What to See in Budapest

Hungarian Thermal Baths

Hungary is well known for its thermal baths. In fact the world’s “spa capital” is located in Budapest, Hungary. The thermal waters in Hungary contain minerals that have medicinal and curative powers when bathed in and drunk.

People have been taking advantage of the health benefits that the thermal baths offer as for back as the Roman Empire. During the Turkish occupation of what is today Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries, the baths really began to be developed. In fact, some of the spas from that time are still in existence and operating today. They are also open to the public.

The Hungarian thermal baths originate from the Danube River, Europe’s second largest river. In Hungary the river follows a geological fault and brings forth over 40 million liters of mineral waters that create the thermal springs daily. These springs are the sources of the thermal baths that people flock to for their healing powers.

Tourists who visit Hungary rarely miss out on visiting one of the relaxing thermal baths. Some visitors make it a point to take a tour of several of the baths during their stay in Hungary. Most who choose to go on a tour of thermal baths start in Budapest. There are enough baths in Budapest to keep a visitor busy for days, but many also choose to venture outside of Budapest to other thermal baths in Hungary.

In Budapest

Gellert Hotel – The Gellert is one of Budapest’s most famous spa hotels. They offer a bubbling bath swimming pool under a glass roof that is opened in good weather. The spa also has a balneotherapeutical area that offers therapy treatments by immersing part or all of the body in the thermal baths. These treatments are overseen by medical professionals.

Aquincum Corinthia Hotel – With thermal waters at this five star hotel enter the hotel at 158º F, the hotel cools the waters down to a comfly 91º F while it preserves its healing properties. The elements and minerals in the water are used in hydrotherapy.

Grand and Thermal Hotel at Margitzsiget – This hotel, in operation since 1886 has natural thermal waters. The hotel has managed to find a way to bring the waters up to the rooftop where there is a garden pool for the guests to enjoy. As with the Aquincum Corinthia Hotel, the waters must be cooled before use, but they retain all of their healing properties.

Outside Budapest

Danubius Thermal Hotel Heviz – This four star hotel is located in the beautiful countryside town of Heviz near Lake Balaton. It is the largest thermal lake in the world and offers amenities year round. At the Danubius, trained experts facilitate the thermal bath experience as well as offer other spa and beauty treatments.

Spa and Wellness Centre Sarvar – One of the newest spas in Hungary which offers thermal baths, this facility offers something for everyone in the family. In addition to the traditional healing thermal baths, there is a wave pool, garden area, children’s adventure pool, toddler’s splash pool and playground.

These are just a few of the amazing facilities that offer access to Hungary’s therapeutic thermal baths. A visit to Hungary would be incomplete without a visit to one of them.