baths

Significant price rise in Budapest baths in 2024

Rudas bath Budapest Hungary prices Night of Beaches tourist traps

Hungarians frequently voice discontent that the iconic baths and spas of Budapest are no longer accessible to the average local due to recent increases in prices.

As reported by Menedzsment Fórum, the entrance ticket prices for Budapest’s spas and baths, managed by Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt. (Contact for Budapest Spas cPlc.), underwent changes on 8 January. The price surge is particularly felt in baths popular among foreign tourists, with other establishments seeing a more moderate average increase of around 5-6%.

For instance, in the world-famous Széchenyi and Gellért baths, entrance ticket costs have risen from HUF 9,400 to HUF 10,500 (EUR 27), representing an almost 11.5% increase. The weekend ticket now stands at HUF 12,000 (EUR 31), up from HUF 10,900 (a 10% rise). In Széchenyi bath, the ticket purchased before 9.00 a.m. increased to HUF 8,400 (EUR 21) from HUF 7,500 between Monday and Thursday, rising to HUF 9,700 (EUR 25) on weekends.

In Rudas bath, the weekday ticket now costs HUF 9,300 (EUR 24), up from HUF 8,600, while the weekend ticket is even pricier than Széchenyi, at HUF 12,200. Lukács Bath charges HUF 4,800 (EUR 12.5) for weekdays and HUF 5,200 (EUR 13.5) for weekends. Discounted tickets for pensioners and students experienced a milder increase.

Lukács Bath — Photo: www.facebook.com/LukacsGyogyfurdo/

Read also:

Region’s largest slide park to be built in popular Hungarian spa town – details, photos HERE
Hungary’s popular Hagymatikum bath complex extended and will open this spring – Read more and check out the photos in THIS article

Here is how you can buy discounted tickets to the historic baths

Mfor.hu argues that these prices surpass what the average Hungarian can afford. For example, a young couple intending to enjoy the Rudas bath, including bathing, eating and having a drink, needs at least HUF 30,000 to spare (EUR 78).

An exception is Palatinus in Budapest, where fees have remained unchanged after 8 January.

Notably, there is the Zsigmondy Club Card, allowing the purchase of a ticket to Széchenyi, Gellért and Rudas baths for only HUF 4,000 or 4,500 (EUR 10-11.5). However, it is valid for four hours only, once a day, and costs HUF 5,000. The card is exclusive to its owners and is valid for one year.

The core reasons for these price hikes are escalating energy, water, and water treatment costs, along with increasing salaries. Additionally, during the COVID pandemic, the government prohibited price increases, and the baths are now compensating for this.

Experts consistently assert that despite the price increases, Hungarian baths remain among the most affordable in Europe and Central Europe. While nominally true, this statement may take on a different perspective considering average Hungarian salaries. This might explain the presence of non-Hungarian conversations in Budapest’s historic baths and spas.

January 24, 2024

PHOTOS: Region’s largest slide park to be built in popular Hungarian spa town

The Municipality of Harkány is starting an experiential tourism investment in the Harkány Spa. According to official information from the municipality, five new attractions will be added to the existing seven-track and the indoor four-track slide park, making it the largest in the region.

The Municipality of Harkány decided to accept one of the tenders at last week’s council meeting. Thus, the spectacular tourism development will soon begin. It is understood that the new launch tower will be the highest point in the city, Lelépő reports.

The Harkány Spa and Beach Baths (Harkányi Gyógy-és Strandfürdő) celebrated its bicentenary in 2023. The 13.5-hectare spa offers more than 7,500 square metres of water. In 2022, the spa was extended with the Harka Water World (Harka Vízivilág).

Harkany thermal bath 2 — Source: https://www.facebook.com/harkanygyogyfurdo

In 2024, in addition to the construction of the slide park, further developments will take place at the spa. The construction of a solar power plant at the facility has started with the help of subsidies. In addition, the installation of new changing rooms is planned for this year, as well as the repair of defects in the spa pool’s tiling and the reconstruction of its shading, Lelépő writes.

Harkány thermal spa-kids-pool — Photo: www.facebook.com/harkanygyogyfurdo

Find the spa’s Facebook page HERE and their official website HERE.

Read also:

January 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Hungary’s popular Hagymatikum bath complex extended and will open this spring

This will be the greatest novelty in the Hungarian bathing sector, one of the most crucial in Hungary’s tourism in 2024.

Bathing has a long tradition in Makó, Southeast Hungary. Locals found thermal water there in 1956, the year of the Hungarian anti-Communist revolution and freedom fight. Therefore, the first thermal bath was opened there already in the 1960s. But the opening of the Hagymatikum bath in 2012 was a huge leap forward in that respect, since the previous one was small.

