More and more Hungarians are receiving at least the first vaccination dose against the coronavirus infection. On the one hand, this helps to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, and on the other hand, the more people who have been vaccinated, the more everything can come back from our old lives. At the beginning of May, several baths of the Hungarian capital will open.
First, the terraces could open, and the interiors of restaurants are the next step. Afterwards, zoos, hotels, and spas, among others, can open at the 4-million landmark. Hungary has long been famous for its spa culture. There are many famous spas all over the country both in the countryside and in Budapest. In this article, we present four spas from the latter category that you must visit at least once. It is nevertheless important to be aware of current epidemiological restrictions before putting on your swimsuit and setting off.
Széchenyi Spa
We cannot start the list with anything other than the largest spa complex in Budapest. Construction began in 1909, according to the plans of Győző Czigler. The complex has 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. There is also a light and aroma sauna. The Neo-Baroque-style building can give everything you can imagine. The Széchenyi Spa is located in the 14th district of Budapest, in Városliget, further enhancing the experience of relaxation. The bathwater contains sodium and is rich in calcium-magnesium bicarbonate materials, making it great for orthopaedic and accident aftercare.
Rudas Spa
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Rudas Spa is a Turkish bath from the time of the Turkish occupation. The eclectic building is located in the first district of Budapest on the banks of the Danube, in a picturesque environment. Rudas was already the centre of social life in the 19th century. It was declared a spa in 1933. Interestingly, until 1930, the swimming hall could only be used alternately by men and women. The building was badly damaged during World War II, and its restoration took decades. In 2014, the Rudas Bath was expanded with a spa area. At the time, several new pools and a sauna world were introduced, in addition to the existing pools and spa hotel. There is also a thermal water jacuzzi on the roof terrace of the spa, in which, in addition to the healing effects of the water, we can also enjoy the view.
Gellért Spa
Gellért Spa is one of the most famous spas in Budapest, an outstanding work of the Hungarian Art Nouveau. The Gellért Hotel and Spa was built between 1912 and 1918 and was the first luxury building in the capital of Hungary and the most modern spa in Europe. The water of the bath is especially recommended for those suffering from arthritis, asthma, or circulatory complaints or spinal diseases. Famous visitors include Queen Julianne I of the Netherlands, Richard Nixon, and Ryan Gosling.
St. Lukács Spa
Lukács Bath is one of the oldest spas in Budapest. It was built in 1893 in the second district of Budapest close to the banks of the Danube. The name of St. Lukács is associated with healing and medicine. The present form of the bath was developed in 1921, according to the plans of Rezső Hikisch. The facilities of the Lukács Spa can be divided into a spa and sports and wellness departments. The thermal bath is recommended for joint degenerative diseases, arthritis, and disc herniation. In the 20th century, many Hungarian intellectuals and public figures had their seat in Lukács Bath, such as composer Zoltán Kodály and writer István Örkény.