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Paks Nuclear Power Plant
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The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is Hungary's sole nuclear facility and serves as the backbone of the nation's energy security and electricity supply. Located on the banks of the Danube River near the town of Paks, the plant utilizes river water for cooling its four Soviet-designed VVER-440 reactors. These units were commissioned between 1982 and 1987 and possess a combined total capacity of approximately 2,000 megawatts. Currently, the plant produces nearly 50% of Hungary's total domestic electricity, making it vital for the country's economic stability. Through rigorous maintenance and safety upgrades, the facility consistently ranks among the most reliable nuclear plants globally. The ongoing Paks II project aims to expand the site with two new state-of-the-art reactors to ensure long-term energy independence. The plant features an Information and Visitor Center that provides the public with interactive insights into nuclear physics and power generation processes. As the region's largest employer, the power plant plays a decisive role in the socioeconomic development of Paks and Tolna County. Its carbon-free output is essential for meeting Hungary’s long-term climate protection goals and international commitments.
- Location: Hungary
- Top sights: Paksi Atomerőmű Tájékoztató- és Látogatóközpont · Atomenergetikai Múzeum · Faun vontató
- Nearby: Tamási (44 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 44 | 40 | 37 | 68 | 71 | 61 | 59 | 62 | 54 | 44 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is Hungary's only nuclear power plant, providing about half of the country's electricity. It plays a central role in Hungary's energy supply and is a major industrial employer.
Visiting
The plant is a security zone and not accessible to the public. There is, however, a visitor center where you can learn about its operation without entering the site.
Where to view it
From the opposite bank of the Danube, especially from the town of Paks, the distinctive cooling towers are clearly visible. The ferry across the Danube also has an impressive perspective.
Local products
The plant only produces electricity, which is fed into the national grid. In the surrounding area, agricultural farms grow typical Hungarian products such as paprika, wheat, and sunflower oil.
Active season
The plant operates continuously throughout the year, except for scheduled maintenance outages. Peak electricity production is typically achieved during the cold winter months.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the historic town center of Paks and the Danube riverbank. The nearby Gemenc nature reserve with its floodplain forests is also worth a trip.
Geography
Facts
- The first reactor block was connected to the national grid in December 1982.
- The plant generates approximately 50% of Hungary's total electricity.
- Around 100 cubic meters of Danube water are used for cooling every second.
- All four active blocks are VVER-440 type pressurized water reactors.
- The power plant directly employs more than 2,500 highly skilled professionals.
- The operational life of the units has been extended until the mid-2030s.
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Sights in the town Paks Nuclear Power Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can the Paks Nuclear Power Plant be visited?
Yes, there is a visitor center and an Atomic Energy Museum for guests.
How much electricity does the plant produce?
It covers about half of Hungary's electricity demand.
How many units are currently operating?
Currently, four units are operating at the plant.
Is there an age limit for visiting?
The museum is open to all, power plant tours are available from age 16.
Is the visitor center free?
Yes, visiting the center and the museum is free of charge.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: where is it located?
Paks Nuclear Power Plant is located in Hungary.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paksi Atomerőmű Tájékoztató- és Látogatóközpont, Atomenergetikai Múzeum, Faun vontató.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is Hungary's sole nuclear facility and serves as the backbone of the nation's energy security and electricity supply.
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City on the Danube, known for Hungary's only nuclear power plant.
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Central Europe's largest contiguous floodplain forest, famous for its narrow-gauge railway and red deer population.
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History & landmarks
Ozora Castle
The Ozora castle is an elegant 15th-century Renaissance building.
Gemenc Floodplain
Unique floodplain forest along the Danube with rich fauna.
Dég Festetics Palace
One of the most significant Neoclassical palaces with the largest English garden.
Árpád-era Church Mecseknádasd
A small, well-preserved church from the Árpád era in Mecseknádasd.
Nature
Sió Canal
The Sió Canal connects Lake Balaton with the Danube.
Kapos Mouth
The confluence region of the Kapos river into the Sió near Szekszárd.
Pacsmagi Ponds
Significant bird protection area in Southern Transdanubia.
Lake Szelid
Hungary's fifth largest lake, a former dead arm of the Danube.
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Lake Kolon
An important marsh lake in the Kiskunság National Park.
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Lake Kunfeherto
A natural bathing lake in Bács-Kiskun county with healing properties.
More places
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A Danube fortress with a distinctive keep, now serving as a museum.
Szekszárd Wine Region
A historic red wine region, famous for the Szekszárd Bikavér (Bull's Blood).
Szekszárd Hills
Gentle hilly landscape, famous for its red wines.
Simontornya Castle
A well-preserved Renaissance castle, once part of the defensive border system.
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Tolnai-hegyhat Hills
Quiet hilly landscape with deep valleys in the center of Tolna county.
Gemenc Forest
The largest continuous floodplain forest in Central Europe.
Grábóc Monastery
The Serbian Orthodox monastery of Grábóc is a unique spiritual center in Hungary.
Gemenc Forest Railway
A charming forest railway running through Hungary's largest floodplain forest.