Archive of past years Trans Danube Swim

Trans Danube Swim Information

Trans Danube Swim is like flying an airplane. The dangerous part is departure and arrival. It's safe when you're flying. Here and there a little turbulence comes. But at the end, everything is all right.

You will enjoy the swimming the moment you find yourself in the water. That's when you forget all worries and realize the uniqueness of the moment. Bring a waterproof camera with you. Important note: If you are waving into the camera, our rescuers may evaluate this as a request for assistance. Please, be aware of this fact.

We will enter the water in several stages. TDS is the best cure for a better mood and health.

čiapka

SIGN UP ON TIME

The beautiful thing about Trans Danube Swim is that every year is different. Not only the color of the cap, but also the temperature of the water and the height. Start living healthy. Pick up your cap two weeks before the start in BUBO office, which is located on Dunajská 31 street. The latest pick up time is on last Friday, before the start.

čiapka

FIRST SUNDAY OF SEPTEMBER

We meet at the Dvořákovo nábrežie riverbank by River Park at 12:30. (Start map)

Event map

Trans Danube Swim 2026 map: start at River Park, three gates, finish at the Slovak Rowing Club, after party in Sad Janka Kráľa

Open the full-size map

We hand over the belongings into one of four transport vehicles marked with the colours of the wristbands you are wearing. The vehicles for red, brown and blue leave at 13:20, those for yellow, green and pink at 13:50. At 13:20-13:30 a safety briefing will take place. We have an experienced team of rescuers, who have been with us since the first event.

WRISTBAND COLOUR = YOUR GATE AND START TIME

Along with your swim cap, your start pack contains a coloured wristband. The colour of the wristband determines which gate you enter the water from and at what time.

  • Gate 1: BLUE — start from 14:00 · PINK — start from 14:30
  • Gate 2: BROWN — start from 14:00 · GREEN — start from 14:30
  • Gate 3: RED — start from 14:00 · YELLOW — start from 14:30

Start times are approximate.

Preplávaj Dunaj

A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

At 2:00 PM, the drummers will signal the start. We will launch a flare and set off together. Wait for the flare - as we need to receive confirmation that navigation on the Danube is closed. We have boats positioned upstream and downstream, and we are waiting for the signal! We enter the water in two waves through three gates. The first wave starts at around 2:05pm. The red, brown and blue groups each start from their own gate, marked in the matching colour. The yellow, green and pink groups start at around 14:30. We enter the water gradually — there is enough time for every swimmer to enjoy the Danube. There is no need to push, everyone will get in. The BUBO team will assist you on both banks.

The first swimmer is a professional who has crossed the Danube ten times. We all jump into the Danube with a chant that we repeat three times to get as much adrenaline as possible. The first 50 meters will be swum at a 15-20% angle against the current. After that, you can let yourself be carried away, breathe in the wonderful scent of the Danube, and enjoy the experience. Gradually swim towards the opposite bank. In the second third of the swim, remember to look back at the other side. It will be the most beautiful view of Bratislava you've ever experienced. The swim will take 15 to 25 minutes.

This year’s swim cap and a swim buoy are mandatory equipment for every swimmer — this is an instruction from the state authorities.

CIEĽ

WE CONQUERED THE RIVER

Adrenaline is circulating in the blood and we have an incredible experience behind us. Now it's time to get out of the water, the most important part. Follow the people in front of you and stay 10-30 meters from the shore. Our team will help you to get out of the water.

ATTENTION: The pontoon is there only to help you get out of the water. Don't climb up on it and dont swim above it. The water is strong and it could carry you away. if you miss the first stairs, don't worry, there are other stairs only 5 meters away. Once you get out of the water, grab and elbow, not a palm.

párty

WELL DESERVED CELEBRATION

Take pride in the feeling of having swum across the Danube. From now on you will see the river differently. After leaving the water, collect your baggage and head to the changing tents. Once changed, follow the marked route about 150 metres to the oldest public park in Central Europe — Sad Janka Kráľa. Celebrate your achievement there and enjoy refreshments from our partners. You have earned that wonderful feeling.

FOR SPECTATORS

Your family and friends will not be able to reach the finish by car — the access road will be closed and entry to the car park by the gate will not be possible this year. They can watch the swim from the SNP Bridge, from the walkway on the castle side and, in limited numbers, from the embankment paths on both sides of the steps by the Aušpic restaurant. We recommend agreeing on a meeting point in advance — a fixed spot near the Ferdinand restaurant in Sad Janka Kráľa.

FAQ

Participation by persons under the age of 18 is prohibited, except when a person under the age of 18 participates under the direct supervision of an accompanying adult. This adult assumes full responsibility for the safety of the minor participant and the organizers fully disclaim this responsibility.

You can pick up your cap at the BUBO office at Dunajská 31 in Bratislava, on working days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., approximately 14 days before the event. We will notify you by email when the caps are available for collection. On the day of the event, caps can only be picked up between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. directly at the office for a fee of €5. Caps cannot be picked up at the venue.

Yes — the buoy is mandatory. It is not available on site, so please arrange one in advance. The official buoy with the event logo is available at store.bubo.sk, and any sports shop will have suitable alternatives.

Yes. Refreshments are served in Sad Janka Kráľa by the Ferdinand restaurant, about 350 metres from the finish along the marked route. You collect them with the QR code on your wristband, so please do not remove the wristband at the finish. Lunch is only for holders of a black wristband who ordered it in advance.

From 12:30 p.m., you can leave your luggage in the transport vehicle at PKO. We recommend labeling it with your name. The vehicle will be locked at 1:20 p.m. and moved to the Rowing Club, where you can pick up your belongings. The organizer is not responsible for the transport or contents of luggage. The vehicle only transports luggage, not bicycles or scooters.

They are not mandatory, but recommended. Shoes will improve comfort when entering/exiting the water. A wetsuit or at least a T-shirt for the water can help in colder weather.

Yes, the event will take place even in adverse weather conditions, as long as it does not endanger the safety of participants.

No. Please arrive at the start already dressed in your swimwear. At the finish line, there will be separate changing rooms for men and women.

No refunds are possible. However, you can transfer your cap to another participant.

Divers and lifeguards in boats will ensure your safety. If you get away from the steps, they will pick you up from the water.

Parking is not available on site. We recommend using public transport or getting dropped off at PKO. The nearest parking is at the Aupark Shopping Center.
Trans Danube Swim

JOIN THE SWIMMERS

Nervous? Good. You should be — a little. That's your body doing exactly what it's supposed to do. That kick of adrenaline is the same one our ancestors felt on the hunt, and it's still wired into every one of us. The difference is what we're hunting today. We're here for the thrill. You're in good company, too. Matúš Vallo has already made this crossing with us — and the mayor is coming back for round six.

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