baths

It is worth visiting these 5 Hungarian spas now, price increases are coming soon

Akácliget Thermal Bath

If you still want to take advantage of the good prices of these Hungarian spas, you should visit them now. Soon, ticket prices will increase.

Berekfürdő Thermal and Beach Spa

In the Berekfürdő Thermal and Beach Spa, the cheap ticket prices are valid until April 30, writes termalonline.hu. The new season brings new prices. Until April 30, a day ticket for adults costs HUF 2,800 (EUR 7,46), a ticket for students and pensioners costs HUF 2,300 (EUR 6,13). In addition, these daily tickets entitle you to multiple entries. Tickets can be exchanged for HUF 1,700 (EUR 4,53) 3 hours before closing time. The spa has 12 pools with different temperatures, so everyone can find the one that suits them. Those who come to recover can use a wide range of underwater therapeutic exercises, weight baths, carbonic acid baths, medical therapeutic massages, underwater water jet massages and electrotherapy treatments.

Bihar Thermal Park – Beach and Thermal Spa

Located in Berettyóújfalu, this thermal bath was opened at the beginning of spring and you can use only one outdoor pool. However, you can enter the spa for quite a low price. The daily ticket costs HUF 1000 (EUR 2,66). As soon as the other outdoor pools are put into operation, the ticket prices will go up too. Therefore, it is woth visiting the Bihar Thermal Park in the coming weeks.

Vulkán Spa and Experience Bath

Although the pool offer of the Vulkán Spa was temporarily expanded, it returned to the previous order. Two hot water pools and two cooler water swimming pools are available for guests. The price is very reasonable, HUF 2,400 (EUR 6,39) for a daily ticket. In addition, there is also a 5-hour daily ticket, which costs only HUF 1,650 (EUR 4,39). The spa’s services include massage, sauna and other wellness treatments. If you want to pay less for this spa, you might want to visit it soon, before the prices increase.

Akácliget Thermal Bath

In the Akácliget Spa, the current ticket prices are also valid until April 30. The adult ticket is HUF 2,000 (EUR 5,33), for students and pensioners, it is HUF 1,600 (EUR 4,26). This spa complex has 5 outdoor and 3 indoor pools. Three of the open pools have medicinal water, which is thermal water with a high salt content (7011 mg/l) containing sodium chloride and hydrogen carbonate, as well as a lot of minerals. In addition to the therapeutic pools, a children’s pool and an adventure pool are available to guests in the open area.

Read also:

Easter will be extremely expensive in Budapest’s top baths

Hungarian Thermal Bath Do's and Don'ts

Three of Budapest’s major historic baths will charge more for Easter admission than the already higher weekend prices. The Széchenyi, Gellért and Rudas baths will have higher entrance fees than many would like.

In some cases, all weekends are considered a priority, as well as public holidays and school holidays. But this year, the three historic baths in Budapest are charging even higher prices than on weekends at Easter, Travelo reports.

Gellért thermal bath
Gellért thermal bath, Budapest. Photo: Facebook, Szt. Gellért Gyógyfürdő

In Gellért and Széchenyi, a day ticket with locker use will cost HUF 11,900 (EUR 31.50) during Easter. This is HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.65) more than on weekends and HUF 2,000 (EUR 5.29) more than on weekdays. At Rudas, a day ticket for all zones will cost HUF 13,200 (EUR 34.94). This is HUF 1000 (EUR 2.65) more expensive than a normal weekend ticket and HUF 4600 (EUR 12.18) more expensive than a weekday ticket.

During the Easter long weekend, the usual weekend ticket prices will be valid at the Csillaghegy, Dandár, Lukács, Palatinus, Paskál and Pesterzsébet spas managed by Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd., Termál Online reports.

Spas in other parts of the country with special ticket prices typically adjust their ticket prices to coincide with the spring school break. That means that higher ticket prices will be in effect between 6 and 11 April.

Rudas Thermal Bath Budapest
Photo: facebook.com/rudas.gyogyfurdo

Read also:

New thermal spa opens in Pest county

After a renovation and expansion, the thermal spa is now opening with a new look after a two-year halt.

The village of Tóalmás is located 55 kilometers from Budapest, in Pest County, on the border with Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, termalonline.hu reports. In the 1960s, oil was searched for in the village, but thermal water was found instead. The locals were delighted with the success and in 1971 they opened a beach spa. The three-pool spa was operating seasonally until the 2021 season.

The last time the thermal beach in Tóalmás opened was in 2021, after which the expansion of the spa began with a HUF 260 million (EUR 674,933.74) grant. During the renovation, new changing rooms and a modern water block were built, the pools were renovated and a new 20-square-meter plunge pool was constructed. A small spa treatment area has also been created, where physiotherapy, physiotherapy gymnastics and therapeutic massage will be available.

From its reopening at the beginning of June, the St. Andrew’s Spa Beach in Tóalmás is expected to await visitors all year round. During the season it will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM. During the off-season, from October to the end of April, the spa will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The St. Andrew’s Spa Beach has also been awarded a prestigious title, as it offers soft thermal water with a medium mineral content, sodium bicarbonate, which is highly recommended for knee and hip problems.

