Splash point
One of Hungary's latest tourist attractions can be found on the Újpest embankment. The ramp built by Riverride is not only an experience for those travelling on the amphibious coach, but for onlookers on the river bank as well. Many people are attracted by the moment when the amphibious coach slips into the water from the 70 metre long ramp built in the summer of 2009 with a splash a whale would be proud of - and even more onlookers worry whether the driver/captain of Riverride will manage to steer the 15-ton vehicle against the strong current of the river. Naturally, both going into and coming out of the Danube are smooth operations thanks to Riverride's highly competent crew. The ramp is seemingly a simple stretch of concrete built for vehicles to go into the river in Budapest. However, it is much more than that. The structure with a 12% slope is the result of the efforts of many people over several months, including a whole team of divers, not to mention the work of the different Hungarian authorities. To be given building permission, no less than 57 official stamps had to be obtained, so a major part of the Hungarian state apparatus contributed to tourists visiting Budapest being able to marvel at the beauties of the capital - such as the House of Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the Royal Palace or the Matthias church - not only from the land but, travelling on the same vehicle, also from the river.
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