The miraculous springs of the more than 100-year old, prestigious Gellert Thermal Bath had already been recorded in the 15th century. The Turkish lords used these springs to refresh themselves. The springs of the Gellert Baths are the hottest in Budapest which makes it very special. The atmosphere of the bath will take your breath away: the original, old stained glass windows create a mysterious atmosphere, the wooden structure in the dressing rooms and the Zsolnay-pyragranite elements in the men’s thermal division all contribute to the wonderful touch and feel of the bath.

Fast links: Gellert Bath – History of the Gellert Bath – Good to know – Best time to visit the Gellert Bath – What shall I bring with me? – Buying tickets – Cabin vs. locker – Attractions in the neighbourhood – The water composition of the Gellert thermal water – Bath units of the Gellert Thermal Bath – Services – Treatments – Access the Gellert Bath – Opening hours

History of the Gellert Baths

The Gellert Thermal Bath opened its gates in 1918 and the construction of the building was considered stunning thanks to the amount of marble and porcelain used. The bath was enlarged by the wave pool (which it is still working today) in 1927 and a new whirlpool bath was added to the services offered in 1934. The Gellert Bath was unquestionably the most modern bath in Budapest.

The Secessionist-style Thermal Hotel Gellert was opened in 1918 and was the very first luxury hotel in the capital with all its glamorously furnished rooms, the spa complex and the hospital that belonged to the hotel. Since the Gellert Hotel was a quality hotel in terms of the look and technical details, a lot of celebrities stayed in the

Best time to visit the Gellert Baths

The well-known and internationally popular Gellert Thermal Bath is equally liked by the locals and foreign people as well and due to this fact, it is one of the most important touristic destinations in Budapest. It is a must-do program to relax in one of the pools of the bath which is located at the Buda end of the Liberty Bridge. The stunning environment, the many thermal baths, saunas and steam cabins are definitely worth a visit.

Another lovely traditional bath that you should visit if you enjoy rich history and a well- equipped bath is the Szechenyi Baths on the Pest side, near the Budapest Zoo.

Buying tickets

You can buy your tickets at the bath or online as well. There are two advantages of purchasing your ticket online. Firstly, you do not have to queue at the cashier, and you can get in the bath a lot quicker and secondly, should you want to use any of the extra services provided (e.g.: massage or treatment), you will want to book your appointments in advance.

Since I visit the Gellert Bath quite frequently, let me give you some pieces of useful advice:

The cashiers can be found at the right and left-hand side of the entrance, you cannot miss them!

When purchasing your ticket you need to decide beforehand if you want a cabin or just a locker for your clothes. Click and read the full article on „Cabin vs. locker?” this will help you decide.

Inside the Gellert baths

Once you have bought your entrance ticket – which comes in the form of a proxy watch – head towards the bath! Walking to the changing room feels like walking in a labyrinth.

The cabins for changing, the information desk and the shop where you can rent stuff are on the first floor. The lockers can be found on the second floor. Using the lockers is a bit more complicated compared to other baths since the changing room is co-ed, which means that men and women use them together. Find a changing cabin where you can change into your swimming costume and when you are done, get your stuff and put them in a locker.

Once you are ready to go, head to the sunbathing deck and the outdoor pools first to be able to secure a sunbed for yourself. If you find a free one put your towel and your drinks on it and you will be able to use it for the rest of your stay.

I really like the pool next to the sauna (no. 10 on the map). I can relax and revitalize in there while I am playing a mind game. I look at the people coming out of the sauna and I check whether they go in the icy water tub and if yes, what method they apply.

If the weather is chilly I hit the sauna (no. 13 on the map) after I have had enough in the pool and I warm up both my body and my towel as well, so the walk back to indoor pools feels more convenient.

In case of nice weather, I swim a little in the big central pool (no. 9 on the map). It is not an official swimming pool since there are no lanes in it. (the big, official swimming pool can be found inside). It is good to know that this gets transformed into a wave pool from time to time and if you swim too close to the wall, it might get tricky to get away.

I usually spend some time in all the indoor pools. You can easily navigate in the building if you keep in mind that the layout of the pools is symmetric, meaning that every indoor pool has got its twin on the other side.

It is normal that everybody wants to take a few photos of the Gellert Bath, but don’t forget that not all the guests prefer to be on your photo and once you are done with taking photos, put your camera in the safe-deposit.

If you liked the Gellert Bath, you should definitely visit the St.Lukacs Bath too!

The water composition of the Gellert thermal water

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

Bath units of Gellert Thermal Bath

• Whirlpool bath pool
• Sitting pool
• Wave pool
• Sitting pool with fancy facilities

Services

• thermal baths
• swimming pool
• outdoor thermal water pools
• wave pool (seasonal)
• whirlpool bath
• aqua fitness

Treatments

• Sauna, hot air cabin, steam cabin
• Massages
• Red Wine – bath ritual
  The red wine bath is a quality service provided for two people. You can enjoy the bathtub service in historical settings in a tub that is covered with Zsolnay tiles and is made of Tardos marble. A bottle of red wine served is part of the service.
• Private tub
  Share a thermal bathtub with your significant other and enjoy the historical setting in the tub that is covered with Zsolnay tiles and is made of Tardos marble. There is an adjoining private sauna. A fruit bowl and delicious champagne are also provided.
• Pedicure
• Spa pedicure
• Hydrus package
• Naturist sundecks for women and families

Access the Gellert Bath

It is important to note, that the bath has got a separate entrance other than the entrance of the hotel. It opens from the Kelenhegyi street! (map is attached)
By metro: The newest metro, line 4 stops a 5-min walk away from the entrance.
By tram: The tram stop at Gellert Bath is a busy junction with six different trams stopping there. Tram no. 18, 19, 41, 47, 48 and 49.
The train stop is a 2-min walk from the entrance of the Gellert Bath.

If you are planning to come by taxi, read my post about taxis. (link ide)
By walking: Since the Gellert Bath is not far from the city center, you can easily reach it on foot. It is located at the Buda end of the green Liberty Bridge.

Opening hours

Every day: 06:00 am – 20:00 pm
Starting from 1st January 2013.: EVERY POOL IS CO-ED

Gellert Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda
1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4.
Phone: +36-1/466-615747
web: www.gellertfurdo.hu

Attractions in the neighbourhood

 There are several attractions in the neighbourhood, that you should definitely check out e.g.: Gellert Hill, Cave Church, Great Market Hall at Fővám tér, City center, Váci street (shopping street), Liberty Statue.