When people think of Budapest, many think of its famous baths. The Gellért Bath is one of the city’s crown jewels, attracting visitors from around the world.

A bath with deep roots

The story of Gellért Bath goes way back. Its healing waters were first mentioned in a 10th-century chronicle. By 1178, a hospital stood here, founded by Saint John, treating plague victims. Later, King András II built another hospital where his daughter, Saint Elizabeth, cared for lepers. Even back then, the healing power of the waters was well-known.

In the 17th century, the name “Sáros fürdő” (“Muddy Bath”) appeared, referring to the mineral-rich mud rising with the water. The simple structures evolved over time, and by the late 1800s, plans for a grand new bath took shape.

The birth of a landmark

In 1905, a design competition led to the creation of the Gellért Bath we know today. Architects Artúr Sebestyén, Ármin Hegedűs and Izidor Stark combined their ideas to craft a masterpiece. After years of construction, the bath opened its doors on September 26, 1918. Within the first three hours, over 200 people had already taken a dip.

Gellért Bath quickly became a symbol of luxury. It wasn’t just a bath – it was an experience. With Art Nouveau style, stunning Zsolnay porcelain decorations, hand-painted glass windows and rich mosaics, it was among the most modern baths in Europe.

Highlights inside include statues representing the four seasons, a grand Venus sculpture and a main swimming pool surrounded by columns featuring fish, leaves and mythical creatures. The swimming pool has a retractable roof allowing the temperature and humidity of the pool area to be regulated by opening or closing it.

Unique features

The bath houses several pools, all filled with healing thermal water except the cold plunge pool. The water, rich in calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, sulfate and chloride, is great for joint problems, spine diseases, arthritis and circulation issues.

One of the bath’s biggest claims to fame is its wave pool, added in 1927. It was the first wave pool in the world and still operates with its original machinery.

Past wonders, future dream

Over the years, Gellért Bath welcomed many famous visitors, from royalty like Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It survived wars, saw renovations and remained a beloved spot.

In 2007-2008, a major renovation refreshed the building, carefully preserving its historic features like the Zsolnay tiles and marble columns.

Now, a new chapter is about to begin. The Gellért Bath is closing in autumn 2025 for a full, three-year renovation. The goal is to restore its former glory while updating facilities for future generations.

Highlights you can’t miss

• Art Nouveau glass windows by Miksa Róth
• Original Zsolnay porcelain decorations
• The historic wave pool
• Thermal pools with rich mineral waters
• The hidden underground spring tunnels (open during special events)

If you’re planning a visit, do it while you still can. Gellért Bath will take a well-deserved rest before returning even more beautiful and ready to welcome new generations of bath lovers.

Address: 1114 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 2.
Official website: gellertbath.hu
Gellért Bath is located at the foot of Gellért Hill, right by the Danube River on the Buda side. It’s easy to reach:
– By metro: take metro line 4 (green line) and get off at “Szent Gellért tér” station. The bath is just a short walk from there.
– By tram: trams 19, 41, 47, 49 and 56A all stop at “Szent Gellért tér.”
– By bus: several buses, including lines 7, 107, 133E and 907, have stops nearby.
– By foot: if you’re staying near the city center, you can enjoy a pleasant walk across Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) straight to the bath.