Basic HTML Version
Spas From More Than
a Thousand Metres Deep
Hungary’s spa tradition dates back to more than 2000 years ago. Even the ancient
Celts called the area “rich water” or “good spring”, and this provided the basis for the
name it received in the Antiquity: Aquincum. Thewhole country is well scattered by the
ruins of the ancient Roman spas. Archaeological excavations prove that spa culture
was highly advanced even in those times; Ancient Romans pampered themselves
with heated changing rooms, warm water towels, heated air and hot water baths,
and even with cold water immersion tubs. Implementation was easy, since there
are eight thermal wells only in Budapest, which is unique in the world. Thus it was
not only the Romans, but the early Hungarians too, who liked to settle down around
hot water wells. Later hospitals were raised on these sites – for example at today’s
Rudas bath place –, where numerous conditions were treated. The importance of
the baths is highlighted by the fact that at the time of Kings Zsigmond of Luxemburg
and Matthias Corvin the royal palace was connected with Rácz Bath via a covered
corridor. Turkish invasion brought numerous positives and negatives to the country:
baths and spas were built one after the other, andmany of them even today welcome
guests. Spa culture flourished in the 18th and 19th century. With the advancement of
medicine they offered treatment for more and more diseases, and patients quite often
enjoyed ten weeks long medical cures at a thermal water institute. Budapest, having
the highest number of medical and thermal water wells in the world received the “city
of baths” title in 1934, since there are several hotels and swimming pools here that
put the base of its operation on thermal water. But let’s not think that only our capital
is such well-supported by thermal waters! As the saying goes: wherever we drill under
the surface in Hungary, we will surely come across with some hot water! The state-
ment is not a far leap from reality, and our spas bear significant touristic importance.
Salt Hill (Sóhegy), Egerszalók
Egerszalók lies between the Mátra and the Bükk Mountains, in the Valley of the
Laskó Creek. The settlement is mainly renowned for its medical spa, where the
water springs up from 410 meters deep, and its temperature is between 65-68
Celsius. The medicinal water containing calcium, sodium and sulphur created out-
standingly unique limestone sediments on the hill, which stretch over 120 square
meters. With the cooling of the water salt precipitated out – the result is the huge
salt hill. This natural phenomenon is very rare, and apart from Egerszalók it can
only be found at two places in the world: in Turkey, and in the Yellowstone National
Park, USA. In the medical bath standing next to the salt hill there are 17 indoor and
outdoor pools, among them sitting baths with heeling water, cave pools, efferves-
cent baths, and numerous other pools that ensure recreation at a high level.
Available from 260 EUR + VAT*
Hévíz
Hévíz, located in the south-western
part of Hungary became famous for
its world-unique lake with a naturally
turf-lined basin. The slightly radioactive
watercontainscalciumandmagnesium,
and in summer its temperature can
leap up to 38 Celsius, but it does not
go below 23 Celsius even in winter,
so it is suitable for a pleasant bath in
all seasons. Roman coins found in the
bottom suggest that its medicinal water
has been used for centuries, which is
primarily recommended for conditions
of rheumatic, loco-motorical and nervine origin. Along with the bath we can
benefit from the heeling effects of the mud-pack, the drinking cure and the
weight bath. Its unbroken popularity is proved by the fact that regarding its 1
million guests per night, after Budapest Hévíz comes second in Hungary as the
most visited place.
Available from 360 EUR + VAT*
Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca
The cave and its spring have been
known for ages, nevertheless the
thermal bath was constructed only
in 1723. At this time pools were
established only outside the cave, and
their temperature lagged behind the 30
Celsius it has nowadays. In 1837 it was
renovated again, but its opportunities
were utilized only in the 1930-ies. This
is also the time, when a new, 31,5 Celsius spring was found. The lake-cave
was later transformed into a cave-bath that now provides a unique experience
in Europe. It is unforgettable when we submerge into a constructed cave
system’s thermal water, especially if it has therapeutic qualities, too! The spa
and the cave’s climate are recommended especially for joint diseases. Another
interesting feature is its low salt content, significantly lower than that of an
average medicinal water, thus we can enjoy the bath as long as we want to.
Available from 380 EUR + VAT*
13
Source: wikipedia.hu
Source: wikipedia.hu