The most spectacular Hungarian thermal baths outside of the capital - Hagymatikum 3 — Source: https://www.facebook.com/hagymatikum

The most spectacular Hungarian thermal baths outside of the capital - Hagymatikum 2 — Source: https://www.facebook.com/hagymatikum

Hagymatikum from the inside Source: Makói Hagymatikum Fürdő facebook

The building was designed by Imre Makovecz, one of the prominent proponents of organic architecture in Europe, in the 20th century. He designed multiple unique architectural solutions, so the Hagymatikum became one of a kind. However, the project ran out of money, so they could not realise all of Makovecz’s ideas. Furthermore, the original plans were about a more extended bathing complex. But what is delayed is not lost.

The Hungarian government helped the Hagymatikum

According to termalonline.hu, a Hungarian news outlet writing about baths, beaches and plages, finishing the Hagymatikum will probably be the greatest thermal novelty in Hungary this year.

The most spectacular Hungarian thermal baths outside of the capital - Hagymatikum — Source: https://www.facebook.com/hagymatikum

In 2021, the Hungarian government gave extra financial support for the bath to be completed. As a result, the capacity of the complex will be doubled. The investment affects 3,200 sqm and will create a family fun zone, a slide tower with three slides, and a summer changing room with a sunbathing terrace on its roof. Furthermore, they created a 220 sqm outer thermal pool.

Thankfully, the new section has been ready since mid-December. Currently, the technical handover is in progress. The subcontractor will mend all the possible errors in January. Afterwards, the testing period can begin shortly. As a result, the new Hagymatikum complex may open this spring. The investment costs reached HUF 11 billion (EUR 29 million).

Sherwood Forest has plenty of undiscovered treasures for every child, they wrote on their official Facebook page which you can find by clicking HERE.

We collected the most popular baths outside Budapest in THIS article. You may also read about the five-star Hagymatikum bath in THIS article.

Read also:

One of Hungary’s most renowned thermal spas reopens after years – Read more HERE
Huge thermal spa to be built on the Hungarian-Romanian border – Read the details in THIS article

January 7, 2024

Hungary’s most popular cave bath closed

Fortunately, the world-known cave bath of Miskolctapolca closed only temporarily because renovation works will start from Monday.

According to infostart.hu, the cave bath of Miskolctapolca is to be closed to the public between 8 and 25 January due to restoration works. However, on 27 January, they will welcome guests with night bathing. Furthermore, from 22 January, healthcare services will become accessible in the Aquaterápia facility.

In return, the bath offers a special program for their guests. Between 19 and 21 January, people can take part in unique tours and visit parts of the cave and some of its basins without water. Moreover, they will be able to visit places closed to guests.

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath plays an important role in the whole country’s tourism; it is one of Europe’s most famous spa complexes. The cave bath is not only important to tourists but also to the city, as the Cave bath of Miskolctapolca is one of the main attractions of Miskolc and the region.

The bath closed temporarily even in January 2023 due to renovation and restoration works.

Read also:

PHOTOS: Hungary’s most popular cave bath reopens – Read more HERE

January 7, 2024

Bathe before it’s late: Budapest spas to increase prices from next week

The ticket prices of the spas belonging to Budapest Spas cPlc. will change from 8 January. The prices of the historic spas, which are mainly visited by foreigners, will increase more, while other spas will see a smaller increase of around 5-6%.

As turizmus.com reports, as of 8 January, the price of a Monday-Thursday ticket with locker at the Széchenyi Spa and the Gellért Spa will increase from HUF 9,400 (EUR 24.71) to HUF 10,500 (EUR 27.60). The Friday and weekend ticket will rise from HUF 10,900 (EUR 28.66) to HUF 12,000 (EUR 31.55). At the Széchenyi Baths, the price of a locker ticket until 9 AM on weekdays will rise from HUF 7,500 (EUR 19.71) to HUF 8,400 (EUR 22.08), while weekend tickets will go up from HUF 8,700 (EUR 22.88) to HUF 9,700 (EUR 25.51).

Rudas thermal bath, Budapest. Photo: Facebook, Rudas Gyógyfürdő

In the case of Rudas Spa, the price of a weekday ticket will be HUF 9,300 instead of HUF 8,600 (EUR 22.62). The price of a weekend ticket will remain HUF 12,200 (EUR 32.08). At Lukács Spa, the full-price ticket will rise to HUF 4,800 (EUR 12.63) on weekdays and HUF 5,200 (EUR 13.68) on weekends. The increase will be smaller for pensioner and student tickets, turizmus.com informs.

There are also some spas in the capital where the prices will not increase: the Palatinus Spa will remain at the current prices after 8 January, Termál Online reports.

