- Széchenyi
- Gellert
- Rudash
- Dagai
- Rat
- Kirai
- Lukach
- Dandar
A total of 118 springs in Budapest, the maximum water temperature in which can reach 77 degrees Celsius. What are the most popular thermal springs in Budapest?
The first hot springs were discovered here during the ancient Roman expansion at the turn of the first and second centuries. Only the ruins of several Roman baths have survived to this day. Full-fledged baths appeared already during the Turkish rule in the 16th-17th centuries. Since then, Budapest has developed into a popular thermal spa.
Széchenyi
Széchenyi Bath
The Szechenyi Bath is considered the largest medical complex in all of Europe. It is located in the main park of Budapest - Varoshliget. The bath was built in 1911 over an artesian spring. Twenty years later, another well was discovered, the depth of which is 1240 meters. From here comes the hottest thermal spring in Europe, its temperature reaches 77 degrees Celsius.
The bathhouse is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. It was made according to the drawings of the famous Hungarian professor Dieuzo Ziegler and his successor Ede Dvorak. Inside, luxurious interiors in neoclassical and neo-baroque styles have been preserved, as well as picturesque paintings, reliefs and sculptures made on a nautical theme. Of particular note is the dome, which is adorned with stunning mosaics depicting mythological characters.
Until 1981, the bathhouse had a strict division into men's and women's baths. Then, in their place, physiotherapy and balneological departments appeared, as well as outpatient clinics.
In total, there are 18 swimming pools on the territory of the complex, among which three are located in the open air. By the way, one of them is a popular "pool with surprises" - an artificial stream, jet massage and many other health-promoting innovations work here.
The Szechenyi medical complex also includes curious aromatic saunas, steam rooms, water fitness classes and much more. The average temperature of the pools is 30 degrees Celsius, while in the sauna it can reach 50 degrees. The local mineral water is rich in calcium, sodium and fluoride. Some springs are also suitable for drinking.
The cost of a simple ticket does not exceed 20 euros, however, for an additional fee, you can get an aroma massage session. By the way, night swimming is often held here. On ordinary days, the complex is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
By the way, the Szechenyi Bath is located on the territory of the huge city park Varoshliget. There are also various museums, a zoo, the luxurious neo-Gothic Vaidahunyad castle and the oldest restaurant in Budapest, Gundel.
Budapest, Állatkerti körút 11
Gellert
Gellert Bath
The Gellert Baths are combined with the hotel of the same name, but are open to all comers. In the 13th century, a medieval hospital was located here. During the Turkish rule in the XVI-XVII centuries, this area became known for the "magical healing spring" and the first mud baths.
The modern complex was opened in 1918, immediately after the First World War. Its exterior and interiors are considered a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. The outward appearance of the building is distinguished by a monumental facade and powerful towers made in an oriental style. Inside, the decoration is even richer, especially the lobby, decorated with wood paneling, mosaics, sculptures and even stained-glass windows installed in the dome.
The baths, like the entire complex, are named after Saint Gellert, the first bishop of Hungary. The building miraculously survived the entire Second World War, so the unique design of the baths has remained virtually unchanged.
Now on the territory of the complex there are several swimming pools, a Finnish bath, saunas and much more. The treatment program also includes inhalation and massage sessions. Particularly popular are the open-air swimming pool and a special swimming pool, located on several levels and allowing guests to descend along an artificial waterfall. The water temperature does not exceed 40 degrees.
A standard ticket to the Gellert Baths costs 20 euros. The local waters are rich in calcium and magnesium and are especially beneficial for those suffering from breathing problems.
Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4
Rudash
Bath Rudas
Next to the Gellert Hotel and Spa is the pretty Rudas Bath, partly preserved from the 16th century. The oldest complex was built in 1550 and belonged to an Ottoman Pasha. An amazing dome supported by columns and an octagonal basin dating from the same era have survived to this day.
The bath was originally open to men only. Now women can visit the thermal springs on Tuesdays and weekends, however, the swimming pool does not have such restrictions.
The complex includes thermal pools, Turkish baths, a sauna, a thermae and an indoor swimming pool. The springs' water temperature ranges from 10 to 42 degrees Celsius. The local water is rich in radiation, sulfates and calcium, which is especially useful for neuralgia and joint pain. A variety of massage sessions, including those taking place directly under water, also deserve special attention.
It is also worth trying the healing rejuvenating water from drinking sources. According to legends, even Mustafa Pasha, the governor of Budapest during the Ottoman rule at the end of the 16th century, drank it.
The Rudas Bath is directly adjacent to the steep rocky hill of St. Gellert, on the top of which there is a monumental citadel, from where a stunning view of Budapest opens.
Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9
Dagai
Swimming complex Dagai
The huge swimming complex Dagai is located in the northern part of the city. It was opened back in 1948 in a picturesque area near the embankment of the Danube River.
