Some swimming pools already had to close because of the rising electricity and gas prices. According to the Hungarian Spa Association, it can affect half of the facilities in the country.
As the end of summer was approaching, many spas offered cheaper tickets than their usual seasonal passes. But the price of energy is increasing and the number of guests is falling. This can force about half of the Hungarian baths to close from autumn until the first half of the next year.
The last two years were hard on everyone in tourism, including the spa industry. After the close-downs and restrictions caused by the pandemic, these businesses were just about to recover when the war broke out in Ukraine, resulting in skyrocketing energy prices.
People from countries east of Hungary are frequent visitors of our spas, and in the last months, the number of guests has decreased by 20-50 percent compared to expectations, said Zoltán Kántás, president of the Hungarian Spa Association. He said every facility that continued to operate in the same way as before took a huge risk because the prices were only going to get higher.
According to surveys conducted by the association, many baths find it necessary to restrict their services (for example saunas). This will lead to a further decrease in visitors and profits.
One-third or half of the spas will be forced to close until the first half of the next year
– said Kántás. Some places are in an easier situation while others have it harder: it helps to maintain operation if they have a fixed contract for their gas and electricity for the next year or are mostly independent of gas. However, it is high time to modernise most of the buildings’ energy efficiency.
The most affected facilities are Hévíz, Bük, Sárvár, Debrecen, Hajdúszoboszló, Nyíregyháza, Harkány and Gyula, but almost all spas face difficulties to remain open and maintain the quality of their services. Part of Hungary’s visitors are coming for the spas, so these events can negatively affect the already struggling tourism sector.
The end of summer is approaching, and as the season draws to a close, more and more thermal spas are reducing the number of pools visitors can use. In return, they are cutting ticket prices. Continue reading our article to learn which thermal baths will have cheaper tickets!
Ways of pricing tickets
Thermal spas usually have two ways of pricing their tickets. Some have a fixed price, others have seasonal prices. The latter means that they charge more for tickets during certain times of the year (the high season), but tickets are significantly cheaper in the off-season. Seasonal pricing is most often chosen by establishments where there is a significant difference between summer and winter pool choice, Index writes.
But there is no agreement on how long the season lasts. In some places, it goes on until mid to late September, while in others, you can bathe for off-season prices starting from the last days of August. However, with energy costs constantly changing, it is possible that some spas will change their prices later on.
The Bogácsi Spa, known for its sulphurous thermal waters, has high season prices until 28 August, so from Monday onwards, the low season prices are in effect, Termál Online writes. This means a significant difference, as the price of the ticket for the outdoor pools will be reduced from HUF 3,200 to HUF 2,700 (EUR 6.56), while the price of the ticket valid for the indoor adventure pools as well will be reduced from HUF 4,600 to HUF 4,100 (EUR 9.96).
The other types of tickets will also be cheaper, for example, the pensioner’s outdoor pool ticket will cost HUF 2,300 (EUR 5.59) instead of HUF 2,600, and the price of the pensioner’s ticket valid for the indoor adventure pool will be reduced from HUF 4,000 to HUF 3,700 (EUR 8.99).
In Bogács, ticket prices will also change from 1 October, when the off-season prices will come into effect.
The Bükfürdő Thermal & Spa offers discounted ticket prices from Monday to Thursday, with the exception of the period until 31 August and the autumn and winter school holidays. In other words, from 1 September, tickets are cheaper on the first four days of the week. For adults, this means a daily ticket price of HUF 5,200 (EUR 12,63) instead of HUF 5,600, and for pensioners HUF 3,950 (EUR 9.6) instead of HUF 4,300. Other ticket types, such as afternoon, family and student tickets are also cheaper from Monday to Thursday.
The Hungarospa beach in Hajdúszoboszló is offering cheaper tickets from 1 September. For adult tickets, this means a price of HUF 3,400 (EUR 8.26) instead of HUF 3,600, and for pensioner tickets, the price is HUF 2,900 (EUR 7.04) instead of HUF 3,100.
It will be worth making the most of the coming weekend, as almost all the beach pools will be open, including the Mediterranean beach, the swimming pool, the wave pool, the Omega pool, the Dolphin pool and the children’s pool number 1. The aqua park, which can be visited with an additional ticket, is also open until 4 September.
Aqua Palace, Hajdúszoboszló
Aqua Palace. Source: https://hajduszoboszlo.hu/aqua-palace
The ticket prices for the Aqua-Palace indoor adventure pool in Hajdúszoboszló will also change from 1 September. On weekdays, you can buy cheaper tickets, for example, the adult adventure pool ticket costs HUF 4,000 (EUR 9.72) instead of HUF 4,700, and the student ticket costs HUF 2,900 (EUR 7.04) instead of HUF 3,600.
Várkertfürdő, Pápa
Várkertfürdő. Source: varkertfurdo.hu
Seasonal ticket prices are valid for the three summer months at the Várkertfürdő in Pápa. This means that from 1 September, tickets will be cheaper. For a full-price, all-day ticket, this means a HUF 200 decrease: instead of HUF 3900, the ticket will cost HUF 3700 (EUR 8.99). For pensioners and students, the summer day ticket price of HUF 2750 will be reduced by HUF 100, i.e. it will cost HUF 2650 (EUR 6.44).