Read also:

PHOTOS: New unique water theme park to open in Hungary

Győr water theme park

One of Hungary’s most expensive spa projects is coming to an end. The new RQ Thermal and Adventure Bath in Győr is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023.

he construction of the spa began in early 2021. In September last year, they announced that the opening could be expected by summer 2023. According to termalonline.hu, the official date has now been set. The spa, which will be the year’s one of the biggest new attractions in 2023, will be inaugurated on 17 June.

The biggest spa investment ever

The huge water theme park will be built next to the already existing Rába Quelle Spa, transforming it into a huge bath complex. The portal reports that the new water park will feature 21 pools.

Győr water theme park
Photo: facebook.com/rqvizielmenypark

The investment cost more than HUF 23 billion (EUR 60.6 million). Such a massive investment in a spa has never been made in Hungary before. The cost of the project is especially high due to the construction of a dam. The spa is located near the rivers Moson-Danube and Rába. In previous years, the area was flooded almost completely by the rivers during heavy rainfalls.

The theme of the water park will be “Hungaricum”. Thus, in line with the theme, the main attraction will be a huge soda siphon-shaped water slide tower. Soda water is a well-known Hungaricum. Soda water is considered a Hungaricum. In Hungary, Ányos Jedlik was the first to produce water infused with carbon dioxide.

Győr water park slide
The photo was taken of the yet unfinished slide tower in September 2022. Photo: facebook.com/drdezsicsabaandras

Here is what the unique slide tower loos like now:

 

7-sea star water theme park

According to the spa’s website, the new spa complex in Győr will be the first in the world to receive a 7-sea star rating. The concept behind this new quality assurance system is that each star represents a group of services. Services will include, for example, a variety of therapeutic treatments, several restaurants and bars, as well as a children’s play house and water play area.

Here are some additional pictures of the ongoing construction work, shared by the city’s mayor back in September:

 

almond blossom Budapest Gellért Hill
Read alsoPHOTOS: Bucket list destinations to admire the spring blossom in Hungary

Drastic price rise in these Budapest baths because of the foreign tourists

Budapest is one of the bath and spa capitals of the world, but it seems it will become more expensive to visit these institutions this summer.

Thermal bath prices increase in Budapest

That is because the municipal council of Budapest accepted the business plan of the Budapest Spas cPlc., the municipal company responsible for operating and running the historic baths and spas of the Hungarian capital. That business plan contains a drastic rise in entrance fees, Metropol wrote.

Rumour had it already at the end of 2022 that the municipal council was preparing for such a move. However, the decision was made only on 22 February, during the regular session of the Budapest City Council.

According to the company, they aim to ensure the operation of the baths and spas despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and the energy crisis hitting Europe. They aim to make the firm profitable in 2023. Therefore, they would increase ticket prices significantly.

One of the cornerstones of the business plan is the Széchenyi and the Rudas baths, both having a lot of foreign visitors. As a result, the price hike will be higher there than in other places. Budapest Spas would like to redirect guests from the Gellért Bath since the latter will be closed for reconstruction.

Will Smith in the Széchenyi bath:

Tourists will pay more

The ticket prices of Rudas and Széchenyi, Budapest’s illustrious and historic baths, will increase by 30 percent. That is because the company believes that is the sum the tourists would continue to pay. However, in those two cases, they will not only increase the entrance fees, but also all service prices. The new prices will not exceed EUR 27, remaining below the average of international competitors. Metropol believes that Hungarian guests will not be able to pay the heightened fees.

The company said in its business plan that in other baths, where the majority of the guests are Hungarians, fees will be increased by only 10-15 percent. That circle of institutions includes the famous Lukács Bath. Meanwhile, Budapest Spas cPlc., regards it crucial to retain all discounts for pensioners, families, children and Zsigmondy club card owners.

HERE is the current price list for the Széchenyi Bath, and HERE you may find the prices of the Rudas Thermal Bath.

Aria Hotel
Read also The Times named two Hungarian cities among the best for mini vacations!

Hungary’s thermal baths are ready for a big reopening in March

Anna Bath

Due to economic reasons or maintenance work, some thermal baths have closed down in Hungary. However, in March, they will reopen and welcome those who would like to have a nice spa day upon the arrival of spring. 

Akácliget Thermal Bath

In the Akácliget Thermal Bath, only one therapeutic water pool has been available since the beginning of the year. Spa treatments were halted, but rheumatology outpatient appointments are still provided. Nevertheless, guests are able to book accommodation. However, this period only lasted two months, as from 1 March, all the treatments will be on offer again. The thermal bath announced on its Facebook page: “For healthy lifestyle enthusiasts, our wellness department can be visited again upon prior registration..”.

Akácliget Thermal Bath

Akácliget Thermal Bath. Photo: FB/Akácliget Fürdő

The indoor experience bath at Lenti Thermal Bath reopens

The indoor adventure pool belonging to the Lenti Thermal Bath has been on maintenance break since 9 January, writes termalonline.hu. Since then, the spa pool, the semi-covered hydromassage pool, the swimming and learning pool, the sauna world and the energy park have been in operation. But after nearly two months, the indoor experience bath reopens and guests can enjoy the adventure pool again. You can visit the pool from Monday to Sunday, between 10 AM and 7 PM.

