Thermal baths in Hungary

In the center of the capital city of Budapest lies one of the largest and most beautiful thermal baths in Europe: the Széchenyi Spa. A total of 18 swimming pools are located on the extensive grounds, as well as saunas, steam baths, and beneficial wellness and beauty treatments. From the open-air pool you have a sublime view of the neo-baroque palace that makes the Széchenyi Bath so unique. The Hungarian thermal spa, which incidentally offers barrier-free access to its pools, has the hottest springs in Budapest at 75 degrees Celsius.

The largest natural thermal lake worldwide is located in the western part of the country. The warm springs of the thermal lake come from the volcanoes located in the north-western shore of Lake Balaton. Nobody here has to be afraid of an eruption, but the volcanoes have a positive influence on the environment. Even in winter the water temperature is between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate and the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water, guests can enjoy the springs all year round. The peat mud of the lake is also known for its healing properties.

One of the most beautiful thermal baths in Hungary is the Anna Thermal Baths in the city of Szeged. Built in 1896 and completely modernised in 2004, the Hungarian thermal bath with its domed roofs and richly decorated wall façade is beautiful both inside and out. Several spas, adventure pools, children's pools and a wellness area await the guests. The secret of the popular spa lies in its particularly mineral-rich water from the Anna Fountain, which bubbles to the surface at its own temperature of 49°C.

Hajdúszoboszló, the Hungarian city of miracle springs, is also considered the Mecca for rheumatism patients. In addition, the health resort with its gigantic bathing complex of the same name offers numerous opportunities for recreation. Especially in summer, the various sports pools, beach baths and adventure pools attract many guests.

Close to the Austrian border lies another well-known thermal spa destination in Hungary – the town of Sárvár – a name meaning “mud” (Sár) and ‘”castle” (vár) in Hungarian. It is a small yet charming spa town with a number of cultural and outdoor activities, from ancient churches to forest walks. Containing a high concentration of hydrogen carbonate, the healing thermal waters visibly smooth the skin and improve health, so you’ll be bursting with energy both during and after your holiday here.

Budapest - the capital of the land of thermal springs, iconic spas such as the art deco Spa Gellert captivate its visitors with an array of cultural attractions, architectural wonders, and unique landscapes. But the Hungarian capital is also the perfect destination for a thermal wellness holiday: Budapest alone has more than 100 hot springs.

One of the most unique thermal spa resorts in Hungary is Hévíz, home to the largest thermal lake in Europe formed over 22 thousand years ago. Red waterlilies border the steaming turquoise waters which have been attracting guests for centuries, no matter the weather or season. The hot springs that feed into Lake Hévíz are rich in radon and sulfur, and can help with mobility disorders or rehabilitation programs.

If you like mountainous landscapes, Bük is the spa town for you, situated in the meadows of the Alpine foothills. Unlike other spa resorts in Hungary, Bük was not discovered as a spa destination by the Romans, but instead relatively recently, by workers looking for oil in the 1950s. The waters have a high concentration of alkali hydrogen, potassium and calcium and have been shown to improve a variety of illnesses.

When drilling for oil in Zalakaros in 1967, instead of the black gold, a volcanic spring with thermal water at 95°C was found. It’s safe to say that Zalakaros owes its fame as a health resort to a coincidence. Explore the forests, lakes and vineyards in the area on a bike or hiking tour!