Outdoor pools and thermal baths: here are some budget-friendly options to consider this summer

Hungary is famous for its thermal baths and outdoor pools, and as the good weather approaches, more and more people plan to visit them. However, they haven’t escaped inflation. But with a little research, we can find the most favourable offers and make recreation budget-friendly.

As HelloVidék reports, classic open-air beaches only open their doors as the summer season begins, although most spas and thermal baths have outdoor pools that await visitors even on the coldest winter days. The exact opening dates may differ for each resort, and even within resorts, the pools and services may open on different days. The good news for bathers is that some outdoor baths open in the first weeks of June and don’t wait for the school year to end.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Source: szechenyibath.hu

Ticket prices are on the rise

As we previously reported, outdoor pool prices will likely increase by up to 5 to 13 percent this summer in Hungary. Last year’s beach season didn’t have a bright start either: double-digit inflation and utility increases had a hard impact on ticket prices. In Budapest, it is hard to find a thermal spa where the daily entrance fee does not exceed HUF 10,000 (EUR 25.5), and it is not so different in the countryside either.

In most of the thermal baths in the countryside, guests can already use the outdoor pools in the pre-season. For example, in Sárvár, where outdoor pools are already open, a ticket for adults costs HUF 7,600 (EUR 19.3), and HUF 3800 (EUR 9.6) for children. In Zalakaros, an adult can enjoy the pools all day for HUF 6,300 (EUR 16), and in Hajdúszoboszló, it costs HUF 5900 (EUR 15).

Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő, Photo: barlangfurdo.hu

Lower prices of outdoor pools in the countryside

There are other options if you want to enjoy your time in the water, such as outdoor pools that are not operated by thermal baths. For example, the Jászapáti Tölgyes Lido welcomes visitors again from the beginning of May. A daily ticket for adults costs HUF 2,400 (EUR 6.1) while student and pensioner tickets cost HUF 2,000 (EUR 5). The water has been classified as medicinal since 2002. The Jászárokszállás Thermal Bath also opened its doors on 1st May, and the three-pool spa welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the pre-season. The local medicinal water is used to treat different diseases, and an adult can enjoy its benefits all day for HUF 1,950 (EUR 4.9).

If you would like to enjoy your time in a thermal bath but are on a budget, Virágfürdő in Kaposvár is the right place for you. The largest spa in the Transdanubian region has both indoor and outdoor pools, a swimming pool, and a thermal bath area with medicinal water. A daily ticket costs HUF 4,850 (EUR 12.3) for adults and HUF 3,700 (EUR 9.4) for children.

Baths in the countryside gradually open from May depending on the weather. The exact dates may differ for each resort, and even within some resorts, the pools and services open on different days. Some of the most popular baths that will open in the second half of June include Annagora Aquapark in Balatonfüred, Bükfürdő Thermal & Spa in Bükfürdő, Sárvári Gyógy- és Wellnessfürdő in Sárvár and AquaCity in Zalaegerszeg. You can find more information about opening times and ticket prices on their websites.

Read also: 

• Unexpected: Popolar beach in Budapest to shut down forever – Read here
• Here’s the newest Hungarian thermal spa! – PHOTOS