Read also:

January 3, 2024

One of Hungary’s most renowned thermal spas reopens after years

The spa section of the Tisza Hotel, Szolnok’s most respected hotel, has been closed for quite a long time. Unfortunately, the building is not in a great condition. At the time of its construction, in 1928, it was mentioned in the newspapers as the most magnificent hotel in the region. Now, the hotel announced good news concerning their thermal spa.

After years, we will be able to enjoy the healing effects of the spa water in Tisza Hotel again, Szoljon.hu writes. The opening was announced on the hotel’s website: “Our hotel’s Spa will soon reopen! Please keep an eye on our website, we offer opening discounts for our Spa Guests.”

According to the news portal, the spa will be open from 27 December to 30 December and will reopen on 3 January.

It is understood that the public stream built along the Tisza promenade behind the Tisza Hotel and Spa is now in operation, after repairs were made to the pump that brings the thermal water to the surface.

According to the hotel’s website, the hotel is still open, with hot water for the rooms provided by the thermal spring.

Read also:

December 27, 2023

Hungarian thermal spas where you can welcome the New Year

As the year draws to a close, several thermal spas across the country are gearing up for a unique and memorable celebration. These 8 spas offer extended opening hours coupled with a diverse range of activities.

Night spa parties

The tradition of welcoming the New Year with a night dip has become a staple in many spas. As highlighted by Termál Online, it’s advisable to secure your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on the festivities. Budapest’s thermal spas once celebrated the city’s birthday with a special offer of 150 forint tickets, providing a brief and affordable escape. However, this budget-friendly opportunity has concluded, and standard ticket prices have resumed. Though tickets may not be as cheap as they were during the birthday celebration, the experiences offered by the spas are undoubtedly worth the investment. From live music to dinner, these thermal spas are the perfect destinations for those seeking a unique way to welcome the New Year. Here is a list of eight Hungarian thermal spas where you can welcome the New Year with a night spa party.

1. Aquaworld Budapest

At the Aquaworld Budapest water park, the New Year’s Eve programme runs from 8.00 p.m. to 2.30 a.m. You can enjoy an endless DJ set, costume party, circus, UV dance show, magic show, laser show and New Year’s Eve fireworks. For those with an appetite, a nightly menu and complimentary champagne are on offer. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for HUF 29,000 (EUR 75,35) for adults and HUF 19,000 (EUR 49,39) for children under 14.

2. Cegléd Thermal Spa and Leisure Centre

Cegléd doesn’t leave New Year’s Eve to chance either. At the spa, you can celebrate with a night bath and sauna from 8.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. The night promises DJ performance, a midnight toast with champagne and a welcome drink. Advance tickets are available online for HUF 11,500 (EUR 29,88) per person.

3. Hungarospa Aqua-Palace

Hajdúszoboszló hosts New Year’s Eve festivities at the Aqua-Palace Adventure Spa, featuring a laser show, foam party, DJ set, live music and special New Year’s Eve food and drinks. The party kicks off at 8.00 p.m. and continues until 4.00 a.m. Tickets are priced at HUF 25,000 (EUR 64,96) for adults, HUF 17,000 (EUR 44,18) for students, and HUF 6,000 (EUR 15,59) for children under 3.

4. Leányfalu Thermal Baths

Located just three-quarters of an hour from Budapest, Leányfalu Thermal Baths will be open from 8.00 p.m., with a DJ providing entertainment until 2.00 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase online until 26 December for HUF 16,000 (EUR 41,58), with a price increase to HUF 18,000 (EUR 46,78) thereafter. Limited tickets will be available for purchase on-site.

5. Hertelendi Thermal Spa and Sauna Park

At the Hertelendi Thermal Baths near Pécs, the night party begins at 6.00 p.m. and lasts until 2.30 a.m. Live music by The Connector, champagne and a raffle welcome the New Year. The spa’s restaurant will be open all evening, offering a delightful array of New Year’s Eve food and drinks. Tickets range from HUF 12,000 (EUR 31,18) to HUF 16,000 (EUR 41,58), depending on your preferences.

6. Hagymatikum Spa & Wellness

Makó’s Hagymatikum Spa & Wellness celebrates 2023 with the Night of the Movie Stars, featuring a welcome drink, buffet dinner, midnight menu and entertainment by the Bud Spencer & Terence Hill Memorial Band. Tickets are priced at HUF 29,000 (EUR 75,35), while VIP tickets, including sauna access, are available for HUF 34,000 (EUR 88,36).

