Quick FactsOverview
About Gellert Thermal Bath, Hungary
Gellert Thermal Bath, Hungary is one of Budapest's most celebrated historic gyogyfurdo complexes at Kelenhegyi ut 4 in the 11th district, at the foot of Gellert Hill beside Liberty Bridge. Springs here have been in therapeutic use since the 12th century when the Knights of St John provided cures on this site, and the same springs were used by the Ottomans. Construction began in 1912 and was interrupted by the First World War; the bath opened in 1918. Architects Artur Sebestyen and Izidor Sterk designed it in Art Nouveau style with Romanesque and Gothic revival elements; the grand colonnaded main swimming hall with mosaic decoration has become one of the most recognised spa images in Europe.
The bath closed on 1 October 2025 for complete renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2028. Pre-renovation, the complex had 10 pools: indoor thermal pools at 35, 36, 38, and 40 degrees Celsius; a plunge pool; a 33-metre swimming pool; an outdoor wave pool (the only one at any historic Budapest bath); and a year-round quiet outdoor thermal pool. The Gellert was also the only Budapest bath with private rentable bathing rooms for two, including an adjustable-temperature pool, sauna, and champagne service. One of the most architecturally significant hot springs in Hungary in the Budapest region.
Location & Access
Getting to Gellert Thermal Bath
Gellert Thermal Bath is at Kelenhegyi ut 4 in Budapest's 11th district on the Buda side of the Danube, beside Liberty Bridge at the foot of Gellert Hill. The bath is currently closed for renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2028.
For future visits, the bath is straightforward to reach by public transport from central Budapest. Trams 19, 41, 47, and 49 stop at Szent Gellert ter, immediately in front of the building. Buses 7, 7A, 107, 109, 133, and 233 also stop at Szent Gellert ter. From central Pest, trams 47 and 49 cross the Danube via Liberty Bridge to arrive directly at the stop. From the Buda side, trams 19 and 41 run along the embankment. The building is visible from Liberty Bridge and from Gellert Hill above.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Budapest while Gellert remains closed, Szechenyi Thermal Bath in City Park and Rudas Bath on the Buda embankment are operated by the same city company and offer comparable thermal pool experiences. Lukacs Thermal Bath is also nearby on the Buda side. The area around Gellert is rich in attractions including Gellert Hill with the Citadel and Cave Church, the Liberty Bridge, and the Central Market Hall on the Pest side of the bridge.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability at Gellert Thermal Bath
Gellert Thermal Bath suits adult visitors seeking Budapest's most architecturally distinguished historic bath experience, as the Art Nouveau building, the grand colonnaded main swimming hall, and the combination of thermal medicinal pools, outdoor wave pool, and private bathing rooms made it the most visually prestigious gyogyfurdo Hungary option in the capital. The bath is currently closed for renovation until 2028.
When open, the bath appealed to visitors who prioritised the architectural experience and were prepared to pay higher-than-average entry prices for a less crowded, more aesthetically refined visit compared to Szechenyi. The private rentable bathing room was particularly suited to couples. Children under 14 required a medical prescription to use the thermal pools; without a prescription they were limited to the outdoor wave pool and adventure pool with adult supervision. The adjacent Danubius Hotel Gellert offered hotel guests discounted spa access.
For future visits after the 2028 reopening, the renovation is expected to introduce modern facilities within the preserved historic exterior and pool halls. Visitors planning a post-renovation visit should check the official website for reopening dates and new facilities before travelling. The spring water at Gellert contains calcium, magnesium, sulphate, and hydrogen carbonate minerals certified as medicinal water by Hungarian health authorities.
Safety & Etiquette
Gellert Thermal Bath Safety Tips
Gellert Thermal Bath is currently closed for renovation until approximately 2028. Visitors should not attempt to enter the building. For current alternative bathing options in Budapest, the official gellertbath.hu website lists recommended alternatives including Szechenyi Thermal Bath.
When the bath reopens after renovation, standard Budapest bath safety considerations will apply. The building is known for its labyrinthine layout with multiple levels, corridors, and connected sections that are easy to navigate incorrectly on a first visit. Slippery floors are a consistent feature of Budapest historic baths; rubber-soled bath footwear is essential throughout. Swimwear is mandatory in all areas of the bath; the main swimming hall requires a swim cap for entry.
Children under 14 may only use the thermal pools with a medical prescription from a doctor. Without a prescription they are restricted to the outdoor wave pool and adventure pool, and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Entry prices are among the higher end of Budapest baths. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid queuing. The building is not equipped for wheelchair or disabled access; the adjacent hotel also confirmed no disabled facilities prior to renovation. Following the 2028 reopening, accessibility may be improved; checking the official website before visiting is recommended for up-to-date access information. After the 2028 reopening, visitors should check the official gellertbath.hu website for current information on access, pricing, pool layout, and any accessibility improvements made during the renovation before planning their visit.
