Bathing in Budapest, Hungary
Relax and Improve Your Health at the Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa
Ever wanted to swim in a cathedral? A relaxing dip in the thermal waters of the Géllert Bath in Hungarian capital Budapest is probably the closest you'll get.
Hungary's gorgeous capital city, Budapest, is famed for all kinds of beauty: the views down to the Danube from Castle Hill, the impressive Chain Bridge that joins Buda to Pest, and my personal favorite, the beauty of the Gellért Baths. Pack your swimsuit when you visit Budapest so you can enjoy the experience people liken to swimming in a cathedral.
History of the Gellért Baths
Natural thermal springs abound in Budapest and bathing has been part of life here for hundreds of years. Not the oldest baths in Budapest, but perhaps the most beautiful, the Gellért complex dates back to 1918, when the indoor pools - both segregated baths with very hot water and a central pool for all - were built. Outdoor pools were added in later years and today the complex features thirteen pools.
Your Gellért Experience
After paying your entry fee - it's dependent on the time you plan to stay there, but a minimum of three hours is advisable - you'll have to negotiate the maze of change rooms and corridors to find the various pools. The search will, however, definitely be worthwhile. The central pool is surrounded by Roman-style columns - as I swam around here it seemed more like some kind of mixed-up dream, but a very good one! On top of bathing, you can enjoy other treatments like massages, a steam room, inhalation therapy and beauty treatments. Plus there are a range of medical treatments and cures for a wide range of illnesses - what more could you want?
Other Baths in Budapest
The Széchenyi baths, built in 1913, is one of the largest complexes in Europe, and you've probably seen photos of older men playing chess here. Király features very typical Turkish baths and Lukács is well known to help rheumatism sufferers.
Further information: More details of the services available at the Gellért can be found at the Gellért Bath website.
If you're addicted to spa experiences, check out the Heviz Thermal Baths in western Hungary.
