Thermal spas around the world offer unique opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. In different corners of the earth, at different stages of history, people have discovered an equally enjoyable and effective means of recuperation and relaxation: steaming and hot springs. Each offers its own special add-ons, such as birch brooms, massages, scrubs, and even whipped soapy lather, depending on local traditions and preferences.
Forbes has compiled a list of the most remarkable bathhouses around the world, where every visitor will feel like a new person after visiting the steam room.
Gellert Baths (Budapest, Hungary)
Address: H-1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is famous for its 118 thermal springs, which have been attracting attention since ancient times, when the Romans lived here. In the XVI century, with the arrival of the Turks, the first hammams appeared. However, the real fame of this European city was brought by the magnificent bath complexes built in the early XX century. Among them stands out Gellert - a true masterpiece of Art Nouveau, opened in 1918 at the foot of the hill with the same name, on the banks of the Danube River.
The first thing that catches your eye upon entering is the doorman at the entrance, marble columns and high arched vaults that create an ineffable atmosphere. The lobby is decorated with stained glass windows, and the baths and steam rooms are decorated with mosaics. Here every element of decoration reflects the grandeur of the style. It is said that bathing in the Gellert pool feels like swimming in a cathedral.
Forbes has compiled a list of the most remarkable bathhouses around the world, where every visitor will feel like a new person after visiting the steam room.
Gellert Baths (Budapest, Hungary)
Address: H-1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is famous for its 118 thermal springs, which have been attracting attention since ancient times, when the Romans lived here. In the XVI century, with the arrival of the Turks, the first hammams appeared. However, the real fame of this European city was brought by the magnificent bath complexes built in the early XX century. Among them stands out Gellert - a true masterpiece of Art Nouveau, opened in 1918 at the foot of the hill with the same name, on the banks of the Danube River.
The first thing that catches your eye upon entering is the doorman at the entrance, marble columns and high arched vaults that create an ineffable atmosphere. The lobby is decorated with stained glass windows, and the baths and steam rooms are decorated with mosaics. Here every element of decoration reflects the grandeur of the style. It is said that bathing in the Gellert pool feels like swimming in a cathedral.
On the lower level of the complex are hammams with eucalyptus steam and a sauna with an antique clock. Three baths with cold, warm and hot water await you. Massages, mud baths and various therapeutic procedures can also be booked here.
On the next floor is the swimming pool, which is reminiscent of Roman thermae, thanks to the sliding roof and the two-tiered colonnade surrounding it. In the 1930s, during the reign of Admiral Horthy, the best parties in town were held here, when the pool was covered with a glass floor and an orchestra played on the gallery. Now it has a relaxed atmosphere, where you can have a cup of coffee with Unicum balsam or enjoy a Tokaj wine. You can also go to the inner courtyard, where there is another pool with an artificial wave, stone cascade terraces and a pavilion decorated with majolica worthy of the palace parks of Europe.
Cost of admission: from 3600 forints (€13) on weekdays and up to 3900 forints (€15) on weekends.
On the next floor is the swimming pool, which is reminiscent of Roman thermae, thanks to the sliding roof and the two-tiered colonnade surrounding it. In the 1930s, during the reign of Admiral Horthy, the best parties in town were held here, when the pool was covered with a glass floor and an orchestra played on the gallery. Now it has a relaxed atmosphere, where you can have a cup of coffee with Unicum balsam or enjoy a Tokaj wine. You can also go to the inner courtyard, where there is another pool with an artificial wave, stone cascade terraces and a pavilion decorated with majolica worthy of the palace parks of Europe.
Cost of admission: from 3600 forints (€13) on weekdays and up to 3900 forints (€15) on weekends.
