The term ‘taking the waters’ is a saying the locals frequently mention. They believe that bathing in these thermal springs helps with many different health problems from arthritis to eczema. They have even been known to help soothe the mind if you’ve been experiencing any level of stress in your life. Since most baths in Budapest are unisex, this is the perfect place to go with your family, friends or as a romantic and relaxing day out with your partner.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. What to Expect
   • Male-only or Female-only Days
3. What to Bring?
   • Towels
   • Footwear
   • Head Gear
4. Pricing
5. Layout
   • Lockers
   • Cabins
6. Where to Go
   • Széchenyi Baths
   • Király Baths
   • Gellert Baths
   • Rudas Baths

History

One of the reasons the Romans came to colonise the city we now call Budapest, was to utilise their rich wealth of thermal springs. Even today, you can visit the ruins of some of these ancient Roman baths. Romans long used thermal waters for both medical and cleansing purposes since most people didn’t have running water in their homes. The Romans knew there were many benefits gained by bathing in thermal springs. Healing elements in the water include magnesium, calcium and sulphate. These are effortlessly absorbed into your skin while bathing and help with poor circulation, arthritis and many skin conditions. Once the Turkish invaded, they constructed their own unique bathhouses in the 15th century, some of which still are standing today. While looking at history on the walls of museums is a treat, there is nothing like experiencing history for yourself!

What to Expect

To prepare for your first time in the waters, it’s best to know what to expect. That way you won’t be surprised by any unforeseen steps along the way. All baths have different opening times and may differ on some policies. But for the most part, they all provide the same general experience. Depending on what vibe you’re going for will determine which place you’ll end up at. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them for an authentic experience.

For our first time visiting a spa, we settled on the Gellert Baths. Not only are the waters here arguably located inside the most gorgeous environment, and slightly less touristy than the Szechenyi Baths, they also have a great set of amenities. But finding a spa that caters to tourists isn’t a bad thing for your first time. Some people might want to avoid the more popular locations to get a more traditional experience other might want to find somewhere that caters to the language barrier and provides ample signage and instructions will make you feel more comfortable on your first time inside.

Male-only or Female-only Days

Some spas have male-only or female-only days and the hours vary from spa to spa, so be sure to check their websites before you go. If you’re interested in these same-sex days for your own comfort, be warned that these will be clothing optional. You are more than welcome to wear your bathing suit, but many will opt to go completely nude. This may make some people uncomfortable, but if you’re brave enough, the experience is very freeing.

What to Bring?

Towels

Towels are necessary for bathing, and they won’t be provided for free. You must bring your own, or you can rent one at a relatively low cost. They usually tend to be around £3 so if you’re only going once or twice it is worth it not to have to lug around a wet towel. But if you plan on visiting multiple times, it might be worth bringing the towel from your hotel.

Footwear

Flip flops are another essential item to carry with you since the wet, cold floors aren’t the best for bare feet and in the summer the tile can get hot underfoot. Leave them on the side of the pool before getting in, don’t worry, everyone does it, so you don’t need to worry about them getting stolen.

Head Gear

Most of the spas require bathing caps if you choose to swim in the main pools – not the hot baths – so bring your own or be prepared to pay for a disposable one. Again, this will be listed online, so you can always check the requirements before arriving. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you since the hot waters will quickly get you dehydrated. You can always buy water inside, but it will no doubt be pricier than if you bring your own.

Pricing

Admission prices vary, mostly depending on the size and quality of the baths. But generally, the prices are around £6-10/per person ($7-$12 US). It isn’t necessary to buy tickets to enter the bathhouse in advance. Some websites sell spa tickets at a higher price than at the door. And it is never necessary since even on the busiest days you can always get in. This is just a scam to get tourists to feel like they NEED to pre-purchase or risk not being admitted. But if you feel like getting a massage, be sure to book these in advance to guarantee a spot. These cost anywhere from £15-60 ($17-$70 US) depending on the length and kind of treatment.

