Széchenyi thermal bath

Exterior

The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest (Széchenyi-gyógyfürdő) is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs, their temperature is 74 °C (165 °F) and 77 °C (171 °F), respectively.

Components of the thermal water include sulphate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of fluoride acid and metaboric acid. Medical indications are on degenerative joint illnesses, chronic and sub-acute joint inflammations, as well as orthopaedic and traumatological post-treatments.^[1]

The bath can be found in the City Park, and was built in 1913 in Neo-baroque style to the design of Győző Czigler. At that time it had private baths, separate men and women steam-bath sections, and different men / women "public baths". The complex was expanded in 1927, and it still has 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. After its expansion, the thermal artesian well could not fulfill its purpose, so a new well was drilled. The second thermal spring was found in 1938. Main swimming and thermal sections are possible to visit mixed.

The bath was named after István Széchenyi.

[edit] Bath Units of Széchenyi Bath

The bath during the day

In the bath are different temperatures pools. The outdoor pools (swimmingpool, adventure pool and thermal sitting pool) are 27- 38 °C water temperature. The swimmingpool's water depth is 0,8 - 1,7 m. The adventure pool's water depth is 0,8 m. The guest can use the water streaming, whirlpool and massaging water beamand. The indoor pools are 27 °C water temperature.[1] The complex also includes saunas and steam.Masseuse services are available.

[edit] Useful information

Towel is not included in the entrance ticket. Towels and swimsuits can be rented or bought in the spa. On weekends and holidays the entrance fee is higher than on weekdays.

[edit] Prices

In February 2012 the prices varied between 3400 and 3950 HUF. [2]Discount is not available for children and seniors. Components of the thermal water is not recommended for pregnant women and children. Massage is charged extra, 4000 HUF (basic massage).

[edit] Transportation

It can be reached by public transport, metro line 1 (yellow line) from Vörösmarty square.(It is also a station of the yellow M1 (Millennium Underground) line of the Budapest Metro) (Info and map). From downtown, the bath is a few hundred metres beyond the Heroes square.