13 best thermal spas in Hungary

Hungary, one of the five countries in the world in terms of the number of thermal springs, is deservedly called the empire of baths, which occupies a leading position in balneological treatment. The thermal springs of Hungary, of which about 60 thousand have been discovered on the territory of the country, have served the construction of a large number of health resorts and the arrangement of baths.

Today, more than 1,000 mineralized healing springs with temperatures over 30⁰C are involved in the country for recovery. Spa lovers are provided with a wide range of balneological resorts with extensive opportunities for treatment and meaningful leisure.

Heviz

The small Hungarian resort of Heviz gained fame in the 17th century, thanks to the world's largest thermal lake, which has unique healing properties. The lake with an area of ​​4.7 hectares is fed by two springs located in a cave under a reservoir with a temperature of + 42⁰C and + 38⁰C and one mineral - with water + 17⁰C.

Stirring at the outlet, the water temperature in the summer season becomes + 30⁰C -32 °C, and in winter it stays within the range of 24⁰C - 26⁰C. With a decrease in air temperature above the lake, which is shaped like a funnel, clouds of steam rise.

Every 28 hours, the water is renewed in the reservoir. Lake water is rich in sulfur, carbon dioxide, radon.

The bottom of the lake is covered with a meter layer of silt containing calcium and magnesium, a low concentration of antibiotics and hormones - estrogens. The combination of balneotherapy, underwater stretching baths, hydromassages and mud applications gives an excellent result in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological and dermatological inflammatory processes, diseases of the nervous system and hormonal disorders.

Tourists who are not undergoing treatment at the clinic are allowed to swim in the lake for no more than 1.5 hours, and those suffering from rheumatism - only 30 minutes due to the heavy load on the heart.

It is useful for patients with low stomach acidity to take the Heviz mineral-thermal drinking water, the pump room with which works near the State Clinic. Treatment of the digestive system with several mineral drinking waters is also successfully carried out on the basis of the Europa Fit 4 * superior hotel.

Széchenyi Bath

Over the course of 2 centuries, the bath has been expanded and improved, becoming the owner of the Hungarian Grand Prix and the largest bathing complex in Europe. It includes 15 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools, 10 saunas and steam rooms.

The water in the baths comes from the bowels of the earth 1246 meters deep. The list of medical services that heal the body and soul, in addition to bathing, includes massages - aromatic massage with 3 types of aromas, thermal massage, which relieves muscle tension and relieves joint pain.

The healing drinking water of Szechenyi is useful for people with impaired metabolism, reduces acidity in the stomach and has a beneficial effect on strengthening bones. With water procedures, it helps with chronic diseases of the joints and a sore spine, neuralgia and lack of calcium in the bones, and recovers from injuries.

In Széchenyi, balneotherapy is effectively used: bathing in mineralized pools, sessions in carbon dioxide and salt baths. Hydrotherapeutic methods include the use of weight baths, sessions of underwater and radiation massage, underwater gymnastics.

Gellert Bath

The Gellert Baths, built in the style of pompous Roman baths, are recognized as the most beautiful thermal complex in the Hungarian capital. It is an indoor architectural ensemble that shines with multicolored glass, which creates enchanting lighting in 13 luxurious pools, decorated with columns.

The Gellert Baths feature an outdoor pool, a sit-down pool and a children's pool, wave pool sessions and a bubble bath. The baths are filled with waters from the depths of Mount Gelert, heated from + 38⁰C to + 43⁰C. The source has a huge set of trace elements that can heal people with diseases of the spine, relieve pain in the joints.

The healing effect of the term is observed in the treatment of neuralgia, vascular and pulmonary diseases, asthma and anxiety syndrome. The effectiveness of treatment in the bath is facilitated by the complex application of various methods of balneotherapy and physiotherapy.

The use of traditional water treatments is complemented by hydrotherapy, sessions in the sauna and steam room, mud applications and types of massages. The roof of the spa is equipped with terraces for sunbathing nudists. During summer, on Fridays and Saturdays, the outdoor pools are bathed until midnight.

Bukfurdo

Bukfurdo is a resort in the western region of the country, characterized by the highest concentration of calcium and magnesium in bicarbonate healing water that comes out to the surface of the earth, heated from + 55⁰C to + 65⁰C.

It has a multifunctional complex, which includes a medical and children's centers, "Sauna World" and a fashionable restaurant. After passing a comprehensive medical examination, the doctors of the complex will draw up an individual treatment program.

It includes the necessary traditional and alternative methods: undergoing reflex, Thai or underwater massages, the use of mud wraps and healing baths, sessions of laser and reflex therapies.