Layout

Once you pay your admission, you will be given an electronic bracelet or key to a locker or cabin where you can get changed. The lockers are included in regular admission to the spas but to use a changing cabin, this will cost extra. We tried both variations and found that the choice is more dependent on your comfort level. My husband is a bit shy when it comes to new experiences so he preferred the changing cabin since we could use this together and didn’t need to be separated.

Lockers

To open the lockers with the electronic bracelets, place your bracelet against the number on the locker and it will pop open. Magic! The lockers are only big enough for storage or your clothes and valuables. To get changed, you’ll have to use the public change rooms. These are also separated into male and female changing rooms, so if you’re here with family or as a couple you’ll need to go about this individually.

Cabins

Cabins, on the other hand, are large enough for one person or two people to change inside, as well as storing your items. If you’re a little shyer, opt for the cabins. They cost a little bit more but are worth it for the comfort.

The layout of many of the spas follows a similar design. There is a large, refreshing pool where people can swim laps or just float and relax. Then there are various hot tubs for unwinding, each heated (or cooled) to a different temperature. Each of the various temperatures of the pools is designed with to help heal what ails you, the cold pools, for instance, are supposed to help with poor circulation and while it is pretty shocking to jump into it did really help my jet lag!

There are also various saunas, steam rooms, massage areas and lounge chairs to lie down on both inside and outside the spas. There is definitely more to do here than just soak in the waters. Be sure to explore. Many of the spas contain dozens of distinct baths, some in somewhat obscure or hidden places. If you ever get too far off course or enter an off-limits area, a kind employee will always guide you back, so don’t be afraid to walk around.

Where to Go

Széchenyi Baths

If you’re pressed for time and only have room in your schedule to visit one Hungarian Bath, Széchenyi Baths is the place to go. It’s so iconic and has a myriad of fantastical pools to explore. This bath was built in 1913 and boasts a beautiful bright yellow Neo-baroque design which gives stunning views inside and out. Inside the main outdoor pool, you can play chess while lounging in the water and even stop for a bite to eat in their cafeteria.

Király Baths

Király Baths is one of the most authentic spas to visit. Although it’s rather small, with only four pools, this place has stood in the same spot since the Ottoman-era and bathing in here is like stepping back in time. It’s worth visiting if you love ancient architecture or are a big history buff.

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Gellert Baths

The Gellert Baths was built in 1918 and is my favourite of all the spas. It might not be as big as Széchenyi or as historic as Rudas, but the art nouveau designs throughout make it a stunning building to relax inside. Their indoor “cathedral” swimming pool with enormous stained glass skylight is the perfect place to swim no matter the season. If you feel brave enough, dip into the carbonic acid tub-bath. This bath is supposed to help with cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and rheumatic pain.

Rudas Baths

Rudas Baths are another Ottoman-era spa built around 1550. There is one sizeable octagonal areas and four smaller pools surrounding it. All of which are nestled under the quintessential Turkish dome. Rudas Baths are only mixed sexes on the weekend. Throughout the week they rotate between female-only or male-only. Be sure to check the schedule before you come.

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No matter what spa you choose to visit while in Budapest, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience! Take the plunge and leave your inhibitions at the door. Soak up all the elemental goodness in those thermal waters. And leave feeling ready to continue on your adventures, renewed and refreshed.

Did you have a chance to visit any of these famous pools while in Budapest? Let me know in the comments which was your favourite thermal bath. Or if you found any hidden locations I need to visit on my next trip out there!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Budapest’s Famous Thermal Baths and Spas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Airport to Spa Transfer
2. Access
   • Journey to the Lagoon
3. History of the Blue Lagoon
4. Booking Your Time Slot
5. Choice of Package
6. Arrival at the Blue Lagoon
   • Checkin
7. Entering the Thermal Pools
8. Booking a Massage
   • Massage Pricing:
     • My Experience
9. Benefits of the Waters
10. Silica Mud
11. Steam Rooms
    • TIP

Airport to Spa Transfer

Your visit to the Blue Lagoon begina as soon as you land in Reykjavik. Our flight arrived so early in the morning that even the cafes were shut at the airport. It would be hours before we could check into our hotel, but happily, the Blue Lagoon offers a service for this very problem. You can board a bus directly from the airport that brings you and your luggage straight to the spa. When you arrive, they store your bags free of charge, and you can enjoy the rest of your day in the waters. It’s the perfect remedy for jetlag!