7. Aqua Land Thermal and Adventure Spa

In Ráckeve, the Aqua Land thermal baths promise a lively atmosphere with a big party starting at 8.00 p.m. and ending at 3.00 a.m. Music, sauna sessions and film screenings are part of the festivities. Tickets are available until 29 December for HUF 14,990 (EUR 38,97), with prices rising thereafter. Premium tickets, including dinner, can be purchased in advance for HUF 18,990 (EUR 49,37).

8. Sárvár Spa and Wellness Baths

Sárvár hosts a New Year’s Eve pool party until 4.00 a.m., featuring a water balloon artist, indoor fireworks at midnight and music by Kati Kovács at 12.30 a.m.. Various ticket options, ranging in price from HUF 16,900 (EUR 43,94) to HUF 34,900 (EUR 90,75), cater to different preferences, including meal choices.

As the clock strikes midnight, these thermal spas offer a unique and rejuvenating way to welcome the New Year. Secure your tickets in advance for an unforgettable night of celebration and relaxation. If you’re still unsure about your New Year’s Eve plans, explore another event happening in Budapest by clicking HERE.

December 20, 2023

Tourists outraged: popular Budapest bath is in scandalous state

Regulars at the Dandar Spa say the spa is full of problems and is slowly dying. Mildew, crumbling walls, showers and lockers that don’t work.

One of Budapest’s most popular spas in trouble

The readers of index.hu drew the attention of the site to the lousy state of the Dandar baths. The 9th district institution has become popular because of its affordable prices and facilities.

However, recently, visitors have been noticing an increasingly growing number of problems. The showers in the coed locker rooms have been bad for a year, and the ice machine is not working. Several lockers are also broken and have not been repaired. The ceiling in the steam room is rotting and there is mould on the walls. Furthermore, the opening hours of the saunas have been radically reduced.

Spas are booming in the countryside

The winter season has seen an above-average increase in the number of visitors to spas in the countryside, up by seven percent compared to the same period last year. Most visitors come from the Visegrád4 countries, Germany and Austria.

The most popular destinations include Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz and Egerszalók, turizmus.com reports.

Read also:

December 14, 2023

Budapest historic bath may reopen soon

The time has finally come to revitalise the Rác Bath in Budapest. It has been almost two decades since the bath had stood around empty and at last, the renovation project was published. Let’s celebrate by looking back at the generous history of the building!

Humble beginnings

The Rác Bath’s original base building was made by the Turks back when they ruled Buda. They rather enjoyed a good soak. When they took Buda in 1541, they stayed for a good 150 years and made themselves feel at home real quick. An easy way for them to do this was to build baths. Especially since the Buda region is outstandingly rich in thermal waters.

Rác Bath was one of these Turk bathhouses. The octagonal building was built in 1572 and topped with a dainty dome. Connected to this was a smaller area also topped with a dome, giving the building the iconic Turkish look. Luckily, the bathhouse survived the 1868 year intact, which is when the Hungarians took Buda back with a ferocious siege.

An Ybl revitalisation

In 1860, the bathhouse ended up being owned by János Nepomuk, who took matters into his own hands, sparing no costs. He hired Miklós Ybl, one of the most famous Hungarian architects of all time, to renovate the bath.

Most of his buildings were built in the romantic style, then later in the neo-Renaissance. The renovation of the bath was exactly between the two periods, which means that it carries elements of both styles, making it that much more special. The actual renovation was accomplished in two phases. During the first one, the already existing areas were modernised and they added two more dome halls. One of them was a women’s bath, the other had various new warm pools. The second phase happened between 1869 and 1870, during which period they built another octagonal dome-covered area with another new pool.

The first phase carries elements from Ybl’s typical earlier romantic style. The romantic dome hall is totally in harmony with the Eastern motives that remained from the Turkish age. Ybl adapted to the original building, since the already existing base also had domes and a central layout.

In contrast, the main facade is recognisable as neo-Baroque and quite symmetric, although there are two smaller changes in the risalits. On the left and right sides, the decorations vary by gender. On the left, where the women’s baths are, the ground floor window is crowned by a female head, while on the right, there’s a male head. The ground floor is also decorated with striping, and above are typically baroque accentuations, such as rich stuccoes and mansard roofs.

The Rác Bath was renovated here and there very moderately through the decades, but no bigger changes were made to the building. During the Second World War, the bathhouse was dealt serious damage. In the renovation project of the sixties, these issues were not fixed, and if it’s possible, they were only made worse. The majestic work of Ybl began to fade from memory and the walls of the bathhouse. The Rác Bath deteriorated into such an awful state by 2002 that it had to be closed, writes PestBuda.

