No. Magnet fishing in Hungary is prohibited under the 2023 amendment to Act LIII of 1996 on Nature Conservation, which classifies metal-detecting activities as unauthorized archaeological interference. The National Cultural Heritage Office (KÖH) enforces strict penalties, including fines up to 5 million HUF (€13,000) for violations, particularly in protected zones.
Key Regulations for Magnet Fishing in Hungary
- Archaeological Protection Act (2023): Classifies magnet fishing as “unauthorized excavation,” requiring permits from the National Cultural Heritage Office (KÖH) for any metal-detecting activity.
- Water Framework Directive Compliance: Activities in rivers, lakes, or protected wetlands violate EU Directive 2000/60/EC, enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture’s water management authorities.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: The 2026 National Heritage Protection Strategy explicitly bans magnet fishing in areas designated as archaeological reserves, with real-time monitoring via drone surveillance in high-risk zones.