As autumn and colder weather is coming soon, thanks to the government’s decision, overheads will be much higher for many of us than what we are used to. Now, more and more institutions and facilities are deciding either to close or to operate on a limited basis to save money on overheads. Read below for more details.
As we reported, one of Budapest’s – and Hungary’s – main universities, ELTE is considering closing its Faculty of Sciences for half a year and switch to online teaching for that period. The reason is that this is the faculty which has been operating with the highest overheads and the dean is forced to cut them in the near future.
Some services are put on hold in Martfű Termal Spa
The Martfű Termál Spa. Source: martfuspa.hu
The rise in energy costs is also placing a significant burden on the country’s spas and baths. The extent of this has now reached a level that makes the day-to-day operation of these facilities difficult. This week, the director of Martfű Termal Spa, László Tomasovszky, announced the discontinuation of some of their services.
As we can read on the thermal hotel’s website, electricity prices have jumped from HUF 19.2/kWh (EUR 0,049) to HUF 200/kWh (EUR 0.51) in just eight months, and gas prices have increased sevenfold. The hotel tries to avoid making their spa fees unaffordable in the long term. However, because of this, some of their services are suspended or limited in time.
What services will be limited and what services will stay?
The Martfű Termál Spa. Source: martfuspa.hu
For example, the spa will indefinitely suspend the massage services in the thermal pools, the sauna in the swimming pool area, shorten the opening hours of the spa and temporarily close some of the thermal pools.
Weekend opening hours and the range of services may differ from weekdays, writes termalonline.hu. Changes to service charges will be decided at a later date. Martfű Thermal Spa has no plans to reduce the range of medical treatments at the moment.
Hungary has a new spa! The news was not widely reported, but the Szentes Spa has lately been added to the Hungarian register of spas. The town in Csongrád-Csanád county has the title for its spa and its surroundings.
A slow process towards the end of a spa in Szentes
In Szentes, the hospital suggested in 2016 that the settlement could also be a health resort. So the process was not a quick one, it took 6 years, reports termalonline.hu.
A spa designation can be initiated by a municipality where a natural healing factor is found. In most cases, this is usually a spa. But it can also be a climatically special place, such as a spa cave.
The process to obtaining a spa is a rigorous and slow one. The competent authority will check the existence of a health facility background. They also check the infrastructure of the area, air purity and noise pollution. It is also a time-consuming process to obtain a number of related expert opinions.
Szentes has become Hungary’s 40th health resort. The country has 40 spas in 39 municipalities. Sárvár also has two spas. The spa and the surrounding arboretum have also been awarded the title.
Between 2012 and 2018, several new spas were opened in Hungary. At that time, an EU tender was launched, for which only spas were eligible. During this period, 25 places were awarded the title of spa. The first to receive the title was Miskolc-Lillafüred. After 2012, there has been a decline. Then, in 2021 Tamási and in 2022 Szentes were awarded the special title, writes sokszinuvidek.24.hu.
Popular Budapest baths fell victim to false bomb threats again yesterday morning. As a result, all visitors had to leave the facilities during the police investigation.
According to telex.hu, Sarolta Réthy, the communications expert of the Budapest Spas cPlc., confirmed the media outlet’s information about the bomb threat yesterday morning. Later that day, the Lukács and Széchenyi Baths had to be evacuated.
Telex.hu received
photos from their readers which show ambulance cars waiting at the Rudas Bath.
Therefore, they asked the National Ambulance Service (OMSZ) whether anybody was in need of medical care in the bath. They promised to reply later that day, but telex.hu did not post any updates.
It was not the first time that Budapest baths received bomb threats. In mid-May, several baths were subject to such threats. Meanwhile, in April, there were bomb threats in many Budapest malls and even in the Museum of Fine Arts. Furthermore, a fire broke out in the Lukács Bath’s sauna a couple of weeks ago.
Telex updated their article in the afternoon quoting the official reply of the Budapest Police Headquarters. On 7 June, the police reported that several institutions in Budapest received bomb threats. They added that the relevant Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) inspection is in progress, and they will take the necessary measures.
Interestingly, neither of the three baths communicated the bomb threats on their official website or Facebook page. However, on Lukács Bath’s website, there is a red coloured warning message saying that the facility is unavailable via phone. Of course, it might not have any connection with yesterday’s bomb threat. However, some photos on Facebook show guests being evacuated from Széchenyi Bath yesterday.
Magyar Nemzet reported that the guests, including many foreigners, waited patiently until the authorities finished their work. They added that
Paskál Beach in Budapest had to be evacuated too.
In the case of Paskál Beach, a man phoned in saying that a bomb would explode in a short time. The three other baths received threats via email, rtl.hu wrote. The relevant law says that, in such cases, there is no room for hesitation: everybody has to leave the buildings immediately.
József Horváth, the security policy expert of the Alapjogokért Központ (Center for Fundamental Rights), said that foreign interests and hybrid warfare are behind the threats. He added that the coordination behind the threats was obvious. The goals of the anonym phone calls are
to create disturbance and weaken people’s belief in public safety,
Mr Horváth said.