A modern revitalisation

Luckily, in 2007, Tamás Dévényi, the well-known heritage architect, got on the case of restoring it to its former glory. He balanced the work of the great Ybl with slight modifications of his own to better the experience of the visitors. Now, they could enter an intimate garden and get a glimpse of the majestic dome. He worked on the Rác Bath for 4 years and his final work was awarded with an ICOMOS.

Sadly, due to legal fights over ownership rights, the doors of the freshly renovated and awarded bathhouse never opened. As the years went on by, it was robbed multiple times, got damaged by the elements and even got flooded three times.

After the legal disputes were settled in 2021, the bath returned to public ownership. The story now starts anew: in the October of 2023, a public procurement was posted for the restoration of the bathhouse. It seems a comprehensive work already; the interior is heavily damaged, the electrical wires are outdated and the exterior is also heavily in need of a retouch after a decade of negligence. However, if everything falls into place, we can enjoy the Turkish delight of bathing in the Rác Bath by 2025.

Read about more Hungarian spas HERE.
Read about more historical renovations HERE.

November 13, 2023

Beloved Hungarian spa reopens: date and prices

After more than a year of anticipation, the Ellipsum Adventure Spa in Miskolctapolca is finally set to reopen to visitors this December.

Reopening after maintenance

According to Termál Online, the Ellipsum Adventure Spa first opened its doors on June 12th, 2021, offering a place of relaxation, fun and healing to the people of Miskolctapolca and beyond. Unfortunately, it had to close its doors on October 3rd last year due to the need for warranty repairs and other essential maintenance work. However, the good news is that these repairs have now been successfully completed, and almost all the pools have been upgraded, ready to offer visitors a revitalising experience once again.

Unchanged ticket prices

What’s particularly great is that the ticket prices for the new spa, which reopens on 1 December, will remain the same as they were on the day of closure, providing excellent value for those seeking relaxation and adventure.

Daily tickets

Adult Ticket: HUF 6,840 (EUR 18.06)
Student Ticket (14-25 years old) and Pensioner Ticket: HUF 4,780 (EUR 12.62)
Children (aged 4-14): HUF 4,100 (EUR 10.82)

3-Hour tickets

Adult: HUF 5,240 (EUR 13.83)
Student and Pensioner: HUF 4,100 (EUR 10.82)
Children: HUF 2,960 (EUR 7.81)

Night bathing

Evening Ticket: HUF 4,570 (EUR 12.06)

Last minute tickets (Weekdays after 16:00)

Adults: HUF 3,430 (EUR 9.06)
Students and Pensioners: HUF 2,280 (EUR 6.02)
Children: HUF 1,710 (EUR 4.51)

Family ticket (2+1)

HUF 15,520 (EUR 40.97) for a family with a child aged 4-14 years old

Special offers and discounts

Visitors staying in Miskolctapolca have an extra perk in the form of the Miskolc Pass tourist card. Among other discounts, this card entitles you to one free 3-hour entry to the Ellipsum Adventure Spa or the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths, making it a fantastic value for those exploring the area. Additionally, there’s an option to purchase a VIP ticket for HUF 1,140 (EUR 3.01) . This ticket includes a cocktail and a lounge bed in the gallery, adding a touch of luxury to your spa day.

If you are looking for budget-friendly spas near Budapest, read our article HERE. However, with the reopening of the Ellipsum Adventure Spa, Miskolctapolca becomes a favourable destination too. Moreover, the unchanged ticket prices ensure that everyone can enjoy its facilities without breaking the bank. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or a bit of both, the Ellipsum Spa in Miskolctapolca makes the perfect destination to unwind and rejuvenate.

November 10, 2023

Explore new places! These are Hungary’s latest “treasures”

Service providers can voluntarily apply for the “Treasures of Hungary” label, and now, new tourist sites have also received this prestigious title.

“Treasures of Hungary”

The Hungarian Tourist Agency Ltd.’s “Treasures of Hungary” trademark can be obtained by service providers operating in various tourism sectors. Service providers can voluntarily apply for this so-called umbrella trademark.

There are currently 8 types of trademarks: spa, thermal bath, wellness bath, adventure bath, castle, castle, waterfront paid beach and waterfront free beach.

Until 7 November 2023, one castle – the Royal Castle of Gödöllő – and five paid beaches on Lake Balaton were the proud owners of the “Treasures of Hungary” trademark. However, on this day, at the general assembly of the Hungarian Bathing Association in Bükfürdő, also a number of spas and health resorts were awarded the “Treasures of Hungary” trademark for the first time in the certification process for tourist attractions, which was launched in early 2023, writes sokszinuvidek.24.hu.

One municipality takes the cake

The municipality of Sárvár received the “Treasures of Hungary” label in four categories. Two areas in the health resort category—the Sárvár Arboretum and the area around Lake Csónakazó—were awarded this distinction. The Sárvár Spa and Wellness Baths were also ranked among the top providers in the spa, adventure bath and wellness bath categories.