In addition, guests can soak in the healing waters which are well-known for their therapeutic properties. In the 3,500 m2 indoor spa, guests have access to 4 pools, one semi-covered pool and a 630 m2 relaxation area.

Lenti Thermal Bath
Lenti Thermal Bath. Photo: FB/Lenti Termálfürdő és Szt. György Energiapark / Therme Lenti

Anna Bath

As a cost-saving measure, Anna Fürdő shut its door on 19 December. This was agreed upon by the general assembly of the city of Szeged in October. In recent months, only physiotherapy and electrotherapy treatments were available. However, on 3 March, the spa will reopen, and guests will be able to use the balneotherapy treatments again.

Anna Bath
Anna Bath, Szeged. Photo: FB/Anna Fürdő
Anna Bath
Anna Bath. Photo: FB/Anna Fürdő

Siklós Thermal Spa

On 9 January, Siklós Thermal Spa Complex and the adjoining Hotel Castello were closed down. However, you do not have to wait long for the reopening, as from 10 March, both the spa and the hotel await guests.

Siklós Thermal Spa
Siklós Thermal Spa. Photo: FB/Thermal SPA Siklós

5 fabulous baths in Hungary against the winter cold

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath

Want to escape the winter cold? Try out some fabulous baths in Hungary! Whether you like cave bathing or a quiet wellness, here are some ideas for you.

Have a look at these baths in Hungary collected by ittjartam.hu:

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath

You will definitely enjoy the warm karst water of the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath. The healing cave climate and the power of the 30-degree, silky thermal water will make you feel relaxed. Start your journey in the Fürdőcsarnok, then after the cozy Old cave pool, visit the Hidas room with the warmest water! Moreover, you should massage out the knotted muscles under the water jets of the Old Bathhouse, and then relax in the Star Room or in the wonderful sauna park.

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath
Miskolctapolca Cave Bath. Photo: FB/Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő és Aquaterápia

Gyula Castle Bath

If you are looking for a bath that all the family members enjoy, the Gyula Castle Bath is the perfect place. The older age group can experience the beneficial effects of the wonderful medicinal water and other health-preserving treatments. The AquaPalota’s family adventure pool offers excitement for children and for those who are looking for refreshment and adrenaline. Bursting hot tubs, neck showers of variable strength, and refreshing champagne beds and flowing river await guests in this bath complex. Try the windy slides and splash into the diving pool from several meters high! After sauna, you can also sip a pleasant cocktail in the water bar. And for the little ones, there is a baby and children’s pool with a pirate ship slide and water cannons.

Gyula Castle Bath
Gyula Castle Bath. Photo: FB/Gyulai Várfürdő

Zalakaros Bath

The Zalakaros Bath is full of adventure and excitement. Immerse yourself in the hot tubs, experience water drifting, refresh yourself under the water umbrella or race down the slide colored with light effects! In addition to the fascinating water world, you might want to try out the sauna and warm up a little. In additon, the pools rich in thermal water and the medical treatments that encompass 55 years of expertise guarantee complete physical and mental rejuvenation.

Zalakaros Bath
Zalakaros Bath. Photo: FB/Zalakarosi Fürdő

Aqua-Palace Experience Bath, Hajdúszoboszló

In the Aqua-Palace Experience Bath, you can find adventures both in the coldest winter and the hottest summer! Each pool in the 15,000-square-meter Hajdúszoboszló spa area welcomes you with a different atmosphere. From the sea bath to world of the tropics or the ice cave, you can find every kind of swimming pool here. Last but not least, a whole range of wellness treatments are available to guests.

aqua-palace_experience_bath-hajduszoboszló
Aqua Palace Experience Bath-Hajduszoboszló. Photo: FB/Hajdúszoboszló a felüdülőhely

Napfényfürdő Aquapolis Szeged

Hungary’s third largest city welcomes everyone with a water paradise all year round. In addition to the dazzling pool area, a total of 1 km of slides are at your disposal. For extreme fun, you can climb the 30-meter-high slide tower and try out the onion slide or the multi-slide. However, if you would rather prefer a little relaxation, we recommend the exclusive spa section designed for those over 16. Moreover, log sauna, steam room, heated pool and a beautiful relaxation area ensures a peaceful athmosphere.

Szeged Aquapolis
Szeged Aquapolis. Photo: FB/Napfényfürdő Aquapolis Szeged

Huge price increases in popular Budapest spas

Széchenyi Bath Budapest

From February 2023, a higher payment will be required for spa treatments in the Budapest spas. The increase will be more significant for the large historic spas, but there are also some spas where the increase will be minimal. Read on for more information.

Higher co-payments from February

From 1 February, the co-payments for subsidised spa treatments in the Budapest spas operated by Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd. (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt.) will increase. The increase is not surprising, termalonline.hu writes, given that the National Health Insurance Fund (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő) has not increased the subsidy for spa treatments since 2012, i.e., for 11 years.