Fortunately, police found nothing so the guests were able to return to the buildings and pools later that day.
With the arrival of hot summer weather, spas and beach baths are becoming more and more appealing. However, as the government has lifted the ban on price increases for spas, several of them have raised prices during the summer. Here are the latest prices of the most popular spa complexes and beaches in the country.
1. Hajdúszoboszló Hungarospa, Aqua Palace
Opened in 2010, the Aqua Palace on 15,000 square meters offers a unique atmosphere and an extremely wide range of services.
One of the most beloved parts of the spa, the Mediterranean beach is considered as the largest built pool in Central Europe with its 6,200 square meters of water area.
The Hajdúszoboszló Hungarospa is the perfect place for the whole family: while parents enjoy the peace of the exclusive pools, children can play on the pirate-inspired beach. In addition, guests might try the foam-show, too – a real specialty of the place.
Photo: hungarospa.hu
Photo: Facebook, Hungarospa Hajdúszoboszlói Zrt.
Premium zone
In 2021, a spa development took place with the support of the Hungarian state for HUF 1.5 billion. Hungarospa has been extended with an attractive outdoor wellness spa, called the premium zone.
The baths are the following:
tropical bath
ice cave bath
cinema bath
Páva thermal bath
Ganges bath
Roman bath
sea bath
cave bath
Price of the discounted package: HUF 7,000 (17,86 EUR) – includes the entrance to the Aqua-Palace adventure pool, spa and beach bath, as well as food and beverage consumption worth HUF 2,000 (5,10 EUR) in the self-service restaurant of Aqua-Palace. The discount package is valid until June 30, 2022.
2. Hévíz
The largest thermal lake in Europe is welcoming its visitors this summer. Interestingly, the first bathhouse was built on rafts in 1772 by György Festetics in Keszthely. Lake Hévíz is also unique: unlike other warm-water lakes, it is a spring-fed pond.
Moreover, the natural environment, the steam layer floating above the water surface, and the Indian red water lilies floating on the surface of the lake make Hévíz one of the most special thermal lakes in Europe.
The price of the entrance tickets: HUF 6,500 (16,58 EUR) for an adult / normal all-day, HUF 6,000 (15,31EUR) for a full-time student and pensioner ticket; HUF 3,800 (9,70 EUR) for 3 hours; HUF 3,300 (8,42 EUR) for a 3-hour pensioner and student ticket.
Photo: Facebook, Hévízi Tófürdő
Photo: Facebook, Hévíz Tófürdő
3. Zalakaros, Bath complex
This bath complex is all about relaxation. Originally, the settlement is famous for its indoor spa, which is also the oldest unit. However, in addition to the two indoor pools with spa water, a thermal pool has been created to ensure guests are as comfortable as possible here.
The spa offers a complex ticket, which includes the use of sun loungers. The price of the tickets (day ticket): HUF 5,500 (14,03 EUR) for adults, HUF 4,675 (11,93 EUR) for students and pensioners, HUF 1,800 (4,59 EUR) for children. The prices are valid until 30 June 2022.
Photo: Facebook, Zalakarosi fürdő
Photo: Facebook, Zalakarosi Fürdő
4. Bükfürdő
With its indoor adventure pools, Bükfürdő guarantees entertainment for all ages. Younger children can have fun in the children’s pool and explore the underwater world in the Shark Cave with its interactive features. On the other hand, whirlpools and neck showers promise an unforgettable experience for anyone who decides to try them.
What’s more, Bükfürdő is known for its miraculous thermal waters. The medicinal water bursts to the surface through 4 wells and is excellent for the treatment of almost all musculoskeletal disorders.
Price of the entrance tickets: adult day ticket HUF 5,600 (14,29 EUR); student day ticket HUF 3,300 (8,42 EUR); adult bath and sauna ticket HUF 8,100 (20,67 EUR); student bath and sauna ticket HUF 5,100 (13,01 EUR).
Photo: Facebook, Bükfürdő Thermal & Spa
Photo: Facebook, Bükfürdő Thermal & Spa
5. Sárvár Spa and Wellness Bath
Although Sárvár is considered to be a rather small town, the two types of medicinal waters make it an important wellness retreat. Medicinal water of 43°C rises from a depth of 1,200 meters, while the 83°C high-salinity water rises from a depth of 2000 metres. The Sárvár Spa and Wellness Bath with a water surface of 5,000 m² is directly connected to the hotel via a covered, heated corridor.
Experience full relaxation, fun, and healing in this family-friendly spa.
On May 27, the outdoor beach also opened its doors to visitors. However, there can be changes in the opening schedule, as some pools are still being renovated.
The price of the tickets are HUF 4,990 (12,73 EUR) for an adult and HUF 5,990 (15,28 EUR) for a special period for adults; HUF 2,990 (7,63 EUR) for a student and HUF 3,600 (9,19 EUR) for a special period for students. Special periods are: every Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 1-2 January, 11-15 March, 14-19 April, 3-6 June, 10 June-31 August, 21 October-1 November, 21-31 December.