Access

If you are not travelling from the airport on the Blue Lagoon bus, there are several other ways of arriving at the spa. If you are renting a can from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. And 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. To get to the Blue Lagoon via public transport, you’ll need to board a “Destination Blue Lagoon” bus. There are 12 different pickup locations in Reykjavik where you can board this bus. The journey on the bus takes about an hour and costs ISK 3,495 for a one way journey.

Journey to the Lagoon

The journey out to the Lagoon is a wonderful part of the entire experience. We saw our first glimpses of this gorgeous and strange country on the way. The houses outside the city were so unique. Bright metal siding and colourful roofs decorated the barren landscape. We saw statues along the water’s edge as we drove along the coast. They were giant rocks carved into the shapes of people, their bodies leaning into the surf, the wind blowing in their hair.

But the thing that grabbed my attention the most was the earth itself. It was such a strange colour, almost as if the entirety of the soil here was made of nothing but moss. There were pretty much no trees anywhere you looked. Just ground and mountains. This makes the landscape stand out, as nothing obscures the view. It was almost like seeing the surface of Mars.

History of the Blue Lagoon

The history of the Blue Lagoon can be traced back to 1976, when a geothermal power plant was built in the area. The warm water produced by the power plant was directed into a nearby lagoon, which eventually became known as the Blue Lagoon. Over time, the lagoon became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique therapeutic properties.

Booking Your Time Slot

As of 2023, pre-booking is required due to the popularity of this spa. Others in Iceland provide a similar experience, but this is the best of the best when it comes to geothermal spas. One of the most awe-inspiring time slots will be around sunset. Book your arrival an hour before sunset, so you’ll be there day and night. But witnessing the sunset from these stunning waters is an out-of-this-world experience. If you are delighted with a clear day during the season with northern lights, you might also be surprised to see these out here while swimming in the water.

Choice of Package

There are two main types of tickets to the spa. The COMFORT package gets you entrance into Blue Lagoon, a Silica Mud Mask, the use of one towel and a drink of your choice costs at the bar. This package costs between 8,990 kr -12,990 kr, which is the best value. The price is dependant on what time you book, as some times are less popular and therefore less expensive.

Next is the PREMIUM package, which features Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Two additional masks of your choice, Use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, Use of bathrobe and 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant. This package costs you 11,490 kr – 14,490 kr. Each package allows you to add other spa treatments for additional costs.

Arrival at the Blue Lagoon

When we arrived, in the distance, we saw the hills part and a faint trail of smoke leading up to the sky where the hot springs were located. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa. Unlike some naturally formed hot springs in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is man-made and uses geothermal water from the nearby power plant. Don’t worry; it’s completely safe. Even more than that, the waters are thought to be some of the most healing on the planet.

The lava formations which create the pools are all natural and filled with geothermal water run-off. The water’s main healing ingredients are silica, algae & other minerals. The blue colour comes from the reflection of the silica in the sunlight.

Checkin

When you check-in, you are given a small blue wristband letting you in and out of the pools and a bright blue towel to use all day. You could also buy a robe or slipper, but we didn’t feel the need to have them. If you visited in the colder months, I can see why the robe would be a plus.

The changing rooms are public – unless you opt for the super expensive couples package. So prepare to change into your bathing suits around others. But arriving as early in the morning as we did, there weren’t many people, so we felt it was private enough. After changing into your bathing suit, you need to take a cleansing shower before entering the thermal pools.