Extremely low subsidies for Budapest spas

rudas baths
Rudas Baths, source: https://www.facebook.com/rudas.gyogyfurdo/

And these subsidies are few and far between. In 2018, the site looked at the amount of subsidies for a spa treatment and found surprisingly low amounts. This has not changed since then. Amount of aid for a nationally certified spa:

  • Spa pool with medicinal water: HUF 274 (EUR 0.7)
  • Bath with medicinal water: HUF 552 (EUR 1.41)
  • Mud packing: HUF 948 (EUR 2.43)
  • Weight bath: HUF 561 (EUR 1.44)
  • Carbonic acid bath: HUF 786 (EUR 2.01)
  • Medical massage: HUF 580 (EUR 1.48)
  • Underwater jet massage: HUF 765 (EUR 1.96)
  • Underwater group physiotherapy: HUF 607 (EUR 1.55)
  • Complex spa treatment: HUF 2229 (EUR 5.71)

Significant increases

Gellért thermal bath
Gellért thermal bath, Budapest. Photo: Facebook, Szt. Gellért Gyógyfürdő

The good news is that those entitled to public health care will not have to pay more for services than before. However, everyone else will have to prepare for a price increase of up to 36 percent, depending on the treatment and the spa they choose.

Significant increases will be made at the three large historic baths: Széchenyi, Gellért and Rudas. The fee for the most popular subsidised treatment, the medicinal water bath, will increase by 16 percent in all three spas, from HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.4) to HUF 2,900 (EUR 7.42). The price for complex treatment at the Széchenyi Spa will increase from HUF 3,300 (EUR 8.45) to HUF 4,500 (EUR 11.52). This represents an increase of 36.3 percent.

In the Lukács, Palatinus, Paskál and Pesterzsébet spas, the price of the thermal water treatment in the thermal pools will increase by 14.2 percent, from HUF 2100 (EUR 5.38) to HUF 2400 (EUR 6.14). In the Lukács Spa, it is possible to choose a complex treatment, the co-payment of which will increase from HUF 3300 (EUR 8.45) to HUF 4500 (EUR 11.52), i.e. the increase is 36.3 percent. In other spas, treatment fees are increased by around 15-20 percent.

If you want to save money, termalonline.hu recommends the Dandár Spa in Ferencváros. Prices are the lowest here and they are rising at the lowest rate. In the Dandár, the price of the thermal pool will go up from HUF 1,100 (EUR 2.82) to HUF 1,200 (EUR 3.07). The price of the thermal bath will increase from HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.56) to HUF 1,100 (EUR 2.82), and the price of the jet massage from HUF 1,100 (EUR 2.82) to HUF 1,200 (EUR 3.07).

lake balaton beach weather sunny
Read alsoSignificant price hikes expected at Lake Balaton this summer

The Times named two Hungarian cities among the best for mini vacations!

Aria Hotel

It is always an honour for Hungary to be featured in articles and lists about the best places for sightseeing, thermal bathing, eating, among others. However, when it is not one but two Hungarian cities that make it to a prestigious list, it is even more of a happy news! This is exactly what happened now, as The Times – more precisely, its sister title, The Sunday Times – featured two Hungarian cities on its list called ‘The best mini-breaks in Eastern Europe’.

‘The best mini-breaks in Eastern Europe — plus where to stay, eat and visit‘ is the full title of the article of The Sunday Times, a British conservative weekly. Despite Budapest usually being on top of these lists, the 3rd place was not taken by the Hungarian capital. It was awarded to the second largest city of Hungary: Debrecen.

Debrecen, Hungary takes 3rd place

belga boutique hotel debrecen
Belga Boutique Hotel, Debrecen. Source: belgahotel.hu

“Hungary’s unsung second city has a Budapest-style line-up of trundling trams, ruin bars and beautiful churches — not least the canary-yellow St Anne’s Cathedral. Thermal spa centres await here too, this time with a large student population injecting extra energy. Frequent festivals enliven the pedestrianised heart of town and guides offer excursions to the Tokaj region, which produces world-famous sweet wines, and the vast Puszta grassland patrolled by cowboys and strange-looking sheep. Back in Debrecen, the deluxe Belga Boutique Hotel is implausibly affordable.”

The description of The Sunday Times perfectly summarises what Debrecen is all about: lively atmosphere, breathtaking sights, relaxing thermal spas, friendly people, great wine and excellent accommodation. One should absolutely not miss this gem of a city when visiting Hungary.

Budapest, Hungary takes 20th place

Aria Hotel
Aria Hotel Budapest
Source: Varrodesign

Scrolling a bit further down, we meet the Hungarian capital. In the case of Budapest, The Sunday Times highlights sightseeing and thermal baths.

“Thanks to Hungary’s weak currency, a day’s soak at the belle époque Szechenyi thermal bath currently costs from just £21 (szechenyibath.hu). And after climbing up to green-domed Buda Castle and exploring the growing number of cultural attractions in Varosliget park, you may need it. New additions include impressive music and ethnography museums plus a 150m-high fixed balloon to ride (£15; ligetbudapest.hu). Dine at the plant-focused, waste-free Twentysix° (mains from £8: twentysixbudapest.com) before a sound night’s sleep at the palatial Aria Hotel.”