After three months of trial operation, Zalaegerszeg’s new beach opened on 1 June. The complex was built at a cost of around HUF 9.5 billion (EUR 24 million) and is a swimming pool, a training pool and a beach.
Press conference
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Mayor Zoltán Balaicz said at the press conference held at the site that the foundation stone of the new complex, which was built on the site of the former swimming pool and beach, was laid in 2019 as part of the Modern Cities (Modern városok) programme.
The swimming pool complex and some history
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
The fifty-metre, ten-lane swimming pool with almost 300 seats is also suitable for international competitions, MTI reports. The mayor added that Zala was the last Hungarian county whose capital did not to have a facility of this size.
In Zalaegerszeg, the beach was opened in 1956 on the site of a former cemetery. In 1969, the indoor swimming pool was completed with a 25-metre, five-lane pool.
The population of 40,000 at the time had grown to 60,000 by 2010, and by then, the pool had become outdated and small, and its size made it impossible to organise competitions,
In the new complex, in addition to the fifty-metre pool, a separate teaching/training pool for children has been built, as well as a new outdoor swimming pool and a new children’s pool.
There are already dates booked for training camps from within the country and abroad.
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Source: Facebook/Zalaegerszegi Sport- és Tanuszoda
Zoltán Balaicz pointed out that previously, it cost around HUF 50 million (EUR 126,700) a year to maintain the swimming pool and the beach, while the new facility will cost HUF 270 million (EUR 684,300) a year to run.
Energy efficiency was a top priority during construction: 120 solar panels have been installed on the roof, a heat pump provides energy and the pools are fed by their own hot and cold water wells,
At the opening ceremony, László Vigh, Member of Parliament of the region, said that the new swimming pool will serve not only the city but also the inhabitants of the province, which means about 100,000 people. Swimming is one of the healthiest sports, and in Zalaegerszeg, they also want to ensure that all children who finish primary school can swim.
Earlier, the Hungarian government issued a decree that no ticket price increases will be allowed at beaches until 30 June. But last week, the government lifted the moratorium on price increases for spas ahead of schedule.
Price rises
Under a government decree, municipalities and municipal-owned companies cannot raise fees until 30 June 2022. Most domestic spas fall into this category.
Prices at spas have remained unchanged for 2 years.
In comparison, the cost of electricity has increased fivefold, while the cost of natural gas has doubled. It is not only these costs that have increased, but practically all the costs necessary for the operation of the spas as well, 24.hu reports.
Almost all privately owned spas have raised their prices this year.
Some of them have already raised prices twice in 2022 due to cost increases. Municipally owned spas have also planned price increases from 1 July. However, this could happen even sooner thanks to the lifting of the government decree.
In the Széchenyi and Gellért baths, the daily entrance fee for a locker has risen from 5900 HUF (€ 15) to 7100 HUF (€ 18).
In the Rudas Spa, the price of a ticket used to be 5500 HUF (€ 14) on weekdays. Now, it is 6500 HUF (€ 16,5), while on weekends it has risen from 6900 HUF (€17,5) to 8500 HUF (€21,5). At the Dandar Spa and the Palatinus Spa, price increases are also expected, but not as drastic.
It is not only the Budapest spas that are increasing their prices, but also those in the countryside.
The Sárvár Spa and Wellness Baths have increased the price of their normal season ticket from HUF 4,200 to 4,990 (€ 10,6 to 12,6). The Gyula Castle Baths will have a price increase on the 4th of June. It will change from 2650 HUF to 3200 HUF (€ 6,7 to € 8).
No matter whether you are an ex-pat living in Budapest or a fun-loving tourist visiting the Hungarian capital, summer 2022 awaits you with numerous awesome international events. Do not miss out on the biggest parties of the season!
Sziget Festival
After two years of interruption due to the pandemic, Hungary’s most renowned festival returns in 2022! This summer, Sziget Festival welcomes visitors from all around the globe to spend an unforgettable week together on the Island of Freedom.
According to the festival’s website, there are more than 100 reasons to visit Sziget this year.
Between 10 and 15 August 2022, festival lovers can enjoy the performances of such world-famous artists as the Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Kings of Leon, Lewis Capaldi, Steve Aoki, etc.
Daily tickets are available from HUF 28,000 (EUR 80), but hardcore Sziget fans can choose from multi-day passes. For accommodation options and additional services, including information on the Sziget Cruisin Boat Party, check out the official website of the Sziget Festival.
Visitors can follow la crème de la crème competing with each other in various disciplines such as open-water swimming, water polo, regular and high diving and artistic swimming. In regard to the venues in Budapest, the swimming tournaments will take place in the Danube Arena, diving competitions in the Széchy Swimming Pool on Margaret Island and water polo matches will be held at the Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium. Following these events, the competition will continue in Debrecen, Sopron and Szeged.
Sparty – The Grand Budapest Bath Party
If you are looking for the ultimate pool party experience, then book your spot at one of the Sparty events this summer.
The unmissable bath event will bring together party-goers who appreciate quality electronic dance music and mind-blowing visual effects in Budapest’s most spectacular spa, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
The impressive event is extremely popular among international visitors. Tens of thousands attend the famous bath parties on warm Saturday nights to enjoy the balmy waters and the energetic tunes – reports Spartybooking.
