Abandoned Elevator Still Sits Under the Danube

The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, holds many secrets, including abandoned elevators beneath its waters. The river runs from the western edge of Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea on the eastern shores of Romania, connecting 10 European countries. The wide-reaching river has been an important trade route for centuries and holds even more history in its canals. A branch of the long and winding river separates the Hungarian towns Vác and Szentendre, with a twin canal linking the town of Dunakeszi to the Szentendre Island.

In 1923, a devastating flood caused serious damage and severely affected the twin canal, leading to a lengthy restoration process that caused a severe water shortage. A parallel reserve channel was built alongside the two passable tunnels to ensure the continuous flow of water, which still provides water to communities today. During the construction of this second tunnel, rumors spread that Hungarian admiral and statesman Miklós Horthy wanted to inspect the project. So, workers quickly began installing elevators in both tunnel shafts so the 64-year-old governor could more easily access the construction site, according to Lelépo. However, when the elevators were halfway through construction, Horthy’s visit was cancelled, leaving the elevators unfinished. The half-constructed elevators sit abandoned under the Danube to this day.