If you’re looking for thermal spas, how about trying Hungary? In this guide I will share with you Hungary: 13 Best Places for Your Holiday. This country is home to hundreds of thermal springs that attract visitors not only from Europe, but also from all over the world. Let’s take a look together at why you should add a visit to Hungarian thermal baths to your travel list and what are the best spas in Hungary you should visit.
Why Visit Thermal Spas in Hungary and What to Bring
Thermal spas in Hungary have a truly long history. Already during the Roman Empire, the local baths were used for medicinal purposes. Many of today’s thermal spas thus grew on the foundations of those Roman ones, which were built on natural springs.
Thermal water contains various minerals, such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, and thus has a positive effect on human health. Thermal spas can help, for example, in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, and various skin problems. At the same time, the water is as warm as coffee, and bathing in it is very pleasant, so you will definitely relax.😉
Tips for Visiting:
- Bring your own swimsuit, slippers, swimming cap, water, and towel.
- Book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular spas in Budapest.
- Try various procedures, such as mud wraps, massages, and hydrotherapy.
You might also be interested in: Tips for the Best Thermal Spas in Slovakia
When to Visit Hungarian Thermal Spas
Most thermal spas in Hungary are open all year round, but it’s better to check the specific opening hours and admission prices on the websites of individual spas.
Hungary: 13 Best Places for Your Holiday
So, if you are looking for healing thermal springs, then I have compiled 13 tips for the best thermal spas in Hungary for you.
You might also like: 35 Tips on What to See and Do in Budapest.
1) Széchenyi (Budapest)
Széchenyi Baths are one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe. They are located in the city park and have outdoor and indoor pools with thermal water. The outdoor pools are great, especially when it’s cold outside. The architecture is Art Nouveau, and the baths are surrounded by beautiful nature. You will also find many wellness services (try the beer baths!) and restaurants on site.
And once you’ve had enough bathing, visit nearby Budapest attractions such as Heroes’ Square, the zoo, or Vajdahunyad Castle.
Accommodation tip: Hotel Foldana or Mirage Medic Hotel.
2) Gellért (Budapest)
Gellért Baths in Budapest are famous for their beautiful architecture and luxurious environment. You’ll find various mineral water pools, saunas, and wellness procedures here.
After visiting the baths, be sure to take a walk along the Danube, from where there’s a beautiful view of the city. And if you’re interested in tips for cafes in Budapest, then read our article.
Accommodation tip: Alta Moda Fashion Hotel.
3) Hévíz
In Hévíz, there is a thermal lake, which is the largest biologically active lake in the world. The water is warm and rich in minerals, making it ideal for treating health problems and for relaxation. I recommend getting a float or a lounger for the water so you can fully enjoy your time on the lake. There is also beautiful nature and opportunities for walks around the lake.
Accommodation tip: Ensana Thermal Hévíz or Bonvital Hotel Hévíz Superior.
4) Miskolctapolca Baths (Miskolc)
In these baths, you will feel like you are in another world. Miskolctapolca Baths offer a unique atmosphere with natural cave baths. Don’t forget to try the cave pools and relaxation zones, where you can also indulge in wellness procedures. The city of Miskolc is also ideal for sightseeing.
Accommodation tip: Calimbra Wellness Hotel.
5) Egerszalók Baths
Egerszalók is known and very popular for its unique thermal pools with travertine terraces created by the thermal water. You’ll find 17 indoor and outdoor pools with healing water, as well as slides and water slides. Therefore, it’s a great place for families with children too.
A vineyard is located a short distance from the baths, so don’t miss a tasting of local wines.
Accommodation tip: Petrény Borpanzió.
6) Rudas Baths (Budapest)
Rudas Baths are located on the right bank of the Danube at the foot of Gellért Hill, and their history dates back to the 16th-century Turkish era. You can notice this in their interior. The thermal water is rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, and is healing for joints, muscles, and skin.
Rudas Baths also offer various therapeutic procedures, including massages, saunas, and steam baths. At the same time, in addition to traditional Turkish baths, you will find a modern wellness center with panoramic views of the Danube here.
Accommodation tip: Noble Boutique Hotel.
7) Zalakaros
If you intend to visit thermal spas with your family, then Zalakaros is an ideal choice for you. The baths are modern and offer many attractions for children and adults, including a slide park. Wellness services and a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation are also available.
Accommodation tip: Hotel Vital or Hotel Karos Spa.
8) Mosonmagyárovár
Mosonmagyárovár is a quiet town with popular thermal baths. The local thermal water is among the five most effective in Europe. It contains silicic acid and fluorides, making it especially suitable for inhalation. It is recommended for rehabilitation after chronic bronchitis and for nasal sinus diseases. The complex offers a total of 4 pools of various temperatures, and you can also try mud wraps or massages.
Accommodation tip: Thermal Hotel Mosonmagyarovar.
9) Győr
The baths in Győr are ideal for those undergoing treatment for musculoskeletal or gynecological problems. They offer several pools with healing water, a sauna world, and a wellness zone. The thermal water here springs from a depth of about 2000 meters and is mainly rich in iodide, which promotes regeneration and alleviates musculoskeletal pain.
The place is also suitable for families with children, as there are several water slides here. Don’t forget to try the cave where the water is warmest (38 degrees Celsius) or have a drink at the swim-up bar.
Accommodation tip: Danubius Hotel Raba.
10) Pápa
If you are looking for less touristy places, then the baths in Pápa are the right choice. The baths here are smaller, but still very popular. They have thermal pools, saunas, and water slides. Swimmers, in particular, will enjoy it here thanks to the large swimming pool with cooler water.
Accommodation tip: Deluxe Thermal Resort.
11) Bükfürdő
Bükfürdő Baths are among the largest baths in Hungary. They are known for their high-quality thermal water, which is ideal for treating rheumatism and other musculoskeletal problems. They also offer a wide range of wellness services and activities for families with children. You’ll find an incredible 34 pools here, and you can enjoy magnetotherapy, electrotherapy, or various types of massages.
Accommodation tip: Greenfield Hotel Golf & Spa or Park Hotel Bük.
12) Lenti
Near the Hungarian-Slovenian border, you’ll find the town of Lenti with baths that combine thermal water and the power of earth’s energy. These baths are popular for their healing water with a high mineral content. They are located in a beautiful natural environment and, in addition to pools with healing water, also offer modern wellness services and massages.
Accommodation tip: Thermal Hotel Balance Lenti.
13) Sárvár
Sárvár Baths are reportedly the best baths for families with children. Children can look forward to a 106-meter long water slide here and several wave pools. Private nursing rooms and plenty of children’s play areas are available for mothers.
Sárvár Baths are also known for their healing springs, which are suitable for treating various health problems, including musculoskeletal issues. They offer outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, and a wellness zone.
Accommodation tip: Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa or Park Inn by Radisson Sárvár Resort & Spa.
FAQ
What are the most famous thermal spas in Hungary?
The most famous thermal spas in Hungary are Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths in Budapest, Hévíz, Miskolctapolca, Egerszalók, and Rudas Baths.
Is bathing in thermal spas healthy?
Thermal water is rich in minerals and can help in the treatment of various health problems, such as joint pain, skin conditions, and stress.
Are thermal baths suitable for children?
Yes, many thermal spas in Hungary offer family zones with pools and attractions suitable for children.
Is it necessary to book tickets for thermal spas in advance?
In some popular spas, especially during peak season or on weekends, it is recommended to book tickets in advance. Many spas offer online booking options.
What are the admission prices for thermal spas in Hungary?
Prices vary, but mostly range from 3000 to 6000 HUF (approximately 250-500 CZK).
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
