Can you imagine anything better than soaking in the warm waters whilst steam rises around you? Not only is Hungary a perfect travel destination in the summer, but this beautiful country also offers several opportunities for you to relax during the wintertime. Hungary is a true hot spot for thermal baths, steam rooms and saunas.
Wellness and spa culture has been a part of the Hungarian lifestyle for hundreds of years, since there are more than a hundred thermal springs beneath the surface of the city. Each and every one of the thermal spa resorts in Hungary are blessed with unique qualities and its warm mineral waters have curative effects on your body. Not only do they help combat arthritis, but they also ease blood circulation issues and they have proven beneficial effects on the joints.
We have collected the most iconic and best thermal spas in Hungary where all you have to do is relax. Let’s dive right in!
1. Best Thermal Spas in Hungary: Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
There is something really special about being in a historic thermal bath that was built in 1913. Not only was it the first medical spa in Budapest, but it is also the largest medicinal bath in Europe. The neo-baroque architecture of the building will definitely astonish you. With your daily ticket you can enter the steam rooms, saunas and aqua fitness classes. Book a massage, relax by the pools, the natural thermal waters will ease your muscles and release tension from your shoulders.
As it opens at 6 am, it is recommended to visit the bath as early as you can in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you want to spare some money and avoid queuing, pack a dressing gown, flip flops and a towel. Also keep in mind that if you have a Budapest Card you can save 20%!
2. Gellért Spa and Bath, Budapest
Gellért Spa and Bath is another iconic hot spot for thermal water lovers. This beautiful, Art Nouveau style bathhouse is more famous for its indoor pools. You will be fascinated by the frescoed ceilings, colourful tile mosaics, lovely statuettes and majestic stone columns. The indoor pool vibes will transport you back in time. It is undoubtedly a true classic.
Sit back, relax and just let the mineral-rich hot water caress your body.
3. Miskolctapolca Cave Baths
Miskolctapolca Cave Bath is truly outstanding due to the fact that it stretches deep in a cavern. It is the only thermal cave bath in Europe, so it’s well-worth a visit.
You can have one of the most unique bathing experiences here. The karst water of 30-35 °C emerging from the heart of the mountain and the climate inside the cavern has curative power. Swim in the thermal water that flows through the mysterious underground passages and discover every little chamber of the cavern. It is like an underground labyrinth, you can easily get lost among the winding passages. Find the dome-shaped room that is like a miniature “planetarium”. Nothing is more romantic than soaking in the warm waters and looking at the phosphorescent starts in the gloomy, humid chamber.
It is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.
4. Best Thermal Spas in Hungary: Hévíz Spa, Lake Hévíz
The thermal Lake of Hévíz is a true gem, a natural rarity not only in Hungary, but also on a global scale. It is the largest thermal lake in the world that is suitable for bathing.
The lake has a unique atmosphere as it is embedded in a beautiful green forest and due to the spring waters, the air is always filled with the smell of sulphur. All visitors, regardless of age, can instantly feel the positive effect of the warm spring waters on their body. On the surface of the turquoise colour lake, purple, pink and white water lilies float, blossoming for May to October.
The temperature of the water during wintertime ranges from 23 to 25 °C, meanwhile in the summer it is between 33-36 °C. The main spa complex is situated in the middle of the lake, thus you can submerge in the water directly above the point where the spring water gushes out. The lake is very popular among patients who seek rehabilitation or have severe health problems.
If you seek effective cures and want to swim in naturally warm spring waters that are full of minerals, no other place will be better for you than Hévíz.
5. Rudas Thermal Bath, Budapest
Rudas Thermal Bath is probably the most popular medieval Turkish bathhouse in Budapest. The building was restored in 2012 and since then, it combines modern luxury and history. The central octagonal shaped pool covered with a massive dome is truly impressive. Don’t forget to check out the pool on the rooftop either! From here you will have a breath-taking view of the Danube and the bridges of Budapest.
If you want to have a nice, quiet, relaxing time in the bathhouse, you should visit on weekdays. Try to avoid Saturdays, since it is the most crowded day of the week.
This place is a must for those who want to have a good relaxing sauna or bathing experience in a 16th century medieval Turkish bath.
Make sure to also read our article about 8 Cat Cafes in Europe!