Entering the Thermal Pools

Immediately as you walk through the doors to the outdoor pools, you’ll be stunned and in awe by the sight. The vivid blue waters glowed in the sunlight, and puffs of steam rose off the water like clouds in the sky. The pools were framed against the rough and rugged black molten rocks. It seemed impossible that the earth created something so incredible. I was one of the only people outside since it was early in the day, and walking across the bridges and platforms to the massage area, I felt so lucky to be experiencing something not many would ever get to see – an empty blue lagoon.

It felt so hot when I dipped my toe in the water, but since it was Iceland and the air was freezing, I jumped in to escape the cold. I breathed a sigh of relief as the warm water surrounded me. I gently swam around my tiny waiting pool and watched as a man with a severe skin condition rubbed the silica mud all over himself. To my amazement, after he left it on for a few minutes, the redness in his skin had all but disappeared when he washed it off. It was like magic. After washing in the showers, he quickly left without even using the water. I found out later that he is a regular whose doctor gave him private entry to the spa to help heal his severe eczema since it was the only thing that brought him any relief. Magic.

Booking a Massage

One of the most unique aspects about booking a massage at the Blue Lagoon is that they provide in-water massages. Unifying the dynamic pleasures of massage therapy, the revitalizing powers of Blue Lagoon Water, and the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic landscape.

Massage Pricing:

Relaxing Massage 30 minutes ISK 15 900 | Relaxing Massage 60 minutes ISK 24 900 | Signature Massage 120 minutes ISK 49 900

My Experience

I decided to book a 30-minute message when I visited the Blue Lagoon to get the complete experience. When I arrived for my massage, I was told to lie on a floating blue mat in the water. A small pillow is placed under your head, and a large wet towel covers your body to keep you warm. Unlike any other massage I’d had before, here you feel weightless. My masseur could massage parts of my body I don’t think you can explore in a regular massage.

Floating there, weightless, she could move around me like a fish. After she was done, she pushed my mat to another part of the lagoon, where I lay for a few minutes, eye closed, letting that sense of perfect calmness flow over me. I almost fell asleep, but soon I opened my eyes, and to my surprise, when I sat up, I saw that the entire pool was now filled with hundreds of people. I pulled my jelly-like appendages off the mat, went to find my friend, and swam in these crystal blue waters.

Benefits of the Waters

The water here is SUPER salty. I also noticed that different areas of the pools had varying degrees of warmth since there were heated by the earth’s natural temperature. The geothermal water cannot hold onto bacteria, so the waters do not need any chlorinator; therefore, it’s devoid of any chemicals which might dry out your skin. The lagoon had a few little nooks where you could sit and relax. There was even a waterfall which was so powerful that when you stood underneath it, you thought it much crushed you. But oddly enough, it felt great on sore muscles.

Silica Mud

We went and put silica mud on our faces to moisturize and exfoliate. As we swam around and loved squishing the silica between our toes. We giggled and laughed as kids again, playing in the mud and splashing around in the pool.

Steam Rooms

There were also steam rooms which were insanely hot but great for getting rid of impurities in the skin. The steam rooms looked like little hobbit holes in the hillsides. When you stepped inside, it was almost pitch black, with bursts of steam rising from the ground. Sitting inside on one of the benches, it felt like I was breathing in hot lava. It was a mysterious but enjoyable experience. I was too scared to stay there for an extended period, but we stayed long enough to decompress and let the hot air fill out lungs and purge our skin of city pollution.

TIP

While basking in these waters is super relaxing, it is important to take breaks. You will get very dehydrated, so be sure to grab a drink of water throughout your stay, so you don’t pass out. It is also essential to use the conditioner provided in the showers before you leave. Take this piece of advice seriously! The waters are extremely dehydrating for your hair, but their super moisturizing conditions are perfect for bringing back a soft texture. So don’t just shower and run. Some people even like to put some conditioner on their hair while they get dressed.

Iceland is an incredible city, unlike any other in the world. Mystical, magical and a must-see for anyone with a desire to seek out the strange and mysterious sides of this great place we call earth.

The post Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland [UPDATED 20223] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.