Budapest Gourmet Festival
There are plenty of activities on offer this summer in Budapest for foodies who have a thing for Hungarian and international cuisine and for people with a more sophisticated palate for exquisite cuisine. Budapest’s Gourmet Festival awaits gastronomy fans this weekend at Millenáris Park. Apart from the wide range of programmes and interactive workshops, visitors can taste special local and international dishes and exotic specialities prepared by award-winning chefs. To get a real feel of the festival’s atmosphere, check out their official aftermovie!
If you are one of those people who gets excited by the idea of a sourdough pancake with bear onion and organic cheese or you always wanted to savour a plate of delicious truffle panna cotta, then do not miss Budapest’s most famous Gourmet Festival this weekend! Participants can also choose from a selection of vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free dishes. A one-day ticket is available at the price of HUF 4900 (EUR 12.69) while a 3-day pass costs HUF 9900 (EUR 25.65) on the event’s website.
Budapest Wine Festival
Hungarian wine enthusiasts will also find something to their liking when they visit Budapest in the upcoming months. After three memorable decades, Hungary’s favourite wine festival awaits visitors this year as well in the heart of Europe. Similarly to previous years, the grand event will take place in Budapest’s World Heritage Site, the Buda Castle which offers magnificent vistas of the Hungarian capital. Last year, nearly 25,000 people visited the four-day Wine Festival to attend professional and entertainment programs. Besides wine tasting, visitors can also flavour gastronomic delights and listen to many concerts held on two stages – as the event’s website informs us.
Tourists and locals alike can enjoy another memorable wine and champagne festival in June as well. As Eventland reports,
the 5-day wine and champagne festival in Budapest’s city centre offers an atmospheric, open-air wine and champagne drinking experience from 2 to 6 June!
The most prominent representatives of Hungarian wineries and sparkling wine cellars will participate in the event in the 5th district of Budapest, in Szabadság Square. The festival is free of entry.
The Hungarian Disaster Management Agency told the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) today morning that a sauna in a two-storey building caught on fire in the 2nd district of Budapest.
Péter Kolozsi, the deputy spokesperson of the disaster management agency, told MTI that a sauna on the ground floor was on fire. The flames devoured 20-30 square metres of the bath, he added. Magyar Hang reported that firefighters managed to extinguish the fire and were ventilating the building covered in smoke at 9-10 am this morning. Beforehand, they emptied the bath. Based on their report, two people needed medical attention. MTI said that
a sauna in the famous Szent Lukács bath was on fire this morning.
Telex.hu wanted confirmation about the events from the bath, but they could not reach them yet. On the bath’s website, they wrote that it will stay closed until 10 am. They added that the thermal section will not operate for an indefinite period of time, just like the drinking fountain. After 10, the saunas opened again.
Now that the pandemic does not overshadow our plans, the opening times of beaches only depend on the weather and traditions.
Beaches used to open every year on May 1, regardless of the weather. Nowadays, the owners usually take into consideration the expected number of guests, which correlates with the weather conditions, according to Turizmus.com. However, due to the current, a bit chillier weather, we do not have so many options to choose from.
Europe’s biggest bath complex, Hungarospa in Hajdúszoboszló, celebrates its opening day (which is never later than May 1, but this year, we can enjoy its 300,000 m² beach already today!) with a free party, featuring Hungarian pop artists.
As we approach summer, more and more parts of Hungarospa will be open, writes Termál Online. At this time, we can buy a pre-season ticket, which means that an adult ticket only costs 2800 Ft.
Zalakaros also opened its beach today, and they celebrated with folklore programs. In Budapest, we can already visit Palatinus and Paskál. Gellért opens on May 7, Aquaworld on May 14, but most of the beaches do not open until the end of May or the beginning of June. If we want to go to the western part of the country, we will have to wait a few more weeks for Igal and Harkány to open. In the east, Kiskunmajsa, Püspökladány, and Békéscsaba are already awaiting us.
Over the past few years, the catering and tourism industry has suffered quite a lot due to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the negative effects of the war currently going on in Hungary’s neighbouring country.
Világgazdaságwrites that while interest in and attendance of customers in the historic baths of Budapest is quite high, they still could not reach as much profit as before the pandemic, due to the increased costs of maintenance and operation, but they cannot increase ticket prices off season.
The news outlet reported that ticket prices in Hungarian baths and beaches might be significantly increased in July, but many establishments plan on offering special seasonal tickets for their domestic customers to ensure their visitor numbers would not decline considerably.
According to Világgazdaság, the sudden increase of energy prices affects almost every facet of everyday life, and this, combined with the higher costs of employment, means a significant increase in cost of operation. However, Budapest Spas Plc, a company that collectively owns all baths and thermal water in Budapest, cannot increase prices as it is owned by the local government.
These baths are currently offering their services for last year’s prices, which creates a budget deficit of a total of 750 million forints (€1.97 million) for the company, Vg reports.