Let us take the advice of The Sunday Times and visit these two beautiful cities as soon as we get the chance to!

Rudas Bath tourist traps
Read alsoBudapest one of the top European wellness hotspots!

Budapest one of the top European wellness hotspots!

Rudas Bath tourist traps

For most, trips away provide the opportunity to relax and escape, with 93 pc of people saying that being on holiday improves their wellbeing and mental health -according to ABTA With wellbeing at the forefront of people’s minds for travel, and ‘closer-to-home’ European countries proving to be the destinations of choice for 2023, Comparethemarket reveals the first edition of its European wellness hotspots index on which Budapest obtained a top spot.

The index highlights European locations travellers should consider going to when looking for a relaxing break based on different factors, including; amount of green space, air and noise pollution levels and the number of spas and yoga studios. Prague came in first place across Europe whereas Budapest ranks 35th out of the 50 cities on the list, comparethemarket.com wrote.

The Gellért Thermal Bath in Budapest:

Gellért Thermal Bath, Budapest, Hungary
Gellért Thermal Bath (Photo: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope)

The top 10 European wellness locations:

Rank

City

1

Prague

2

Berlin

3

Helsinki

4

Sheffield

5

Munich

6

Barcelona

7

Hamburg

8

Leipzig

9

Paris

10

Frankfurt

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, takes the top wellness destination spot within Europe. With an abundance of green space (40%) and over two-hundred spas to choose from, the aptly nicknamed ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ is the perfect place to relax. With low levels of noise pollution and a huge 336 spas to choose from, Berlin takes second place in the ranking. The city is an ideal wellness destination choice and is also an ideal place to visit for any yoga enthusiasts, with 21 studios to choose from. Helsinki, Sheffield, and Munich are the remaining cities that make up the top five wellness destinations. Helsinki offers ample amounts of green space (43%), while Sheffield has the highest healthcare score (83). Coming fifth in the ranking is Munich, mainly due to low noise pollution levels (21%).

The Széchenyi Bath in Budapest:

Budapest bath
Széchenyi Baths
Photo: Wikicommon by Marc Ryckaert

For those after a wellness retreat closer to home, Liverpool, Leicester, and Bristol all feature in the index, showing that UK cities really can be a place to relax and unwind.

Commenting on the research, Anna McEntee, director at Comparethemarket, says: “If you’re looking for a wellness holiday – either in the UK or abroad – it’s important to check you have the correct level of travel insurance in place. This is even more important if you’re planning any activities such as yoga or any other sports.

A typical sports travel insurance policy should cover unforeseen circumstances, such as medical expenses, emergency transportation and stolen or damaged baggage, but it’s always important to check what the policy covers, as this differs between providers.”

To find out more about Europe’s top wellness destinations please visit THIS website.

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Budapest’s legendary Rácz Thermal Bath will reopen soon

Rácz bath

The building of the unique Hungarian thermal bath and the 67-room hotel attached to it was ready to open in 2010, Népszava says. However, the plans went unmet. Since then, its state has been deteriorating. Here is how the municipal leadership of Budapest would like to reopen it for the public and create a popular tourist spot in the capital famed for its spas and baths.

Long-term operator needed

According to Népszava, the Rácz Thermal Bath has to be completely renewed before it can reopen. However, Budapest does not have the necessary budget to cover the costs of the renovation. But the capital’s leadership came up with another idea to manage the undertaking without having to take a loan.

The Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei (Budapest Spas) ordered an analysis of the different available options for managing the Rácz Hotel. Initially they even considered selling it. However, the leadership of Budapest aims to sign a long-term contract regarding the bath’s operation. The relevant call for applications will start in end-January or early February. Finally, the Municipal Council will decide about the long-term operator of the hotel.

However, Népszava writes that several investors expressed interest in not only purchasing but also operating the hotel last year. So the Municipal Council will probably have some options to choose from.

The is when the Rácz Thermal Bath may reopen

Ildikó Szűcs, the CEO of the Budapest Spas, hopes that the bath and the hotel will cooperate to create and utilise synergies. She added Budapest would like to sign a contract with the future operator for 20 years. The document will include a deadline for the hotel’s reopening. Among ideal conditions, the hotel and the thermal bath will be able to welcome guests as a joint venture.

Here is a photo of the interior of the bath. In the article of Népszava you can check out some additional photos of its current state.

The octogonal hall of the Rácz Thermal Bath. The photo was taken around 1950-1960:

Népszava says that the hotel and the bath were on the edge of the opening in 2010. However, it became a victim of the leadership change in Budapest (Fidesz won the local elections in the autumn of 2010). Afterwards, the municipal council had to buy the buildings of the hotel and the bath in May 2021 for HUF 5 billion (EUR 12.7 million). However, after they made a thorough analysis of the facility, it became painfully obvious that they could not reopen. That is because the bath was full of mold and fungus.

