Why Are the Hungarian Parliament Lights Off? Budapest's 2026 Heatwave Explained
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Update: As of August 8th, 2026 the lights are turned back on for main monuments all across Hungary
If you're visiting Budapest this summer, you may notice something unusual after sunset: the Hungarian Parliament isn't illuminated as it normally is.
Don't worry—nothing is wrong. The lights have been temporarily switched off as part of a city-wide energy-saving effort during Hungary's ongoing heatwave.
When did this start?
The energy-saving measures were announced on July 31, 2026, after the Hungarian government warned that the country was facing exceptionally high electricity demand while the Paks Nuclear Power Plant was forced to reduce its output due to the extreme heat and record-low water levels in the Danube. As part of the announcement, Budapest began switching off the decorative lighting of public buildings until the energy situation improves.
Why are the Parliament lights turned off?
The 2026 heatwave has brought weeks of extreme temperatures to Hungary, with daytime highs frequently exceeding 35°C (95°F) and some areas approaching 40°C (104°F). Air conditioning use has surged across the country, pushing electricity demand to unusually high levels.
To help reduce pressure on the electricity grid, Budapest has temporarily switched off the decorative lighting of more than 300 public buildings, including some of the city's most famous landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament, parts of the Buda Castle District, and the Citadella. These measures only affect architectural lighting—street lighting, traffic lights, and essential public services continue to operate as normal.
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant and the Danube's record-low water levels
The heatwave has created another major challenge beyond increased electricity consumption.
Hungary relies on the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which normally generates nearly half of the country's electricity. Like many nuclear power plants around the world, Paks uses water from the Danube River to cool its reactors.
However, the prolonged drought has caused the Danube's water level to drop significantly while the river itself has become much warmer. Because environmental regulations limit the temperature of the water that can be returned to the river, the plant has had to reduce electricity production. Officials warned that if conditions worsen further, temporary reactor shutdowns could become necessary until water levels recover.
With electricity production reduced at the same time demand is soaring, Hungary has introduced several temporary measures to help stabilize the national power grid.
Budapest's major energy-saving measures
Turning off the Parliament's lights is just one part of a broader effort.
Authorities have introduced several temporary measures, including:
Switching off the decorative lighting of more than 300 public buildings and landmarks across Budapest.
Asking large industrial companies to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption during peak evening hours.
Encouraging businesses and residents to reduce unnecessary electricity use whenever possible.
Calling on owners of privately illuminated buildings to join the energy-saving effort by temporarily switching off their decorative lighting as well.
These measures are expected to remain in place only while the extreme weather and energy supply challenges continue.
What should visitors do during the heatwave?
Budapest is still a fantastic city to explore, but it's important to take a few extra precautions during the hottest part of the day.
Here are a few tips:
Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Plan outdoor sightseeing in the morning or later in the evening, avoiding the hottest hours between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light-colored clothing.
Take regular breaks in museums, cafés, or other air-conditioned spaces.
Make use of Budapest's many public drinking fountains, where you can refill your water bottle for free.
One of the easiest ways to find drinking fountains is by using the BudapestGO app. The app doesn't just help you navigate the city's public transportation—it also shows the locations of drinking fountains throughout Budapest, making it much easier to stay hydrated while exploring the city.
Can you still visit the Hungarian Parliament?
Absolutely! The Hungarian Parliament remains open to visitors, and guided tours continue according to their regular schedule.
The only thing visitors may miss is the building's famous evening illumination. If seeing the Parliament glowing over the Danube is high on your Budapest bucket list, it's worth checking local news before your visit to see whether the decorative lighting has been restored.
A temporary change to Budapest's skyline
The Hungarian Parliament is one of Budapest's most photographed landmarks, and seeing it illuminated at night is usually one of the highlights of a visit.
This summer, however, the darker skyline tells a different story—one of a city adapting to exceptional weather conditions and doing its part to reduce energy consumption during one of Hungary's most challenging heatwaves in recent memory.
Although Budapest looks a little different after sunset, these measures are temporary. Once temperatures cool, pressure on the electricity grid eases, and the situation at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant improves, the city's iconic nighttime lights are expected to return.
References (read more here):
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