Ildikó Szűts, the CEO of Budapest Spas Plc, told Telex that electricity prices have increased 235%, and gas prices went up 273% since last year. Additionally, spas had to increase wages by a minimum of 16.7%, but in professions where employees are scarce to come by, this increase was 20%.
Világgazdaságalso added that there is a 40% labour shortage in the tourism sector due to the fact that many people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic do not want to return to the catering and service industry. This in turn results in companies needing to spend more on their existing employees since replacing them is quite difficult.
Despite current hardships, it seems that the tourism sector in Hungary could get back on its feet, as Telex reported that in the first quarter of 2022, the attendance of Budapest baths increased, and their income increased from 2.025 billion forints (€5.33 million) to 2.724 billion forints (€7.2 million).
This growth was due to the fact that 836,000 people visited their spas and baths, which is more than 300,000 more than they expected.
However, due to the war between Ukraine and Russia, several baths have lost a lot of their customers. 64% fewer Russian and 42% fewer Ukrainian tourists have purchased tickets in historical baths. It is unknown how long this effect will remain.
The culture of Budapest’s Spas is world-famous, millions of people visit these spas every year. Before Covid, in 2019 there were a total of 5 million visitors in the various spas of Budapest, and since then however that number has fallen, there are still millions of visitors a year. Of course, these visitors include Hungarian tourists, families looking to relax, and elderly people seeking treatment.
But at the same time, you can find people from all over the world as well. However, since the beginning of the Covid virus, the Budapest Spas have been closed and reopened, again and again, fortunately, they have been constantly open since the spring of 2021, and no change is expected now. From the spring of 2021, when the European vaccination program was launched, it was only possible to visit the Budapest baths by presenting an immunity certificate.
Change is coming from now on
However, from March 1, 2022, the spas in Budapest can be visited even without a protection certificate, says travelo.hu with a reference to the spas’ website.
It is important to mention, that the Gellért Spa is still open to the public, even though the Hotel has been closed for some time due to a refurbishment.
The spas of the Budapest Spa open their doors to those who do not have a security certificate. The following spas are now open to the public:
Gellért Spa
Széchenyi Spa
Dandár Spa
Rudas Spa
Paskál Spa
Pesterzsébet Spa
Lukács Spa
Palatinus Spa
Árpád Csillaghegyi Spa
However, Aquaworld and Csepel Bath are not managed by this company, so a valid certificate of protection is still required for these baths. Among the larger baths in Budapest, the Dagály Bath is also not operated by the same company, but no protection certificate has been requested here yet.
Most of the Covid rules will be abolished
Incidentally, most of Covid’s regulations will be repealed from Monday 7 next week, virtually no restrictions or regulations will be in place from now on, virtually no mask will be worn anywhere outside of hospitals, and all events will be open without an immunity certificate, and no other Covid rule remains in effect.
Bathing is considered a quintessential part of the Hungarian culture. The country boasts many famous spas and baths both in the capital and in rural Hungary. The word spa is said to originate from the name of a Belgian village where Roman soldiers used to treat their aching muscles and wounds after the battles. However, it actually derives from “sanus per aquam”, which literally means health from the water. We will show you the 4 best spa places where you can relax and unwind when visiting the Hungarian capital.
Hungary’s largest and best-known aquaworld awaits its guests with a full range of services. To access the facility, there is a free daily shuttle bus between the aquapark and Heroes’ Square.
You will find plenty of saunas, slides and adventure pools.
There are 17 indoor and outdoor adventure pools and swimming pools. In the sauna complex, they offer various programs for those who seek relaxation. There is also a hammam, a Finnish sauna, a steam sauna and a cosy lounge. You can visit the spa every day between 7 am and 9 pm.
You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful day-spas in Hungary. What you imagine is what you get in Mandala when it comes to spa services. Bachelorette parties, cosmetics, hammam and various massages entertain visitors.
The most popular treatments include the Mandala spiritual bath.
Double and individual packages are available at the spa which is located in the 13th district. The spa is open every day between 10 am and 8pm.
Visit the exclusive Harmony Spa in the Aria Hotel Budapest.
A wide range of massages, facials and body treatments await you.
In addition to the treatments, jazz, contemporary music and opera background music ensure a relaxing atmosphere. The beauty staff uses high-quality cosmetics made of 100 per cent pure natural ingredients for all their treatments. Visitors can enjoy the spa every day between 7 am and 10 pm.
The beautiful eclectic The Secret Garden Day Spa is unique all across Europe.
The inner courtyard reveals an enchanted baroque garden.
In addition, we can relax in the company of green plants and a huge fountain. However, these are not the only aesthetic elements you can admire, there is also an impressive crystal chandelier with hundreds of candles hanging from the ceiling. You can take your pick whether you want to relax in a Finnish sauna, a steam bath or a hot tub. The Secret Garden is open every day from 8 am to 9 pm.
The coronavirus epidemic has caused the Budapest Spa group a loss of about EUR 62 million till now, and the number of visitors has not gone back to the pre-pandemic level yet. Price increases could be part of the recovery plan.