Due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, blood vessels, spine are well treated and the body receives a powerful charge of vivacity.

Sharvar

Sárvar is a balneological resort known for being the best thermal hotel in Hungary, Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa 5 *. The presence of two healing hot springs in Sarvar, with different properties of minerals, expands the spectrum of diseases that can be treated.

Water with a temperature of + 83⁰C comes from a depth of 2 thousand meters. It is rich in fluorine, iodine bromine and contains biologically active substances that, acting on the skin, promote the penetration of healing microelements into the patient's organs during bath procedures.

Thus, water is involved in the treatment of sclerosis, rheumatism and female diseases. In another source, alkaline-hydrocarbonate water is pumped from an underground storage located at a depth of 1 thousand meters, heated to + 43⁰ С. It relieves muscle tension, heals joint diseases.

From a source rich in salts, by evaporation, a Sharvar crystal is extracted, which is used for bathing. The Sharvar bathhouse has a salt cave, where the microclimate is able to cure ailments of the respiratory tract.

We also suggest considering sanatoriums with treatment and meals in Sarvar:

Miskolctapolca

The town of Miskolctapolica is famous for the country's only curative cave bath, formed by springs gushing under the cave arches.The atmosphere of the cave, with an air temperature of + 18⁰C, has a beneficial effect on the lungs and respiratory tract of a person all year round.

The water in the cave bath is of the calcareous-hydrogen-carbonic type, containing radon, does not have a high concentration of trace elements, therefore it is recommended for swimming without age restrictions.

Mineral water in the 2 indoor pools is maintained at 35⁰C; in the "Roman" and "Star" halls - 32⁰C, in the old cave pool - not lower than 29⁰C-30⁰C.

The waters of Miskolctapolca show excellent results in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, bones and joints. They also have a wonderful effect on the condition of the skin.

The protection of the bath from the wind by the surrounding beech forest creates a microclimate ideal for a wellness holiday.

Debrecen

The city of Debrecen, located within the boundaries of the eastern forest-steppe zone, is called the second capital. Being one of the three largest balneological resorts, it includes the treatment departments of the Aquaticum complex and a hotel located in a forest park.

The indoor "Mediterranean" bath with a dome 66 meters in diameter with the "effects" of the new millennium - a tropical garden, slides, baths-caves, hydromassage pools, geysers and waterfalls - has gained worldwide fame. A comfortable beach with 6 swimming pools is adjacent to the building.

The peculiarities of the local healing water with a temperature of + 63⁰C are in its alkaline-chloride, hydrocarbonate, iodine-bromine, sodium-chloride composition. The microelements and acids contained in it can treat a huge range of health and appearance problems.

Having drawn up an individual treatment program after the medical examination, the course of balneotherapy can be supplemented with the inclusion of electrotherapy, laser and magnetic therapy, mud poultices, and therapeutic massage. At the beginning of the 19th century, a drinking pump-room was built on the main square of Diod'e, in which mineral water is drunk to this day.

Harkany

Balneological resort located in the southern region of Hungary near Tenukes mountain. The thermal sulfur waters of Harkány have been known for over a century, with the opening of the first bath in the early 20th century.

Renovated in our millennium, the bath is fed by mineral water with a temperature of + 62⁰C, coming from the depths of the earth at 1500 meters. A wide range of medicinal properties is based on the content of sulfides, selenium, fluorine, zinc in water. The presence of gases in sulfuric water causes the penetration of healing substances into the body through skin cells and during breathing.

Steam, containing gas, which rises above the pools in a layer of 10 to 30 centimeters, also has a healing effect. Dermatology, gynecology and rheumatology became the main profiles of the balneo resort.

In dermatology, an excellent result is observed in the treatment of psoriasis, in gynecology - infertility and other female ailments. To undergo a treatment course, you can stay in a hotel connected by a passage to the medical center, healing pools and saunas.

Hajduszoboszlo

Rheumatics from all over Europe strive to get to the baths of the Hajdúszoboszló balneological resort, which has a favorable climate and an atmosphere saturated with salt vapors mixed with iodine emanating from a large lake.

The city has baths and pools where you can relax on your own, getting a health-improving effect. Treatment under medical supervision takes place in Hajduszoboszlo all year round in the hydropathic establishment - the largest in Hungary.

