Hévíz Thermal Lake
(photo: Mazl87)
Hévíz, meaning thermal water in Hungarian, is the world's largest thermal lake with a surface area of 4.4 hectares. The water temperature in the cave from which it springs is 39.8 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the lake itself varies between 34 and 36 degrees Centigrade in the summer, but even in winter it does not dip below 26-29 degrees Centigrade.
The lake's mineral water gushes to the surface from a Trias-age dolomite layer into a spring cave 18 metres in diameter. At the spring the water is 38 metres deep. The water is in continual motion and thus the entire volume of the spring-fed lake changes completely in three and a half days.
The sulphurous water contains alkaline hydrocarbonate and is slightly radioactive. Benefits of the medicinal waters are utilised by a number of medical institutions and hotels but for the authentic Hévíz experience the visitor really must bathe in the waters of the lake itself.
A professor at the Keszthely School of Economics, Sándor Lovassy, began experimenting with naturalising 'lotus' flowers brought from India and Africa in 1898. A few years later Hévíz had become the only place in Central Europe where warm water lilies bloomed outdoors but only one, a pink variant of the India red water lily, actually became native to the lake. The flower became symbolic of Hévíz and was subsequently adapted into the city's coat of arms.
The unique chemical composition of the lake waters, its temperature and the gentle movement of the water mass combined with the floating peat and mud can speed recovery of patients.
Old bathing house
The waters are particularly suitable for the treatment of rheumatic and locomotor complaints. The physicians of the Thermal Baths and the Saint Andrew State Hospital for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation attend patients.Address: Hévíz, Dr. Schulhof Vilmos sétány 1. Hungary
Phone: +36 83 340 587
Gellért Baths
(photo: citycrab)
Hotel Gellért was built in the late-Secession style in 1918. The Spa, Swimming Pool and Lido complex are integral to the Hotel, making it one of Budapest's most beautiful baths.
The characteristic towers with their eastern cupolae and the bustling facade with its ornamental lyre and bird motifs on its balcony balustrades attracts the eye from a distance.
The baths' original secession furnishing have been preserved almost completely with their artistic mozaics, leaded glass windows and statues, which is not always the case with the Hotel's interior.
A stained glass window made in 1993 ornaments the staircase which leads up from the Hotel reception. It depicts the seekers of the mythical stag from an ancient Hungarian legend. Built at the foot of the Gellért Hill, the secession Hotel and Spa has a long history: the first reports of a medicinal spring there date from the 13th century. A hospital was erected here in the Middle Ages and a bath in the Turkish era.
The current Spa was built according to the plans of Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Sterk. It was damaged during World War II in 1945 and was then reconstructed and modernised, although the original treasures of its exterior were retained.
(Photo: miguel_vf)
The Gellért Baths and Hotel is a complex that also offers medicinal and recreational services. It offers a wave pool, a Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor thermal baths, and a kids' pool.
The swimming pool at the Spa
Medicinal services are available at the Gellért Baths for treating practically any complaint. A day-time hospital and inhalatorium operate in the institute, which provide all-round medicinal treatment.
The water erupts from springs inside Gellért Hill. It is sulphurous thermal water that contains sodium and is rich in calcium-magnesium-hydrocarbonates; it has a significant fluoride content.
(video: matyohimzes)
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