One of my favourite spas in Budapest, where I often visit, is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. We Pest locals call it "Szecska". If you are planning a spa trip, I would definitely recommend it. If you don't have one planned, I suggest you think about trying it, you definitely won't regret it. My favourite time to have a bath in the warm thermal water here is in the winter when it's snowing, but it's also breathtaking in the summer. It is the largest spa complex in Budapest with 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. The sbath offers a variety of treatments and also has day hospitals.
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is also regularly open for night-time events. In the first months of the year, the Night of Baths event and the Cinetrip event in the summer.
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About the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and its History
Budapest is known as the "City of Spas" for its numerous thermal baths. Among them, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most popular and iconic. Located in the heart of Budapest's City Park (just 7 minutes walk from Heroes' Square), Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a historic and cultural landmark that dates back to the early 20th century. The bath is famous for its unique thermal water, beautiful architecture, and relaxing atmosphere.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest thermal bath in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The bath features 18 pools, both indoor and outdoor, filled with natural thermal water. The temperature of the water varies between 20°C and 38°C, providing the perfect conditions for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The history of Széchenyi Thermal Bath dates back to the 19th century when the medicinal properties of thermal water were discovered. The bath was built in 1913 in a neoclassical style and has undergone several renovations over the years. Today, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique experience to relax and rejuvenate.
The spa's pools, saunas and steam baths
In the outdoor area of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath there are three large pools: in the middle is the 26-28 °C swimming pool. This is the only pool where the use of a bathing cap is mandatory. The pool to the east of this has a temperature of 38°C, which is great for soaking in winter (this is my favourite), while the west-facing adventure pool has a temperature of 32-34°C, which is more pleasant on warmer days and a bit chilly for me in winter. In the adventure pool there is a jet stream, back massage jet, underwater whirlpool and neck shower.
A staircase leads from the outdoor pool area to the basement saunas, which are also located in the right and left wings of the building. The saunas, each with a capacity of 40 people, have an 18°C plunge pool and an ice well.
Inside the building of Széchenyi Thermal Bath, there are several thermal pools, a steam room, and pools that are not open for spa guests, but can only be used with a doctor's referral.
The thermal waters of Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The first artesian well supplying Széchenyi Thermal Bath was drilled by Vilmos Zsigmondy between 1868 and 1878. The 970-metre-deep well produced water at a temperature of 74.5 °C. In 1936, the second well was drilled: the 1240-metre deep well produced Europe's hottest spring of hot spring water, with a temperature of 77 °C.
Interesting fact: The hippo of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden gets its bathing water from a spring that also feeds the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, as its chemical composition is similar to that of the Nile.
Tips for Visiting the Spa
If you are planning to visit Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Bring your own towel and flip flops to avoid renting them at the bath.
- Buy your tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds. I prefer from Monday to Thursday, especially in the morning. By Friday the crowds are already gathering and by the afternoon you can't move.
- Try the thermal water and enjoy its healing properties.
FAQs
Q: What are the opening hours of Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest?
A: Opening hours:
Weekdays: from 7 am to 7 pm. (Cash desks open until 6 pm.)
Weekends: from 9 am to 8 pm (Cash desks open until 7 pm.)
Saunas and hot air chambers
Weekdays: from 9 am to 6 pm
Weekends: from 10 am to 7 pm
Private Spa: every day from 9 am and 6 pm (from Kós Károly sétány)
Private Medical Spa: on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Daysplam: on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm, on weekends from 10 am to 7 pm
Drinking fountain: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm (on Sunday and Monday is closed)
Q: What is the cost of entry to Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest?
A: The cost of entry varies depending on the day of the week and the type of ticket. You can check the prices on the official website.
Q: Is it necessary to book a massage or other treatments in advance?
A: Yes, it is recommended to book in advance as the bath can be busy, especially on weekends.
Site location: Zoo boulevard (Állatkerti körút) 9-11.
GPS coordinates: 47.519106, 19.081593
Google Photos: Click here
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