Gellert Bath – History and luxury combined

Fancy a relaxing spa day in Budapest? Gellert Thermal Bath is the perfect place with Turkish heritage and modern facilities for a soothing experience.

Stretching above a bunch of valuable mineral springs, Budapest is often called the spa city. The healing powers of these springs have been praised ever since the Roman times, then the Turkish occupation of Hungary, to this today. The past few decades have witnessed an exceptionally increasing interest in spa culture in Budapest from locals and tourists alike. Among the 4-5 most prominent thermal baths in Budapest, Gellert Bath is a distinguished one. Some even say that it rivals its most famous counterpart, Széchenyi Bath. Located between Gellert hill and Liberty Bridge on the Buda side of the city, Gellert Bath is part of the prestigious Hotel Gellért but also operates separately as a thermal spa. Its rich Turkish heritage, as well as countless healing and relaxing facilities make it worth a visit during your stay in Budapest, be it any time of the year. Before directing you to the pools, we will show you the most important bits and pieces of Gellért Bath. Let’s dive right in!

The history of Gellért Bath

The miraculous springs of the prestigious Gellért Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool (or in short, Gellért Bath) were already recorded in the 15th century. Back in the day, when it was called Sárosfürdő (Mud bath), the Turkish lords used the healing waters to stay refreshed and healthy.

Slightly delayed by WWI, Thermal Hotel Gellért opened its doors in 1918 as the very first luxury hotel in Budapest with all the luxury of the early 20th century. The architectural style of the hotel and bath complex is art nouveau, characterized by its elaborate decorative elements and curved lines. Besides the glamorously furnished and decorated rooms, a spa complex and a hospital wing also belonged to the hotel. Over the past century, countless iconic figures have stayed in Gellert Hotel from American presidents to members of European royal families. 

Built to shine at the foot of Gellért Hill, the glorious building is still one of the main landmarks of the Gellért Hill area. The façade boasts a sufficient amount of marble and porcelain, but the building’s interior exceeds its outer looks by far. The original stained-glass windows create a mysterious atmosphere, the wooden structure in the dressing rooms, and the Zsolnay ornamental ceramics all contribute to the enchanting look and feel of the bath. In the center of the indoor pool area, a beautiful fountain provides a decorative and refreshing feature, enhancing the ambiance of the bath complex.  Steam rising from the hot thermal pools creates a mystical atmosphere, further enhancing the bath’s serene ambiance.

In its original design, the bath complex only included indoor pools. The addition of outdoor baths and other services took place in a series of developments during the 20th century. One of the most prominent of these happened in 1927: the world’s first wave pool got built as part of the Gellért Bath, a feature of a major significance still today. A new whirlpool bath was added almost a decade later in 1934. Additionally, a plunge pool was introduced for those seeking a refreshing contrast after the hot thermal waters. By now, the complex merges the historical heritage with the luxuries of modern technology for a soothing experience.

As one of Budapest’s thermal baths, Gellért Bath continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a perfect blend of history, relaxation, and wellness.

The best time to visit Gellért Bath

Thanks to its all-inclusive services, Gellért Bath is open all year round. During summertime, you can easily spend a whole day chilling by the outdoor pools and the surrounding elegant sunbathing terrace. The lush vegetation of the inside garden also offers relaxation in the shades.

Yet, no matter how welcoming the outdoor areas are during the hot summer days, the thermal spa culture in Budapest is ultimately a winter one. Imagine diving in a hot pool with some 36°C water temperature and then trying the sauna and the steam cabin in the coldest of winter after exploring the city. It definitely has to get to the top of your tourist to-do list if you are visiting Budapest during winter. In some of the thermal baths, like Gellért and Széchenyi, you can even enjoy the healing touch of the hot water in the outside pools – with the snow gently falling over your head, if you are lucky.