Aquarius Nyíregyháza was also awarded the title of “Treasures of Hungary” in the category of adventure baths. Additionally, there were several winners in the spa category, including Sárvár, Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz and Gyula. In the next two years, we expect to see many more Hungarian gems eligible for the “Treasures of Hungary” title.

November 9, 2023

Major Budapest spas to be free soon!

Spas and thermal baths are some of the gems of the Hungarian capital that everyone who visits has on their bucket list. From Pest through Buda to Óbuda, Budapest boasts a great number of amazing spas. Unfortunately, admission is usually not cheap. However, with the 150th birthday of the capital, this changes, even if just for one day.

It was not only the pandemic but also the increase in energy prices that hit domestic spas, forcing them to suffer huge losses, Pénzcentrum writes. In 2020 and 2021, they were closed for 8 months. These long months meant a total loss of more than HUF 22 billion (EUR 58 million) in revenue.

However, it seems that the lean years are over: the heatwave that started in mid-July and lasted until the end of August brought a positive turnaround.

“In total, the number of visitors to our company’s spas and beaches for the three months of the summer was more than 1.2 million, which is about the same as in 2022. The revenue for the months of June-August this year exceeded HUF 6.6 billion (EUR 17.4 million), an increase of 125% compared to the same period in 2022 and 116% compared to the plan,” Edit Bálintné Réffy, senior communications expert at Budapest Spas cPlc., told Pénzcentrum.

(Almost) Free admission!

The Budapest Spas cPlc. welcomes Budapesters with a birthday present on the city’s anniversary:

on 17 November, its 150th birthday, you can bathe for just HUF 150!

The opportunity to celebrate the anniversary is open to all the company’s spas. This means nine locations:

Csillaghegy,
Dandár,
Gellért,
Lukács,
Palatinus,
Paskál,
Pesterzsébet,
Rudas, and
Széchenyi spas.

Tickets can only be purchased ONLINE from 4 November 2023.

Tickets for the baths on 17 November are valid only on the day of the event, Budapest’s birthday. The baths are open uniformly from 7.00 to 12.00 in the morning and from 14.00 to 19.00 in the afternoon (Palatinus only in the morning). On the birthday, season tickets and the Zsigmondy Club Card cannot be used.

Based on interest so far, it is expected to be a full house everywhere. More than 10,000 guests will then be able to celebrate Budapest’s 150th birthday in the baths!

Read about saline thermal water in Hungary HERE.

November 6, 2023

Saline thermal water boasts a myriad of benefits, here’s where to find it in Hungary

Saline thermal water offers numerous health benefits, as it can help alleviate various inflammations and musculoskeletal conditions. Fortunately, many Hungarian baths feature saline thermal water. In this article, we’ll provide tips for utilising this beneficial healing water and offer recommendations for the best spas in the country.

Healing thermal water

According to Termálfürdő, saline thermal waters are effective in treating a wide range of health issues, from musculoskeletal conditions to gynaecological diseases. Professionals recommend saline thermal baths for the following health problems:

Chronic degenerative or inflammatory rheumatological diseases
Osteoporosis
Limb injuries
Orthopaedic surgery
Chronic ovarian inflammation
Infertility
Urological problems
Skin woes

In some cases, it can be used for post-treatment of paralysis. To experience the full benefits of this healing water, frequent bathing over a limited period is essential. However, don’t anticipate immediate miracles from one or two dips! It’s recommended to bathe for approximately 20 minutes, and you should consult your doctor, especially if you have certain conditions like severe heart disfunction, high blood pressure or advanced kidney disease.

Aquaticum Debrecen

Fortunately, Hungary offers a variety of saline thermal baths. Most baths on the Great Hungarian Plain have access to this healing water, and there are numerous other baths scattered throughout the country. One of the most beloved baths on the Great Hungarian Plain is Aquaticum Debrecen, located in Hungary’s second most populous city. The thermal bath features water with a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius, which is rich in many beneficial minerals.

Thermal Bath of Eger

Eger, known for its historical significance, also boasts a remarkable thermal bath just minutes away from the city centre. With 13 pools, including indoor and outdoor options, this spa centre caters to every wellness-enthusiasts’ needs. It offers saline thermal water along with excellent sports facilities.

Bath of Zalakaros

Zalakaros is a popular destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of healing waters. The tranquil town offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Apart from saline thermal pools rich in minerals, you’ll find saunas and a fantastic selection of waterslides, making it an ideal destination for all generations.

