the Shoes on the Danube Bank?

The memorial is easy to access, and you don't have to pay anything to experience it.

• Cost: The memorial is a public monument and is completely free to visit.
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
• Lighting: The shoes are subtly illuminated at night, making evening visits poignant and safe.

Is it worth seeing Shoes on the Danube Bank?

Without a doubt. It’s one of the most moving and meaningful experiences Budapest offers. It’s not about sightseeing. It’s about witnessing history.

If you only have one hour to spare on the Pest side, make sure this is where you go. You’ll walk away quieter, maybe even changed. 

What else is nearby Shoes on the Danube Bank?

One of the best parts of this memorial’s location is its proximity to other essential landmarks in Budapest. Within a short walk, you can also explore:

• Hungarian Parliament Building: A jaw-dropping Gothic Revival palace, both inside and out. Book a guided tour or admire it from the riverside.
• Chain Bridge: Budapest’s most iconic bridge, connecting Buda and Pest. Lit up at night, it’s postcard-perfect.‍
• St. Stephen’s Basilica: A towering neoclassical church with views from the dome that are absolutely worth the climb.‍
• Gozsdu Courtyard: A buzzing network of ruin bars, restaurants, and nightlife tucked into a former Jewish ghetto courtyard.

Tip: The StoryHunt audio walk ties all these stops together, guiding you with immersive storytelling, local legends, and historical context. It’s like walking through Budapest with a savvy, storytelling friend.