Gellert Baths

The Gellért thermal complex, located at the foot of the homonymous hill on the Buda side of the Danube, is one of the most prestigious and historically significant thermal baths in Budapest. Opened in 1918 and built in an Art Nouveau style, this building is not only a place of relaxation and well-being, but also an architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich cultural history of the city. The Gellért Baths site has a long history dating back long before the construction of the current complex. Already in the Middle Ages, under the reign of King Andrew II, there was a hospital that exploited the healing properties of the local thermal springs. During the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century, the springs were used to build Turkish baths, known as Sárosfürdő or “mud baths” because of the sediments that deposited on the bottom of the pools. These baths were highly appreciated for the therapeutic properties of their hot and mineral waters. The current Gellért Baths building was designed by two renowned Hungarian architects, Ármin Hegedűs and Artúr Sebestyén, and its design reflects a fusion of Art Nouveau and neo-Baroque architectural styles. The interior of the complex is decorated with mosaics, stained glass windows, and statues, creating a luxurious and refined environment. One of the most fascinating features is the large indoor pool with its glass dome roof and Romanesque columns, offering a breathtaking visual experience. The use of Zsolnay ceramics for the decoration of the walls and pools contributes to giving the environment an aura of elegance and grandeur. During World War II, the complex suffered severe damage, but was subsequently restored to restore its original beauty. Today, the Gellért Baths continue to be a symbol of Budapest’s bathing culture, attracting both locals and tourists with its mineral-rich thermal waters and state-of-the-art facilities. The baths offer a wide range of services and facilities for well-being, including 13 thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, and a variety of massage and spa treatments. The thermal pools, fed by natural springs, have temperatures ranging from 26°C to 40°C and are renowned for their therapeutic benefits. Among the outdoor facilities, the wave pool stands out, open during the summer months, and a small thermal pool that remains open even during the winter, offering a warm and relaxing retreat even on the coldest days. One of the main attractions is the wave pool hall, a large outdoor pool that creates artificial waves, offering an experience similar to that of a beach. This pool is very popular among families and young people, especially during the summer. Other notable facilities include Finnish saunas, located in wooden cabins with panoramic windows overlooking the wave pool, and steam rooms with high temperatures that offer a complete detox experience. In addition to the thermal facilities, the complex also offers fitness and wellness programs, including yoga classes, meditation, and aerobic and cardio exercises. These programs are designed to improve the physical and mental well-being of visitors, making the Gellért Baths an ideal place for complete regeneration. Not least is the culinary aspect: the complex houses a café where you can enjoy light snacks, refreshing drinks, and traditional Hungarian dishes, offering a moment of relaxation between one bathing session and another.