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Geothermal springs in Budapest

Budapest is the only city in the world to enjoy so many hot springs. Some 70 million litres of water flow from the Hungarian capital’s springs every day. There are as many as 123 springs, with temperatures between 21 and 78 degrees. The city was officially named a Spa City in 1934. Discover the most beautiful public baths for a healthful, relaxing stay in Budapest.

The Gellért baths

Located at the foot of Mount Gellért, these are the most beautiful baths in Budapest. With nine hot spring pools, it was constructed in 1918. A wave pool was added in 1927 and a whirlpool in 1934. The Byzantine-style decor combines coloured mosaics, marble columns, stained-glass windows, and statues. The baths are a city within a city, with their own rituals and Felliniesque ambiance. The waters, from the internal springs of Mount Gellért, vary in temperature between 26 and 38 degrees and contain sodium, fluoride, magnesium, bicarbonate, and sulphate-chloride, with numerous healing properties.

The Széchenyi baths

Located in Pest on the left bank of the Danube, this is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. This very popular centre is fed by the hot springs of Városliget; the discovery of new springs in the 19th century spurred the creation of the baths. The building was constructed in two steps: the spa in 1913, and the pool in 1927. Both in winter and in summer, three outside pools, including a relaxation pool, are open. Inside are more than ten curative pools. Water temperature varies from 20 to 38 degrees. The architecture has Roman, Greek, and Northern European influences, including hot baths, diving pools, and saunas. The baths draw 74-degree hot spring water from 970 metres underground.

The Kiraly baths

Immortalized in a celebrated novel by Jean Mattern, these Ottoman baths will delight those looking for relaxation and body care. The nude, non-mixed facilities include two saunas, a Turkish bath, salt water baths, and massages. Pasha Arslan, then governor of Buda, ordered their construction in 1565; they were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century. The baths are supplied by the aqueduct of the Lucáks baths. Inside, the windowed central dome admits shafts of sunlight through the steam, for an enchanting atmosphere of relaxation and well-being.

The Rudas baths

If you’d like to combine a hot bath and exciting nightlife, visit the Rudas hot bath, which since 1998 has hosted the Cinetrip Sparties. These parties combine relaxation and entertainment, transforming a traditional bath into a dance floor. Electronic music and VJs draw partiers to the Ottoman baths at the foot of Mount Gellért, on the banks of the Danube. The baths’ main hall is turned into a bar for the evening. This anachronistic meeting of the 16th and 21st centuries unleashes the energy of the sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere that is Budapest’s secret.