Numerous outdoor baths in Hungary reopened on May Day: Brace yourself for the brutal ticket prices
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The long weekend has brought more than just sunshine: the long-anticipated reopening of outdoor baths in Hungary is underway. While splashing into spring may sound refreshing, many visitors are in for a shock at the ticket counter, where steep prices are quickly becoming the new norm.
The beginning of beach season
May Day has traditionally marked the beginning of the beach season in Hungary, with many fondly remembering the times when almost every outdoor spa and thermal bath opened on 1 May. However, this tradition has seen a shift in recent years. As Termálfürdő reports, the opening of baths in Hungary now depends largely on weather conditions and expected visitor numbers. This year, with Pentecost falling later in June, several spas opted to welcome guests earlier than usual, including popular spots like the Palatinus Beach in Budapest and the Hungarospa in Hajdúszoboszló, both of which partially opened their facilities over the long weekend.
Gradual launch of services
Despite the early opening, many baths in Hungary will gradually launch their different seasonal services. Some pools at major complexes like Bükfürdő, Zalakaros, and Kehidakustány will remain closed until mid or late May, with full operation expected only by the start of the summer holidays in late June. In Budapest, while parts of the Palatinus are already open, visitors have to wait until mid-June for attractions such as the wave pool and water slides. Similarly, the Premium Zone at Hajdúszoboszló’s Hungarospa is only set to open on 18 June. This “gradual rollout strategy” is becoming more common across Hungary’s spa industry.