• Thermal Baths of Budapest, "Spa City" of Hungary, offer European style thermal bathing experience
• Features thermal pools, open-air swimming pool, plunge pools, and saunas
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Szechenyi Thermal Bath is a prime location to experience European mineral water bathing in Budapest - the capital of Hungary. In 1934 Budapest was awarded a title of "Spa City" given the abundance of natural hot springs and spas and its popularity.
Szechenyi is the largest in Europe and most popular of all thermal baths of Hungary. Located in the city park of Budapest, the bath provides a rejuvenating bathing experience like no other place. Two hot springs emerging at temperatures of 74 °C (165 °F) and 77 °C (171 °F) feed the thermal baths. The mineral water content includes magnesium, calcium, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, fluoride, and metaboric acid. The combination of those minerals along with water having a temperature between 38°C (95°F) and 40°C (100°F) helps with a number of health problems and illnesses including joint conditions like inflammation and degenerative illnesses, spine problems, neuralgia, respiratory problems like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath features large and small thermal pools both indoors and outdoors, large open-air swimming and adventure pools, plunge pools, and different types of sauna and steam rooms. You can enjoy underwater aqua massage with waters streaming and whirlpool. A variety of spa treatments including facials are available as well. You can buy or rent towels and swimsuits right at the spa. Be advised that the entrance fee is higher on weekends and during holidays.
After the hot mineral water, you can enjoy drinks, cakes, and snacks at the Spa-Café.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath History
Szechenyi Thermal Bath was built in Neo-Baroque architectural style between 1909 and 1913 by Győző Czigler, in 20 years later after a discovery of thermal mineral springs in 1880s.
The facility was expanded in 1927 and the second well was drilled to supply increased demand for the hot mineral water.
szechenyibath.hu
Gellert Bath and Spa
Another luxurious baths and spa in Budapest is located in the historic Hotel Gellert. Mineral water contains magnesium, calcium, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, hydrocarbonate, and alkalis.
Gellert Baths and Spa features large and small thermal pools, a large open-air swimming pool that creates waves every 30 minutes, effervescence swimming pool, plunge pools, and saunas. Massage and a variety of medical services are available as well. Keep in mind that saunas and plunge pools are separated by gender. You can buy or rent towels and swimsuits right at the spa.
After the hot mineral water, you can enjoy the sunbathing terrace facing the Gellert Hills and even enjoy your post spa time with a glass of wine, champagne, and beer.
Gellert Baths History
Natives of the area recognized the healing power of hot mineral water a long time ago. References to the spring water and its properties go as far as to the 13th century
During the middle ages, the hospital was built on the springs to help patients experience the magic of hot mineral water and recover better from their sicknesses. Later when the area was under the dominion of the Ottoman Empire, Turks built the baths on-site and referred to it as a "magical healing spring".
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The Hotel Gellert, along with the Gellert baths, was constructed in 1918 in a unique Art Nouveau style. This style is also known as the Modern Style and it is characterized by using forms found in nature. You can recognize this style by sinuous curves similar to plants and flowers and a sense of dynamic movement represented with glass, iron, concrete, and ceramics. Large open spaces and forms unusual in a standard design are other characteristics of Art Nouveau.
The baths were open even during World War II until the portion of it got damaged by bombings. It was later rebuilt in a more simple manner given the economic issues of post World War II Hungary. However, in 2008 very serious reconstruction work was done in order to bring the historic style and feel back. So, nowadays you have a chance to bathe in luxury just like our ancestors did 100 years ago.
gellertbath.hu
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