Here is a video of the bath uploaded on Youtube 8 months ago:

Budapest’s leadership hopes that they will be able to tender the bath’s renovation this summer. Based on their estimates, the costs will be around HUF 2.5 billion (EUR 6.34 million). According to the plans, the bath’s renewal will follow the revenues from the long-term operation contract. If they have the financial resources, a segment of the Rácz Thermal Bath will be renovated. If the budget will cover all the expenses, the work could be finished by next spring. If only the step-by-step plan proves to be feasible, it may occur that only a number of pools will be accessible to visitors.

Hungarian Bath Thermal Bath Demjén
Read alsoSeveral Hungarian baths to be closed from Monday

PHOTOS: Hungary’s most popular cave bath reopens

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca

The board directors of Miskolc Holding Ltd. decided on the basis of the business plan of Miskolc Spas Ltd. The mayor announced the good news in a Facebook post. The spa has been closed since 9 January for overdue maintenance work, so visitors who spend their leisure time visiting the spa will be delighted.

Accoring to Index.hu, based on the business plan of the Miskolc Spas Ltd., the Miskolc Holding Municipal Asset Management Company will decide at its meeting on 19 January whether the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath will reopen its doors.

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

Although the closing of Hungary’s most popular cave bath is unfortunate, it does not come as a surprise. On 3 October, it was decided to close the facility due to an energy emergency. From 10 to 28 October 2022, the cave bath had to close due to the energy crisis.

As we wrote in December 2022, according to the current decision, the facility remained open until 8 January. During the closure, the renovation works that began in the fall would be completed according to plans.

Miskolctapolca Cave Baths: in the need of a new business plan

The latest agreement was that the municipality would contribute to the running costs for the period until 8 January from the urban protection fund. Additionally, local entrepreneurs have pledged HUF 20-25 million (EUR 50,500-63,200). Despite this, the municipality contributed HUF 42 million (EUR 106,180) to the running of the spa, and the entrepreneurs contributed HUF 19 million (EUR 48,000) less than promised: only HUF 6 million (EUR 15,150).

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

Pál Veres, Mayor of Miskolc, regarding the closure of the Cave Baths on 8 January 2023, indicated that the annual maintenance of the Cave Baths Ltd. is expected to last until the end of January. Miskolc Spas Ltd. has been assigned the task of developing a business plan for the Cave Baths using the currently known energy prices.

According to Boon.hu, Pál Veres announced that

“the municipality will still have the opportunity after the decision of the board directors on 19 January to change the decision by mobilising his own resources.”

Miskolctapolca Cave Baths play an important role in the whole country’s tourism; it is one of Europe’s famous spa complex. 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.

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
The cave bath of Miskolctapolca. Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

The decision was made

According to Index.hu, the board directors of Miskolc Holding Ltd. decided on the basis of the business plan of Miskolc Spas Ltd. The mayor announced not only one, but two good news in his Facebook post.

“The good news is that the board discussed and approved the proposal for the continued operation of the Cave Baths. This means that from 26 January – after the completion of the annual maintenance – the famous European spa will continue to welcome guests. Also, by the end of spring, our major project to renovate the Miskolcapolca Ancient Park will be completed, which will make the surroundings of the Cave Baths even more beautiful.”

In his post, the mayor asked the people of Miskolc and those interested to use these complexes if they can. Despite the economic situation, they are trying to maintain the usual high standards. They will even discuss energy improvements that will ensure the long-term economic operation of the city’s major tourist attraction.

wizz air hungary
Read alsoWill Hungary-based Wizz Air be acquired?

What will happen to Hungarian spas and hotels in the economic crisis?

Shiraz Hotel, bath, Egerszalók, hotel, Hungary

The recent period has brought higher numbers of visitors than before for both spas and accommodation providers in Hungary, thanks to the end-of-year and early-season holidays. However, with the public experiencing the impact of soaring prices, spas and hotels can expect an even more serious drop in tourist numbers than ever before.

In a recent interview given to infostart.hu, Zoltán Balogh, the Secretary of the Hungarian Spa Association, told what to expect in the coming weeks regarding spas and hotels. He said that in recent weeks, there have been so many guests in the Hungarian spas that they have exceeded the revenue recorded in the same period in 2019, the year before the outbreak of COVID-19. He stressed, however, that the long-term survival of some spas is still in question. After all, there is an economic crisis, operating costs have increased and people will only go to the baths if they have enough money saved.

Further rise in ticket prices?

According to Balogh, the increase in costs has clearly led to higher ticket prices in spas, which was inevitable. However, the raised prices are still below the increased operating costs. He further mentions:

As a result of the general increase in energy prices and the resulting supplier price rises in December and now in January, most spas will be forced to increase their prices again.

Read alsoHere is how Hungarian spas will combat rising energy prices

Accommodations at risk

With the closure of several spas in the past year, the future of the accommodation sector is also at risk. The secretary pointed out that Hungarian tourism had always relied on spas. Therefore, if one closes, the surrounding region could see a significant drop in tourism.

In addition, Balogh told the news site that the problem had already been reported to the relevant decision-makers. A study has even been carried out to highlight this issue. Among other aspects, the study sheds light on the functioning of the spa industry and the factors that would be needed for spas to survive.

At the end of the brief interview, he added that in the January-February period, there is always a drop in guest numbers to some extent.

