Budapest: WWII German motorcycle and remains found in Danube

Extremely low water levels in the Danube near Budapest have revealed historical artifacts from World War II. Passersby on the Buda side of the river, near Batthyány Square, spotted a vehicle protruding from the riverbed near the Hungarian Parliament.

Archaeologists and military historians from the Institute and Museum of Military History, alongside representatives from the German organization Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, recovered a nearly intact German military motorcycle. The vehicle is believed to have belonged to the Feldherrnhalle armored division, which was active during the Siege of Budapest. Investigation of the motorcycle revealed the gearbox was stuck in second gear, suggesting it may have been involved in a collision before entering the water.

In addition to the motorcycle, researchers recovered anti-tank mines, ammunition, and the remains of two German soldiers. Identification plates suggest one soldier may have belonged to the 22nd SS Volunteer Cavalry Division, while the other was a Wehrmacht soldier. Experts believe the items date back to the period surrounding the Siege of Budapest, a violent phase of the war where tens of thousands of German and Hungarian soldiers were killed or captured.