EUR 62 million loss because of Covid
In 2020 and 2021, the baths were closed for about 8 months because of the Covid regulations. In total, these 8 months, plus the lower amount of visitors in other months, meant a loss of more than EUR 62 million to the spa company in the capital, and it exceeds the revenue of EUR 52 million realised in the year before the pandemic, in 2019. This was mainly due to the lack of foreigners, as a significant part of the revenue comes from foreign guests visiting the historical baths, like Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas baths, says Turizmus.com.
In 2019, Budapest spas had nearly 5 million visitors. However, last year, there were only 1.5 million guests. The plan is to reach 3 million visitors in 2022. Several marketing campaigns will be launched both inside and outside Hungary to promote the spas.
11% pay rise was necessary
A wage agreement was signed with the employees of the spa on the 27th of January, with an 11 per cent pay rise. It was very important to build a stable team before the start of the summer high season.
A government decree issued in December 2020 froze prices, so baths in Budapest continue to work with prices from before the coronavirus. In the meantime, however, there have been significant changes in costs as wages and energy prices have risen. In July 2022, taking into account the inflation over the past two years, they plan to raise prices by 8.7 per cent in their non-historic baths. In the two most famous historic baths, they are planning to introduce a 20 per cent price increase, which will be needed to provide high-quality services.
Renovation of Gellért Bath, night events are back
In addition, the renovation of Gellért Bath is a key issue for the company, in connection with the modernisation of Gellért Hotel, which is in “symbiosis” with it. The renovation of Gellért Bath may begin in the summer and will take at least two years. The revenue lost due to the closure of Gellért would be made up for by the opening of Rác Bath after its renovation is completed, probably sometime at the beginning of next year. They will also reintroduce the popular night events.
Although the two countries are 2,000 kilometres apart, there are many similarities. Of course, differences can also be discovered. Here are some examples of these similarities and differences.
Baths – Similarity
Although Azerbaijan is the country of fire, there is a long tradition of spas, a part of the Muslim cleansing culture. In Budapest, in the Hungarian capital, you can find the recently reopened Veli Bej, as well as the Rudas and Király baths. While in Baku, HamamBath, Taze Bey Baths, and Almaz Qadin Klubu are popular places. It is interesting that
the population of Azerbaijan is around 10 million people, same as Hungary’s.
In addition, examining the capitals, we can state that both Baku and Budapest have about 2 million inhabitants.
Transport – Difference
In Hungary, we often think that the traffic is crazy. Especially in Budapest, traffic jams are common. However, Azerbaijan’s main export is oil, so the country has very cheap fuel. As a result, everyone is driving. Even though 8 or even 10-lane roads have been built, this is not enough for the amount of traffic. Everyone is trying to get to their destination on time, so the lanes easily fill up. This can be strange to the Hungarian eye, but the locals are driving their car in the safest way in this orderly chaos.
History – Similarity
There are geographical similarities between the two countries, and it was not only the Turks who appeared in the history of both countries. One of the most significant points in Hungarian history is the Trianon Peace Treaty of 1920. As a result, millions of Hungarians have been living outside Hungary ever since. In the lives of the Azerbaijanians, the peace treaty ending the 1828 Russian–Persian wars is similar. Azerbaijanian people believe that
50 million of their Azeri compatriots live outside the country.
Of these, 30 million live in Iran. In addition, the Soviet Union and Russia had a great influence on the past and present of both countries.
Azerbaijan has a long tradition of soups. One of their famous soups is the dushbara, which has noodles stuffed with minced lamb. Also,
you should not miss the different homemade breads and the real, authentic Azerbaijani kebabs.
Their famous dish is dolma, which is minced meat stuffed into grape leaves. They also make stuffed tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. The latter is a popular dish in Hungary as well, even though the method of preparation differs significantly from the recipe of the Azeri version.
There is an old tradition of consuming tea in the country. A tea session is essential after every meal. In addition to hot tea poured into special glasses, it is customary to consume sugar cubes or other hard candies. An interesting tradition is Şirin çay. When the engaged couple’s parents first meet, and the girl’s parents give sweet tea to the boy’s parents, it means giving their blessing to the union.
Loving sports – Similarity
Like Hungary, various sports are popular in Azerbaijan. Of course, football is also the most popular here. In addition to the national team, the Qarabağ Futbol Klub team may be familiar to many, as they often get into one of the European Cup series. It is not only football that is popular, but they are also at the forefront in chess and wrestling.
Azerbaijan has seven Olympic champions.
When it comes to sports, we cannot miss the Formula One race in Baku, organised since 2016.
Other curiosities include the fact that the Azerbaijani language is agglutinating, just like the Hungarian language. That is, the suffix comes at the end of the word. We have several words in common, such as ‘alma’ (apple), and ‘szakál’ (beard).
In Hungary, there are over 100 medical and recreational baths powered by underground hot springs – but which ones are really worth visiting? We have already gathered a couple of stunning destinations for bath lovers in our previous article but we felt that the list was not complete without mentioning these 4 stunning spa complexes below. Plan a day of relaxation in one of these splendid Hungarian thermal baths where you can heal, splash and soak your worries away in unparalleled settings.
