Hungary is well-known for its thermal baths and hot springs, and a new top 10 list confirms this.
Lonely Planet made a list of the best European Hot Springs, and the article gives another reason for Hungary to pride itself on its rich heritage. Two thermal baths of Hungary scored for themselves a place on the list.
One of the places mentioned on the list is Lake Hévíz in Hévíz.
The world’s largest biologically active, natural medicinal lake is the perfect destination all year round. In the summer, the water temperature can be as high as 38°C. The lake is a popular location among Hungarian tourists as well. In our former article, we wrote that, according to Zoltán Guller, chief executive of the Hungarian Tourism Agency, approximately 50% of tourists who visit Hévíz are above the age of 55 and live in Budapest or other parts of Pest County. 96% of tourists at Hévíz visit the Lake Bath.
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The second Hungarian gem is Széchenyi Baths located in the wonderful Budapest.
It would indeed be a pity to miss this tourist spot while exploring the capital. At the bath, 18 different pools, 10 saunas and steam chambers can be enjoyed by visitors of this Classicist-style complex with Neo-Renaissance elements. It is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe, and the first spa in Pest, which was built between 1909 and 1913. The hot water comes from the second-deepest fountain of Budapest, from a depth of 1,246 meters at 76 °C. The model of the building represented Hungary at the mini Europe model exhibition in Brussels. In 2016, the bath won the award of “Best International Thermal Bath”.
Lonely Planet hosted on its list a range of other countries.
Among the best baths are the Blue Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana in Iceland, the Thermae Bath Spa in England, Bains de Dorres in France, 7132 Therme Vals in Switzerland, Palia Kameni in Greece, Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme in Germany, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) in the Czech Republic, Hammam Al Ándalus in Spain, Pantelleria, Terme di Saturnia in Italy, Pamukkale in Turkey, and Caldea in Andorra la Vella, Andorra.
In Austria, Rogner Bad Blumau and Aqua Dome are worth visiting, but Chateau des Thermes in Belgium, Klevevška Toplica in Slovenia, or Piestany in Slovakia might also be worth putting on your travel bucket list.