Hungary builds temporary pier for 44th LIDL Balaton crossing amid low water

The 44th LIDL Balaton crossing, scheduled for July 18, is fully booked and is being organised as Hungary’s largest open‑water swimming event. Because the lake’s water level is unusually low, motor‑boat shuttles cannot safely reach the Révfülöp shore. Organisers are constructing a temporary giant pier extending into the lake to allow the boats to dock, while experts assess the required length for adequate depth. The low‑water conditions also lengthen the shallow‑water approach by about 100 m and are expected to increase further before the start. Participants will be supported by a free BAHART boat transfer and a package‑handling service, with two cars and four motorboats handling more than thirty trips between the two shores. Logistics are designed to keep the swim itself and baggage handling unaffected despite the water‑level challenge.