In total, there are 10 swimming pools of various sizes and shapes on the territory of the complex. Only the water temperature remains unchanged, the maximum of which reaches 38 degrees Celsius. Especially popular is the cute mushroom-like pool. Most of the baths have been modernized in the 21st century.
In addition to the pools themselves, filled with water from a hot thermal spring found at the very bottom of the Danube, visitors are invited to sessions of aromatic and underwater massages. Also, the Dagai complex provides all kinds of water attractions: artificial geysers, waterfalls, alternating currents and much more. Moreover, there are even special playgrounds for streetball and beach volleyball.
There is a small splash pool for children, as well as swimming courses. And since many of the swimming areas are located directly in the open air, you can sunbathe here during the hot summer months.
The local water contains calcium, magnesium and many other beneficial minerals that are effective in treating arthritis.
Budapest, Népfürdő u. 36
Rat
Bath of Rat
The Rat Bath is considered one of the oldest in the whole of Budapest. Now a luxurious hotel of the same name has grown in its place, however, the thermal springs themselves are open to everyone. The complex includes a stunning Turkish bath, built at the end of the 16th century, when Budapest was under the control of the Ottoman Empire. The pools themselves, marble decorations on the walls, ancient vaults and domes have been amazingly preserved.
The imperial baths appeared in the second half of the 19th century. This part of the complex was damaged by bombing during World War II, but some of the stunning décor and ceilings have survived to this day. The richest of all is Flora's bath, reminiscent of the ancient Roman baths. However, now it is practically inaccessible VIP-zone.
There are 11 swimming pools in the spa complex. In some zones, a special temperature is maintained - from 14 to 42 degrees. The local waters are rich in calcium, magnesium and many other minerals that help in the treatment of arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
It is worth noting that the Rat health complex is one of the most expensive in the whole of Budapest. The cost of visiting is twice the standard ticket to other popular baths - Gellert or Szechenyi.
Budapest, Hadnagy u. 8-10
Kirai
Kirai Bath
The Kirai Bath is located just after the Margaret Bridge. Like the Rudash Baths, this complex was built during the Turkish rule at the end of the 16th century. Its architectural appearance has survived to this day almost unchanged and resembles a typical medieval Turkish bath.
In the appearance of this monumental stone structure, the low semicircular domes that have spread since the time of the Byzantine Empire stand out. Inside, graceful vaulted arcades surrounding an octagonal pool have been preserved.
The bathhouse was reopened after a lengthy restoration in 1950. Now on its territory there are four swimming pools and a sauna, as well as underwater massage sessions. The water temperature ranges from 26 to 40 degrees.
By the way, the Kirai complex is one of the few that do not have their own healing source. The local pools are connected to a well serving the neighboring Lukac baths. The water is rich in calcium, magnesium and various sulfates, which are useful in the treatment of arthritis and neuralgia.
Budapest, Fő u. 84
Lukach
Bath Lukac
The Lukacs Bath is considered one of the oldest in the city. It appeared in the XII century as part of the hospital at the monastery of the Order of the Johannites. And when Budapest was under the control of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th-17th centuries, a powder mill was erected here, the wall of which has survived to this day.
The modern spa complex dedicated to the Apostle Luke was built in the 1880s. In 1937, a luxurious drinking gallery was added to the thermal springs, and a few decades later a specialized balneological clinic was built here.
Nowadays, the Lukac Baths is a huge healing thermal complex. There are several swimming and thermal pools, a Finnish bath, amazing saunas. Visitors are invited to a massage session and, if a doctor's recommendation is available, to a mud therapy course.
The water temperature does not exceed 33 degrees Celsius, but there are also specialized cooling pools and even an Eskimo igloo.
The bathhouse also hosts an exhibition dedicated to the history of this resort. The interior of the old dressing rooms has even been preserved here. And on the roof of the spa hall there is a recreational area.
On normal days, the pools are open until 8pm, but the famous "Sauna Nights" are often held here, lasting up to two hours.
Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29
Dandar
Bath of Dandar
The Dandar Bath is located in the southern part of Budapest. The monumental building itself, made of red brick in the thirties of the XX century, deserves special attention. Initially, the Dandar bath was intended for the poor strata of society, who could not afford the services of elite medical complexes - Gellert or Szechenyi.
The building of the new baths, fortunately, hardly suffered during the Second World War, and therefore they resumed their work already in 1945. A few decades later, this small bathhouse was converted into an elite complex.
The complex now houses one swimming pool and two thermal pools, the largest of which is 60 square meters. The water temperature is 34-36 degrees Celsius.
Also, at the Dandar bath, there are massage sessions, including underwater ones, and a sauna is open. The water comes to the pools from the wells of the larger complexes - Szechenyi and Gellert. It is rich in calcium, magnesium and other minerals that are effective in treating arthritis and neuralgia.
Budapest, Dandár u. 5-7
