Tungsram Strand

In 1938, Tungsram Strand opened its gates to the public. It was originally called UTE Dunafürdő. The “Tungi,” as locals affectionately nicknamed it, quickly became a beloved hub for Újpest residents. Tungsram Strand boasted a sprawling 30,000 square meter area. It featured three inviting pools: a 50×20-meter competition pool, a larger 50×25-meter pool for public swimming, and a dedicated children’s pool. Its immense capacity could hold tens of thousands of people. This bustling atmosphere only added to its charm. Beyond the pools, Tungsram Strand also housed a boathouse with room for 200 boats, complete with individual cabins and office spaces. The visionary behind this recreational paradise was Aschner Lipót, the director of the United Incandescent Lamps and Electricity Company, later known as Tungsram. Aschner, also head of UTE (Újpesti Torna Egylet – Újpest Gymnastics Club), not only provided a much-needed space for the community but also saved the sports club from financial ruin with this venture. The strand’s popularity soared, despite its somewhat remote location. Aschner, ever resourceful, addressed this by extending the 87 tram line to Megyeri Csárda in 1947, further solidifying Tungsram Strand’s place in the heart of Újpest. This tram line later became number 10 and operated until 1985. Tungsram Strand thrived through the 1980s. Crowds flocked to its pools, with long queues forming at the refreshment stands. The pools transformed in the evenings, becoming the training grounds for the Újpest and Izzó water polo teams, and occasionally even the Hungarian national team. A memorable figure from this era was László Csukor, the beloved lifeguard and coach. He was a respected authority figure and a source of amusement for the youngsters. Known for his keen eye and booming voice, he ensured order amidst the joyful chaos. Sadly, this golden era faded after the fall of communism. The General Electric company’s acquisition of Tungsram in 1990 marked a turning point. The new owners deemed the strand too costly to maintain. Despite a brief glimmer of hope for revival as an aquapark, plans fell through due to soil contamination concerns, possibly linked to mercury lamp production. The final curtain fell in 2004, when Tungsram Strand officially closed. Even then, the “gombás” (mushroom) pool remained open for a short while in 2005, a last echo of its vibrant past. Today, Tungsram Strand stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory. Overgrown pools and decaying buildings paint a poignant picture of a cherished community space lost to time.