Therefore, our colleagues focus more on cost reduction.

Also, they are trying to manage with the help of their savings. This will hopefully get them through until the busy summer season.

siofok spa
Read alsoCould the Siófok Spa reopen?

VIDEO: Hungarian spa renovated near the western border

Lenti Termálfürdő és Szt. György Energiapark / Therme Lenti

The thermal baths in Lenti in south-western Hungary have been renewed and new sections added.

Visitors can now enjoy more than 100 different treatments at 19 treatment points, Magyar Építők said. In addition, the indoor pool area and its equipment have been modernised, and the main entrance and restaurant have been renovated

This video was taken shortly before the opening:

Read alsoPHOTOS: Europe’s two best thermal spas are in Hungary – new Mirror list

PHOTOS: Europe’s two best thermal spas are in Hungary – new Mirror list

Mirror, a British tabloid, compiled a list of Europe’s seven best thermal baths, and two are in Hungary. One is the illustrious Széchenyi Bath, in Budapest, near the City Park. The other is the world-known Hévíz Lake Bath near Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s greatest natural pond.

According to turizmus.com, British Mirror concluded that Europe’s warmest, most steamy and most beautiful thermal baths are in Greece, Iceland, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, and Hungary. The paper’s editors compiled the list. They did not rank the baths, but the first two have a number, however, they did not share why. The baths emerged to the top because of different features, Mirror says.

Here is the subjective list of the Mirror:

  • The hot springs of Palia Kameni, Greece
  • Blue Lagoon, Iceland
  • Hévíz Lake, Hévíz, Hungary
  • Thermal Bath Spa, Bath, England
  • Bains de Dorres, Pyrenees, France
  • Széchenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Read also: Several Hungarian baths to be closed from Monday

And here is what they write about the Hungarian baths.

Hévíz

“Hévíz is the largest swimmable thermal lake in the whole world. It is only beaten in size by Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand, which – at 60 °C – is simply too hot for humans. The warmth of the Hungarian lake water produces many types of interesting microscopic organisms, some of which are unique to Hévíz.”

The Mirror clears that the lake’s temperature is about 38 degrees in the summer. Furthermore, they recommend it especially for people dealing with rheumatic diseases and locomotor disorders.

Széchenyi Bath, Budapest

“Széchenyi Baths are for the masses”, Mirror says. “It is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and the third largest in the world, and is part of a complex containing 21 pools, including three outdoor, one indoor and one with a wave machine”, they added.

They also wrote that the neo-baroque building of the bath was built at the end of the 19th century. The basins contain 38 °C water and are filled with “sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of metaboric acid and fluoride”. It has 21 pools, and 3 of them are open-air.

széchenyi thermal bath
Read alsoBrutal price rise in the Budapest baths from January – we show a trick to bypass it

Ticket prices have tripled in this popular spa in Hungary

Veresegyháza Thermal Bath

In less than a year, the price of an entrance ticket to the thermal spa at Veresegyháza has almost tripled due to the energy crisis. In addition, other spas have also introduced drastic price increases. 

Price of the entrance ticket to the thermal spa at Veresegyháza has tripled

The increase in prices in the Veresegyháza Thermal Bath has caused an outrage among locals. Since Tuesday, a heated debate has been going on in one of the local Facebook groups about the price increase, reports Index. Compared to the previous price of HUF 1,400 (EUR 3,54), a normal adult ticket now costs HUF 4,000 (EUR 10,13). Not only did the price of the standard entrance ticket go up from HUF 1,400 to HUF 4,000, but the price of other entrance tickets and passes also increased to a similar extent. Adults with a Veresegyháza residential address card will receive a discounted ticket, but instead of HUF 1,300 (EUR 3,29), they will have to pay HUF 3,000 (EUR 7,59).

The ticket for 12 passes to the spa also became more expensive

The normal adult ticket suitable for 12 entrances, also went up in price, from HUF 14,000 (EUR 35,44) to HUF 40,000 (EUR 101,26). This means that it went up from HUF 13,000 (EUR 32,91) to HUF 30,000 (EUR 75,95) for residents of Veresegyháza. Moreover, the ticket for 12 passes for students and pensioners went up in price from HUF 10,000 (EUR 25,32) to HUF 30,000 (EUR 75,95). However, it was not only the price of the entrance tickets that has increased. The rental of the dressing room, for example, increased from HUF 200 (EUR 0,51) to HUF 500 (EUR 1,27). Only the parking ticket remained unchanged at HUF 500 (EUR 1,27).

People are not willing to pay the tripled price of the spa?

According to Pénzcentrum, guests who saw the new horror prices of the spa have turned away from the cash register. Many people are not willing to pay the tripled price for a bath. In the past, due to its good price-value ratio, this thermal spa was usually visited by the older age group, whose current area offers an open thermal pool and a children’s pool, as well as a sauna and a playground. The composition of the Veresegyháza thermal water is similar to that of the Széchenyi spa, therefore it is suitable for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the joints, chronic and semi-acute arthritis, and after-treatment of orthopedic and accident surgeries.

Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca
Read alsoThe most popular cave bath in Hungary could close down?