Tucked in the southeast corner of the country, lies the historical spa town of Gyula. The city is best known for its medieval castle and superb thermal spa that draws thousands of visitors every year. Residents discovered the medicinal properties of the hot water running underneath the surface in the first half of the 20th century. The constructions works of the bath quickly followed in 1942. The spa is located in the enchanting park of the Almásy Palace, at the heart of the city. It boasts no less than 16 different pools. You can enjoy entertainment and therapeutic pools, swimming pools, bubbly jacuzzis, various types of beauty and medical massages, water geysers, neck massaging water sprays and nearly everything your heart desires. You can even sip on a refreshing drink at the pool bar while soaking in the balmy waters. The spa employs a renowned Hungarian rheumatologist and two therapeutic practitioners who can arrange appointments even on the spot.
The northeastern town of Miskolctapolca is a real treasure for spa lovers who seek ultimate relaxation in a breathtaking setting. The cave and the lake bath have been known since ancient times. The area first belonged to a Greek Orthodox abbey that, upon inviting doctors to examine the remarkable qualities of the hot springs, ordered the development of the bath. The city’s municipality acquired the spa in the early ‘30s and has expanded it several times ever since. The thermal bath has a lower salt content than other popular spas; hence, visitors can bathe for an unlimited time in the warm waters. You can take some laps in the underground passages that were formed by nature over centuries or unwind in the doom-shaped room and let the therapeutic water work its magic. If you fancy trying something unique, explore the float spa where you can float on the surface of a super-saturated 25% salt water solution. It is a holistic experience that heals both your body and soul, thus you will leave the bath completely rejuvenated.
Famous for its striking ‘salt hill’, the northeastern town of Egerszalók offers a unique experience that stands alone in Europe. Ranked one of the best in the sulphuric medicinal water category, the 65-68 C° (149-154 F°) thermal water erupts from deep within the earth. The aquifer that provides the medicinal water to the bath was discovered in the 1730s. Before entering the pool, the steaming spring water runs down a series of cascades and its gleaming mineral content crystalises as it interacts with air at atmospheric temperature thus creating this picturesque travertine which is often referred to as ‘salt hill’ by the locals. The water is not only rich in sulphur but also in calcium; both natural components are highly recommended for conditions such as inflammatory issues, gynecological diseases, psoriasis, and musculoskeletal disorders. The medical and wellness spa has a total of 17 pools that are located both inside and outside, covering a staggering water surface of 1900 m2. The thermal pools, jacuzzis, adventure pools, slides, children’s area, fitness room, and sauna world ensure an unforgettable stay for all ages.
This charming town, which is well known for its health center throughout Europe, lies in the southwestern part of Hungary, at the foot of the Villány Mountains. The scenic environment and the pleasant climate make Harkány a desired destination among wellness tourists. The history of the bath goes back to 1823 when János Pogány, an adventurous well digger made the realisation that his aching legs feel lighter after soaking them in the local hot spring. The mineral water bursts to the surface from as deep as 50-70 metres, and yields an average temperature of 62.5 C° (144.5 F°). The characteristic scent of the water comes from its rich sulphur content which absorbs into the body through the skin and inhalation. A large variety of pools and a family-friendly atmosphere await visitors in a beautifully wooded 13.5-hectare park. Outdoor ‘butterfly’ pools, spacious swimming pools, covered and semi-covered indoor thermal pools, relaxing jacuzzis, children pools and an adventure area entertain guests throughout the year.
After the incredible revenue losses of the last two years, visitors to Budapest’s spas can expect a serious price increase.
Years affected by Covid
The past two years have been nothing less than lethargic, especially for services where revenues highly depend on visitors and guests. A great example of this is spas: these places have been forced to stay closed for long months because they could have greatly facilitated the spread of the virus. To illustrate these words with numbers:
in the 21 months between March 2020 and the end of 2021, spas were closed for 8.5 months, with a 6.8 million drop in visitor numbers and a net loss of revenue of more than HUF 24 billion (EUR 67 million).
As Napi.hu reported, now, Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévízei Zrt. (Budapest Spa and Hévíz Zrt., hereinafter: BGYH) intends to double the number of guests in its spas this year compared to the previous two years greatly affected by the pandemic. Széchenyi Bath could become an event venue, and private medical services could be launched, while Rác Spa is planned to become a high-end facility.
However, escalating overheads and wage costs could lead to a major price increase starting from July.
The epidemic has cut BGYH’s revenues by a third, and in 2020, they failed to reach HUF 6 billion (EUR 16.7 million) in revenue (compared to HUF 18.4 billion [EUR 51.3 million] in 2019), with losses exceeding HUF 3 billion (EUR 8.4 million).
For BGYH to operate effectively, the 2020-2021 figure of 1.5-1.7 million guests would need to be increased to 3 million this year. This is 70% higher than in 2021 but 60% lower than in 2019. However, the company says this can only be achieved if the spas do not have to close due to another wave of the epidemic.
For spas with a predominantly Budapest clientele, BGYH plans to increase the price of admission tickets by 8.7% from the second half of the year. For those with an international tourism clientele, this increase is going to be 20%. According to the company, this is still 30% below the international average.
However, Hungarian guests will still be able to enjoy a number of discounts in 2022.
