The Hungarian Magic Waters

Hungary might not be what you expect from an Eastern European country. It opened its borders to the West before many of its neighbours; it also had a head start on hospitality, welcoming visitors with its rich and varied cuisine, gorgeous wine regions and steamy thermal spas. From the striking capital of Budapest, curving along the Danube, to its remote villages, known for their superb folk art, Hungary's attractions are easy and pleasurable to explore.

Visitors looking for relaxation are spoiled for choice. There are rolling hills, un-ending plains, wide rivers and cooling springs, national Parks, the river Tisza, Lake Fert?, charming villages and of course the capital of Hungary, Budapest. Did you know that Hungary's butterfly population is without parallel to anywhere else in Europe. Hungary is also a land endowed with countless top-rated Spa resorts, all based on the special healing qualities of the naturally occurring thermal waters. With alternatives as diverse as these, all can find their favourite mode of relaxation, from equestrian holidays and eco-tourism to water and cycling holidays. The relaxing holiday of your choice will be made complete by the wonderful Hungarian cuisine and fine Hungarian wines and beers. And the most important thing is wherever and however you choose to spend your time in Hungary, you can be sure that you will receive, along with the excellent wine, a friendly open-hearted welcome.

Budapest is the world's only metropolitan city and capital with more than 80 active thermal springs and wells. In the territory of Budapest (a total of 118 different sources) provide up to 30,000 cubic metres of 21-76 Celsius thermal water every day: mostly dolomitic water ranging from lukewarm karts to thermal hot water. There are 24 medical spas, public baths, indoor and outdoor swimming pools in the capital today, ten with a special medical capacity and therapeutic value. Király, Rác and Rudas bath built by the Turkish (Ottomans), are equally popular among both the residents of Budapest and tourists. The thermal baths of Budapest are among the best in the world. The region's mineral springs have been cherished for centuries and what you see now in the city are nothing less than the foot prints of history. The Romans, were the first major occupying force, and built the first bath houses at Aquincum. Pannonia, the Roman region which included modern Hungary, was even a holiday resort for the Empire's superstars.

They were followed, several centuries later, by the Turks, and the steam baths, what they left behind, are among the East's Legacies of the Ottoman occupation.

It is a healthy joy to see people enjoying the thermal water in the depths of winter or the height of summer, enjoying the sensual delights of the warm, sweet smelling water on their skin. Some like Dagály, Gellért, Széchenyi and Lukács, which has outdoor thermal pools and are best appreciated in the winter as snow or rain gently falls around you.
The Király, Rác, Rudas, Széchenyi and Gellért also have many small indoor pools.
These are beautiful, dimly lit steam-filled rooms, like Roman temples, with marble columns,
tainted glass roofs, colourful frescoes, mosaics and statues.

Thermal baths are a healthy way of life and Hungarian people have established them as part of society. Some folk will spend all day in the hot water, summer and winter. People take food, drinks, newspapers and stay all day. There is a great emphasis on water-based
cures in Hungarian medicine, and spa visits are even be prescribed by doctors.