Gellért Bath tickets 

To enter Gellért Bath, you can buy your tickets from the cashier at the entrance or online. We recommend securing it in advance  online for two reasons. First, with a ticket at hand, you can simply jump over the queue at the cashier, and second, you can use the extra time to enjoy other services of the spa, like massages or beauty treatments. If you fancy such activities, make sure to also book appointments in advance.

If you’ve purchased an online ticket beforehand, simply go inside and follow the “Online entrance” sign.

When purchasing your ticket, you will need to decide if you want a cabin or just a locker for your clothes. Tickets with cabins are slightly more expensive (with approx. 1.5 euros).

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Are you not sure if you will need a cabin or a locker? Let us help you decide with some insider’s tips on cabins and lockers.

Inside the Gellért Bath

Upon entering the Gellért Bath, you will be given a proxy watch, which will serve as the key to all parts of the spa complex – your locker included. Keep it with you at all times while in the pools. Now that you are inside, your thermal bath experience can finally get started. Don’t get discouraged if the corridors feel like an endless maze, just check the map and follow the signs – you can also ask for help at the information desk on the first floor. In case you would like to rent or buy anything for the complete experience (e.g. slippers, swim cap, swimwear or towels), the shop will get you covered, also situated on the first floor.

First, head to the changing room and don’t get surprised if you find both men and women in there. Unlike in many other baths, the changing room is co-ed in Gellért Bath, so here’s what to do. Find a changing cabin (you can lock it while you are inside), get changed to your swimsuit, and put your clothes and other valuables in a locker. Make sure you securely locked it before you leave for the pools.

Once you are all set, it’s time for a dive into the healing waters. Check the map to make sure you tried all the wonders of the spa complex: you have altogether 12 pools and many other facilities to explore. If you need an insider’s trick to navigate, keep in mind that the layout of the pools is symmetric in the building: each indoor pool has its pair on the other side of the room.

Bath units of Gellért Bath

Pools:

• Indoor medical pools: water temperature: 35-40°C, water depth: 1.2 m
• Indoor swimming pool: water temperature: 27°C, water depth: 0.8-2 m
• Outdoor thermal pool: water temperature: 36°C, water depth: 1 m
• Outdoor wave pool (seasonal): 26°C, water depth: 0.4-2.75 m

Saunas:

• 5 hot air chambers with 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C
• 2 stream rooms with 43°C
• Outdoor Finnish sauna with 80-90 °C

Other wellness services:

• Various types of classic and premium massages for individuals and couples
• Private bathing: share a thermal bathtub with your loved one and enjoy the exclusive experience in the tub covered with valuable Zsolnay tiles and Tardos marble. There is an adjoining private sauna for you to use, and a fruit bowl and delicious champagne are also provided.

The water composition of the Gellért thermal water 

The water is hot spring water with calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen-carbonate, as well as sulphate-chloride, sodium and a significant amount of fluoride ions.

Access the Gellért Bath

Gellért Bath has a separate entrance other than the front gate of the Hotel Gellért. To find Gellért Bath, use the side entrance from Kelenhegyi street (by the side of Gellért Hill).

Gellért Bath is located at St. Gellért square, which is reachable by metro, tram, bus or on foot. The newest metro, line 4 (the green line) stops just a few steps from the entrance. T10he tram stop at Gellért Bath is a busy junction with six different trams stopping there: tram Nr. 18, 19, 41, 47, 48 and 49. You can also take bus Nr. 7, 7A, or 86. Alternatively, you can take a stroll on the Liberty Bridge from the Pest side.

Pro tip: If you liked the Gellért Baths, don’t miss the Veli Bej Baths and the Király Baths.

Attractions near Gellért Bath

There are several famous attractions in the neighborhood of Gellért Bath that you should check out: the Gellért Hill, the Cave Church, the Liberty Statue and the Citadel on the Buda side, while the Great Market Hall and the main shopping street, Váci utca on the Pest side. Happy wandering!

Did you know?

The massage in Budapest is amazing! You should visit one of the most renowned massage salons where you can enjoy the treatment of qualified, professional masseurs!

Gyms in Budapest are well-equipped and offer excellent training opportunities.

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