Zalakarosi Fürdő bath — Source: Facebook / Zalakarosi Fürdő

Read also:

October 13, 2023

Huge thermal spa to be built on the Hungarian-Romanian border

A major investment is under construction to develop the Oradea spa. A thermal bath is now being added to the 7-year old water park.

A public consultation on the new spa has already been launched. According to the municipality, the new spa would be built on the site of the existing beach in 2 years. The investment would be financed by EU money.

This is no competition for the Nymphaea Spa, which has been operating in the city for 7 years. The unparalleled spa is a perfect place to relax and unwind in Oradea, Romania.

The project, which is close to the Hungarian border, will include indoor and outdoor pools, a sunbathing area, a wellness area, a fitness room and a garden with Mediterranean plants. The new spa is planned to occupy two thirds of the available space. However, the beach area will remain, reports termalonline.hu.

A car park with 150 parking spaces will also be added. Famous for its Art Nouveau palaces and thermal springs, the Romanian city was declared a national tourist destination in 2020. The spa, which is close to the Hungarian border, will be completed in two years.

October 12, 2023

Budapest citizens, attention: free access to Hungary’s most expensive spas!

Budapest Széchenyi Baths Thermal Spa Gyógyfürdő Heat record

Well, practically free: on 17 November 2023, tickets to every spa in the 150-year-old capital will be HUF 150 (EUR 0.38). However, only while stocks last.

Tickets can be purchased online from 4 November. The only condition is that the buyer must have a Budapest address card (even a temporary one), as the tickets will be issued in their name, Pénzcentrum reports.

For the historic baths, one person can buy 2 tickets (the other person must also have a Budapest address card). For the other baths, the system will allow 4 tickets per person (all tickets will be linked to an address card and will be personal also).

Baths will be open on Friday 17 November, regardless of the special event.

However, it is important to know that tickets will only be valid up to the maximum capacity of the baths.

This is a total of 12,000 tickets, including all the Budapest baths, morning and afternoon sessions, and no more tickets will be sold. For example, at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the number is 1,840 people/day.

Ildikó Szűts, CEO of Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Plc. (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt.), expects high traffic on the servers during the booking period and in the spas on 17 November.

At the same time, Csaba Faix, CEO of Budapest Brand, also announced an additional promotion. Those who have an ÉnBudapestem discount card (i.e. those who have downloaded the app) can buy tickets online from 3 November, but they have to register on the app by 31 October.

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September 27, 2023

A popular spa at Lake Balaton may disappear

A spa in Siófok, which was opened 15 years ago, has become unusable, and even a billion forints are not enough to save it.

The popular spa could disappear

Two years after the Galerius Spa was closed, Siófok won a 900 million forint (EUR 2,324,822.82) grant to revive it. However, according to an economx.hu article, even this is not enough. The mayor is desperate to save the spa, but he sees no solution.

Róbert Lengyel, mayor of Siófok, reacted to the incident in a Facebook post. “How can it happen that a barely 15-year old building, according to expert opinion, deteriorates in such pace as if it was 40 years old,” Lengyel wrote.

It seems that problems in site selection, design, construction and maintenance have also led to the current situation.

“After we agreed with the state (county) authorities – even before the EU funds dried up – through the intervention of Mr Witzmann, that we would get help in this matter and that we could get the necessary funds for the renovation by submitting two separate tenders, the question was settled: we would save our spa.” -said the mayor.

Lack of financial resources

After the HUF 900 million tender, the next tender is expected, which has not yet been prepared. As there are no EU funds, the chances are thin to receive help.

“The new situation called for a new decision, because we would have to find a way to raise the half a billion forints that are still needed.” – Róbert Lengyel stressed.

It is also possible that the HUF 900 million received so far will be returned due to a lack of additional funds, and then the spa will be left closed as it was.

People are trying to find alternative sources for the remaining half a million forints. Locals are active under the mayor’s post. An idea has been floated to hold a charity gala to save the popular spa.

September 21, 2023

Budapest’s iconic bath, national gallery seriously damaged in the extreme thunderstorm

The Saturday thunderstorm caused damages in Budapest, the repair costs are well above HUF billions. For example, the popular Csepel beach had to close for a while because of the damages it suffered due to the extreme weather. However, even iconic baths like the Széchenyi near the City Park and the national gallery in the Buda Castle were damaged.

According to Infostart, several Budapest beaches suffered considerable damages during the Saturday thunderstorm and hail. Ildikó Borosné Szűts, the CEO of the Budapest Spas cPlc, the weather caused disruptions in two baths and beaches in Budapest. One is the beach of Pesterzsébet, where the storm was heavy. Water got through to the cash desks and the machinery room. Therefore, mechanics had to pump out the water continuously.

