THE SZECHENYI THERMAL BATHS!

After this intense "Jewish Morning" we took the subway out of town (after we figured out how to get tickets for Karen/Lee...Bruce is free [he must be special) and visited THE BATHS. We decided to make a reservation at the BEST, OLDEST, BIGGEST of the more than 2 dozen Thermal Baths ... to get the entire experience. We rented one private cabin (to change) and 2 lockers in order to get ready! Well, all we say is that we could have stayed all night at the 3 outdoor and 15 indoor specialty pools but we had dinner reservations and a cruise with unlimited prosecco up the Danube yet to do today ... so 4 hours had to suffice.see the 3 videos too.

Thermal baths are popular in Budapest because the city sits atop 120 natural, mineral-rich (calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and fluoride), aiding skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) and joint pain hot thermal springs, offering centuries-old bathing traditions with documented health benefits (like rheumatism relief) and stunning architecture, making them a unique cultural experience blending wellness, history, and social relaxation. From ancient Roman use in 33 BCE, these baths provide therapeutic soaks and are a part of Budapest's identity and healthcare, so we couldn’t miss it. This massive reserve of spring water produces 20 million gallons of thermal water a day!

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath since 1909 is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. It is also the first thermal bath of Pest. The reconstruction of the pools of the swimming section, their equipment with water filtering and circulation devices was completed in 1999 to include the so-called fancy bath including a whirling corridor, underwater effervescence production, neck shower, water beam back massage and many other services. The outdoor pools were 90°F to 100°F (but it was cold outside so it was perfect in the water). There are water jets around the baths, and in one of the baths, there is a whirlpool where you get carried away by the tide. Inside we found 15 baths and saunas and we had to try them ALL. Temperatures varied from 64°F to 104°F with various temperatures. The 2 most extreme were 122°F and 203°F. These sauna are provided for circulation by increasing the metabolism and helping the immune system. We did the: Volcano sauna, Salt inhalation steam bath, Event sauna, Aquarium steam, Dante sauna, Steam bath, Aroma saunas, Salt inhalation chamber, Phoenix sauna. In addition, for Health “preservation” we did the Finnish sauna, Vulkanic sauna and Steam rooms (wet room, salt inhalation room, thermal cascade hot air chamber). Of course there was so much more including massages, therapies, a bar and a beer spa (next time).Read more