There are 4 divisions in the structure of the medical complex:

• medical bath with indoor and outdoor thermal water pools + 32⁰C, + 36⁰C and + 38⁰C
• Aqua Palace with 8 themed pools and slides for adults and children
• Beach area with 30 hectares of swimming pool, wave pool, pearl bath and swimming pool, open from May 1st to September 30th
• water park with many slides

For medical purposes, there are more than 40 types of procedures in the departments, recommended according to individual programs. A wide range of ailments can be cured with the help of alkaline water containing iodine, bromine, sodium chloride and bicarbonates, reaching + 75⁰С.

It is filled with baths from the depths of the earth at 1090 meters. Exploring water, scientists also found titanium, copper, vanadium, zinc, barium and other heavy elements, for which they gave the name - "boiling gold".

This precious water is a salvation from chronic inflammation of the joints, spine, female organs, chronic neuralgia, muscle pain and the consequences of injuries. Special treatment packages include mud wraps, ultrasounds, visits to the salt chambers, Thai and therapeutic massages and other medically indicated treatments.

Balatonfured

Balatonfured, located near Lake Balaton, is considered the best health resort for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The healing factor here is low-mineralized warm water coming from carbonic sources containing sulfates, hydrocarbons in combination with magnesium and calcium. Such water is equally useful for internal use, baths and various procedures. Complex hydrotherapy shows remarkable results in diseases of internal organs, diabetes mellitus and normalizes metabolism.

However, the main specialization of local sanatoriums is cardiology. Balatonfured is home to the country's main State Cardiology Center. Several of the most ancient carbon dioxide springs gush out from under the ground near it. The complex programs of spa treatment include progressive methods of treatment of the cardiovascular system, recovery after acute myocardial infarction and after operations.

Visegrad

A small picturesque town located in the bend of the Danube River 45 kilometers from Budapest. The thermal spa complex, based on the mineral healing waters of the Lepence spring, originating at a depth of 1300 meters, is surrounded by the Pilišski nature reserve park.

Specializing in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, the thermal center brings patients suffering from rheumatic joint lesions, gout and osteoporosis to their feet. Healthy vacationers by bathing will strengthen the nerves, immunity, and gain vigor.

Among the methods of treatment, the excellent effect of the use of mud applications, a 4-chamber bath, sessions in a salt room, hydro and aromatherapy, baths with aromatic oils and various procedures based on hot mineral water is noted.

Next to the open-air thermal bath rises the Thermal Hotel Visegrad 4 *, which, in addition to comfortable accommodation, provides the opportunity to swim in the children's and thermal pools, to visit the Sauna World complex, which has a beneficial effect on the wellness process.

Zalakaros

Despite its novelty, it has gained popularity among families with children and people of all ages.The resort's hydropathic facility is perfectly complemented by an entertainment water complex.

The main treasure of Zalakaros is truly miraculous water, which occurs at a depth of more than 2 thousand meters with a temperature of up to + 96⁰С, fills the pools of the Zalakarosi Fürdő baths. The presence of a large amount of bromine, iodine and fluorine brought the alkaline-chloride water of Zalakaros to first place in the country in terms of healing properties.

The high concentration of bromine serves to cure nervous, rheumatic and female diseases. The presence of fluoride is the key to successful treatment of periodontal disease and gum disease. In Zalakarosh, people with diseases of the skeletal system and joints, with gout and muscle atrophy strive to heal. After 2-3 weeks, many people forget about their health problems for a long time.

The bath has changing rooms for men, women and family, where, after changing clothes, visitors go either to the beach area, or to the water park or indoor pool. Two pools are equipped in the open air: with water + 36⁰C and + 34⁰C, deepened by 1.1 meters.

The acceptance of medical procedures for independent tourists is recommended no more than half an hour. In the bathing and treatment building, located in a covered building, for medical reasons, they are treated using the latest methods of balneo and hydrotherapy.

Gyula

Gyula is a resort near the border of Hungary with Romania, located on the banks of the Körös River. The Gyula pools are filled with 7 thermal springs that cure many diseases.

In the Castle Bath, located in the middle of an old park, a comfortable beach and thermal healing pools are used to restore health. Bathing fills with energy, improves overall physical condition, allowing you to forget about diseases.

The Fortress Balneological Complex offers wellness treatments in the water of 20 pools with "effects", "children's paradise", treatment rooms of the wellness center, steam rooms and saunas and carbon dioxide baths. Upon completion of the examination, a special set of procedures is developed for each patient with ailments of the musculoskeletal system, problems with skin and digestion.

Best time to travel

Due to the mild climate, Hungarian resorts are suitable for health-improving holidays almost in any season. The sun does not leave the Hungarian sky for more than 2,100-2,200 hours a year. It is moderately hot in summer, dry and sunny in autumn, mild winters and warm and rainy ones in spring.