Outdoor devices were also harmed because the soil could not soak the huge amount of water that had hit it in such a short time interval. Gardeners are working on the re-establishment of the environment tirelessly, she added.

The other place seriously hit by the storm causing disruptions was Budapest’s iconic Széchenyi bath near the City Park. The roof above an office collapsed because it could not hold the tremendous amount of water. As a result, a stucco also tumbled. Moreover, their astonishing marble hall also got soaked. Water rushed inwards below the doors, but their colleagues preserved their cold blood. Thus, they could restore everything by the dawn opening.

They are still measuring the damage caused by the storm, and will send the list to the insurer afterwards. Mrs Szűts said traffic in Budapest’s beaches and spas is behind the level of 2022 because of the unfavourable weather. That applies to July as well. Budapest’s beaches will remain open until 31 August, and they hope summer will return next week.

Artwork in the Hungarian National Gallery also damaged

Not only the beaches and spas were damaged during the weekend thunderstorm. According to Forbes, the Hungarian National Gallery closed because of the extreme storm. The roof was soaked, and the water could reach even the exhibited artworks. According to a source of 444.hu, the water damaged the art storage and exhibited artworks in several rooms. For example, they needed to take down some of the pieces from the Gulácsy exhibition because water flowed on the walls. The home of the national gallery:

Interestingly, the Hungarian National Gallery’s home is the palace building in Buda Castle. However, it regularly gets soaked during heavy rains. That concerns not only the surrounding of the dome but also some of the walls and the stores. The national gallery shared the following post about the sad events:

“Due to the extremely heavy rains of the past few days, several exhibition spaces of the Hungarian National Gallery have suffered a leak, but thanks to the immediate measures taken, the art collection was not damaged. The exhibitions will be temporarily closed, probably until the second half of the week, while the causes of the water damage are investigated. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!”

HERE you may read our article on Europe’s two best thermal spas that are in Hungary. In THIS article, you may get information about the construction of the new national gallery in the City Park.

After weekend storm, lives, property protected

The Hungarian authorities have successfully protected lives and property after the past weekend’s storm during which a month’s worth of rain deluged most of the country, a government official said on Tuesday. Investments in flood protection, firming up dams and new equipment for disaster prevention were instrumental in protection efforts, Bence Retvari, interior ministry parliamentary state secretary told a press conference. The government has set aside a force majeure fund of HUF 2.6 billion (EUR 6.7 million) available to local councils that submit claims within seven days of a natural disaster, he noted.

August 8, 2023

PHOTOS: Legendary Budapest beach for sale

The beach is located on the north-western edge of Újpest, at the same elevation as the southern tip of Szentendrei Island. The area next to the Danube River embankment was used as an outdoor beach from 1938 until 2006 when it became disused. The Tungsram, or “Tungi”, was a favourite spot for Újpest residents until the turn of the millennium. Many people remember it with nostalgia.

Charming beach for sale

As napi.hu wrote, after the regime change in Hungary, the beach lost its popularity. In 1990, the American company General Electric bought Tungsram and wanted to get rid of the beach and its redundant buildings for financial reasons. There was only one serious interested party, a Dutch company which wanted to create an aqua park on the site, but soil tests prevented this. The beach was closed in 2006 and has not been used ever since. The boathouse on the site is currently under the care of the Újpest Kayak Association. After-school sports lessons are held there for youngsters. More information on the beach for sale is available HERE.

Environmental remediation

The beach was built on an artificial island on the inside of the dam. The island was connected to the left bank of the Danube by a bridge. The construction of the dam resulted in a natural recharge process in the area enclosed by the dam. This area was gradually filled artificially from the 1950s onwards. It was completely filled in 1974. Industrial materials and waste from construction and demolition debris were also used for filling. It is assumed that the industrial and commercial enterprises along the Váci Street and the population were also involved in the filling process.

The authorities requested the owner to take soil and groundwater samples. The owner was required to share the results publicly. Based on the results of the investigation and by setting an individual pollution limit value, authorities declared the environmental remediation complete.

The history of Tungsram

The Tungsram beach, originally UTE Dunafürdő, or just “Tungi”, opened on the 10th of July in 1938. Officially, it closed for good on the 26th of August 2004. The beach covered an area of 30,000 square metres, including a 50×20 metre competition pool, a 50×25 metre guest pool and a children’s pool. The beach had a capacity of well over 10,000 people, it was a simple place, but people liked it for that reason. There was also a boathouse on the site, which could accommodate 200 boats, with boaters’ cabins and office spaces. The beach soon became a favourite place for the people of Újpest and was a hive of activity until the 1980s. Here are some photos of the beach during its golden age:

August 8, 2023