Several Hungarian baths to be closed from Monday

Hungarian Bath Thermal Bath Demjén

From Monday, several Hungarian baths will be temporarily closed. Baths and visitors alike fear a wave of closures that was avoided last year. They are slowly losing the crowd of visitor that was generated by the holidays.

The winter break, which has been extended this year, has brought several full house days and excellent year-end sales to many spas, Vg.hu reports.

“The moment of truth, however, will come on Monday, 9 January, and in the weeks that follow, when it will become clear what kind of domestic and foreign visitor traffic the facilities can expect in the period before the beach season,”

said Zoltán Balogh, Secretary General of the Hungarian Bathing Association. According to him, the extended winter holiday resulted in several fully booked days. The problem is that the now 10-12 percent rise in ticket prises does not solve the deficit caused by rising costs. They make ends meet with the profits from the previous years.

A test period will now begin in the remaining baths, where further price increases will be introduced. The purpose is to test if more revenue is generated from the sale of more expensive tickets than is lost due to falling numbers of visitors.

Record prices in Hungarian baths

Budapest’s historic spas have seen the highest price rises, with a 30 percent increase to start the year, but this is not deterring the main target audience of foreign tourists. In Western Europe, the EUR 30 increase in Budapest ticket prices is considered to be quite average.

The baths and spas Hungarians once considered cheap now have to increase their prices. For example, Veresegyház Bath will increase their ticket prices by 190 percent. The price of tickets has jumped from HUF 1400 (EUR 3.54) to HUF 4000 (EUR 10.12). The increase in revenue is only enough to cover a fraction of the increased spending, since they have still not recovered from the price increase ban imposed during Covid and from the rising energy prices. Also, the spa sector was left out of the HUF 30 billion (EUR 76 million) tourism rescue aid programme.

As we wrote in our earlier article in details, there is a trick for saving money when visiting these facilities. Those who buy a Zsigmondy card can buy tickets for a reduced price. The card has to be made in Budapest, at the customer service centre of the Budapest Gyógyfürdői Zrt. The administration requires two weeks, so it is more favourable for those working or studying here.

They might reopen if they have people to employ

“Several spas are now preparing for temporary closures, including large ones, which is also very dangerous because without job retention support they will not be able to avoid redundancies for long and will not have anyone to reopen,” warned the association’s secretary general.

According to vg.hu, baths are fundamental tourist attractions, especially in rural areas. Their preservation and continued operation are a key to the future of entire regions. The example of the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths is a warning of the impact of possible closure.

Some of the facilities limit their opening times, so they only operate when they expect more visitors. For exmaple, Göd spa is closed on Mondays to save on their energy consumption. The Tiszaörs and Mezőcsát baths have had to make greater sacrifices. In these villages, the baths are only open from Friday to Sunday, during the busier periods. The advantage of this is that local residents are not left without an experience and those who want to recover can also enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters.

Termalfurdo.hu continously updates the list of closed or permanently closed Hungarian baths.

Here is how Hungarian spas will combat rising energy prices

A lot of people are feeling the effects of energy prices, and spas are certainly no exception. For this reason, several thermal spas in Hungary are trying to improve their energy efficiency, as they could not survive for long without any cost-saving decisions.

Zoltán Balogh, the Secretary of the Hungarian Spa Association, said that spas are trying to fight the spiralling energy prices according to their own abilities and resources. According to him, given Hungary’s resources, several spas could make efficient use of thermal energy of the thermal water for energy management purposes.

The implementation of energy efficiency

Balogh told InfoRadio in a brief interview that since the heat pumps used to utilise heat energy are quite energy-intensive, the additional energy costs have to be met somehow.

The installation of solar panels is a perfect solution for this problem,

he added.

These investments can be achieved by the operators of the spas from their own resources and partly from grant resources. He also pointed out that some grants were already available in 2022. Furthermore, as he said, the association also advocated these grant opportunities, so that as many spas as possible could have access to them, since plenty of them would not be able to operate without any support.

siofok spa
Read alsoCould the Siófok Spa reopen?

Some energy efficiency grants already received

One of the spas that has the opportunity to improve its energy efficiency with grant funding, is the Harkány Thermal Spa in Harkány. According to bama.hu, the spa will use HUF 306 million (EUR 764,000) to build a solar power plant, which will enable it to cover almost 20 percent of its electricity consumption from it own renewable energy.

Harkany-thermal-spa-adventure-pool
Photo: www.facebook.com/harkanygyogyfurdo

At current prices, this could result in annual savings of HUF 120 million (EUR 300,000) on electricity bills,

the news site says.

According to termalonline.hu, the Bocskai Thermal Spa in Hajdúböszörmény has received a HUF 300 million (EUR 748,000) grant.

hajduboszormeny thermal spa
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/bocskaifurdoeskemping

Thanks to this grant, they will utilise the heat from the thermal water. As the mayor of the town said, the spa would be able to heat the building and the swimming pools with the renewable energy. They expect that the thermal energy could cover the entire energy costs of the spa.

széchenyi thermal bath
Read alsoBrutal price rise in the Budapest baths from January – we show a trick to bypass it