The swimming season starts in early May and lasts until early October. Although it often rains in May, it does not last long. After them, the sun appears, inviting you to enjoy swimming in thermal waters and pools.

From the second half of June to the first ten days of September, precipitation falls very rarely, and the average air temperature is around + 22⁰С. In July and August, at times in the areas of Zalakaros or Debrecen, the weather can be hot, like in Madrid or Cyprus, but there are also cool days.

People with diseases of the cardiovascular system are not recommended to go to Balaton for treatment in the very heat, opting for the off-season. Tourists wishing to combine recovery with interesting leisure time may-October be the best time to travel.

Which resort to choose for families with children

Hungary is a great country for families with children. The swimming season, which lasts for more than 3 months, on the beaches of the healing Lake Balaton and outdoor pools provides great opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beach recreation and meaningful leisure.

The thermal complexes, as a rule, next to the healing zone, have pools for the whole family and paddling pools, attractive with a fabulous design. Summer water parks in Budapest, Debrecen, Hajdusoblo, Zalakaros, Sarvare, equipped with slides with "effects" reaching a height of 10 meters, will help to diversify the beach holidays for children.

You will find parks with playgrounds in any resort. You should definitely visit the unusual playground on Mount Gellert in Budapest, ride on the children's railroad, arrive at the Wildlife Park and pass the dexterity test in the rope park.

A visit to the Sümeg Fortress - the site of knightly tournaments, the cave under the Buda Castle, where the hospital in the rock is located and a delicious trip to the two-hundred-year-old Buda confectionery - will remain a bright event in the memory.

For history buffs, it will be interesting to explore the ruins of ancient Roman settlements: "Aquincum" in Budapest and "Ruins of Gorzium" in Szekesfehervar. You can travel through the underground galleries of the caves without leaving Budapest.

On the territory of the city are the caves of Palveldi, Semlohegy, Molnara-Janos. Museums: The Palace of Miracles and the Railway Museum in Budapest, the Pannonian Sea in Miskolc, the Agora in Debrecen, the marzipan paradise in Eger with sweet sculptures will certainly appeal to children.

Nature lovers can visit Lake Kish-Balaton with large populations of waterfowl and a buffalo reserve near the lake. Children will also enjoy watching the animals in the Budapest, Debrecen and Miskolc zoos.

Benefits of treatment and relaxation

Tourists are attracted by Hungary with extensive opportunities for recovery in specialized thermal resorts, which differ in the composition and healing properties of water.

Balneological centers of resorts are usually represented by two types:

• spa complexes with a large package of medical services, thermal baths and entertainment;
• sanatorium complexes, where they carry out treatment with mineral water and other modern methods.

They work all year round, conducting medical examinations directly on the spot with a proposal for an individual treatment program. Hotels located near thermal springs provide a comfortable stay.

Hungary is rich in historical and architectural monuments, medieval castles and palaces in the Baroque and Classicism style, beautiful parks and various museums, so treatment is perfectly combined with exciting excursions and cultural programs.

Indications

Most of the sources in their composition have universal properties that effectively affect a wide range of diseases. Therefore, it is possible to generalize the indications for treatment.

These include:

• diseases associated with disorders in the endocrine system and obesity
• neuralgic and skin diseases
• diseases of the stomach, intestines, pancreas
• chronic inflammation of internal organs
• inflammatory processes in the joints and bones - arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteochondrosis, spondelosis, osteoporosis and gout
• gynecological inflammation and infertility
• post-traumatic and postoperative rehabilitation of bone tissue and joints

In addition to thermal springs with a universal focus, there are also narrowly targeted, healing specific diseases: the cardiovascular system, disorders of the nervous system and depression, diseases of internal organs.

Prevention and treatment in thermal resorts can be relatively inexpensive: from 100 € to 200 € per week. The price consists of a medical examination, a set of procedures, tickets for visiting the baths. The treatment course can last from 1 to 3 weeks.

Contraindications

Before going to be treated with thermal waters, you should consult your doctor.There are contraindications, without taking into account which you can worsen your health. First of all, you should not take thermal baths for children under 12 years of age.

Adults are not advised to visit the baths:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• in post-infarction and heart failure
• for cancer
• with tuberculosis and thyroid diseases
• people with epilepsy
• during the course of infectious and autoimmune diseases
• with chronic hypertension

If there are no diseases in the above list, you will receive a charge of vivacity and health, a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions from rest and treatment on the thermal waters.

Thermal resorts of Hungary on the map