Széchenyi Baths, located in City Park, is Budapest’s most famous thermal bath – and one of the largest, most ornate spa complexes in Europe. No wonder it’s on nearly every visitor’s bucket list! The 112-year-old building is now getting a well-deserved revamp, with renovations expected to be completed in three years. But don’t worry, it will stay open throughout the works.

Széchenyi Baths, a beautiful historical spa complex, is a must-visit when in Budapest. You can not only soak in the beneficial thermal water in indoor and outdoor pools but also play chess, detox in a sauna, enjoy a beer spa, or even dance the night away at a Saturday night techno party. But let's face it, with the baths being 112 years old, a renovation was long overdue (the last comprehensive renovation of the complex was around 20 years ago). And it's finally happening – as part of Budapest Spa's plans to renew the capital's historic baths. The building's expected to be fully modernised within three years, including the complete overhaul of the swimming pool, and the renewal of the thermal section and the sun terraces.

Luckily that doesn't mean the bath will close – it will remain open to guests during the reconstruction. Since this is one of Budapest's busiest baths, maintenance and minor renovations are carried out continuously. Right now, the modernisation of the 50-meter swimming pool and the air technology system is underway, and the revamp of the thermal section will begin soon.

The complex will be renovated in seven phases

Currently, the demolition of the pool's tiling and insulation is in progress, followed by the cleaning and renovation of the artificial stone elements and railings in and around the pool, as well as the reconstruction of the mechanical system. After upgrading the stepped sun terrace, a cocktail terrace will also be added in the area of the women's sun terrace. Additionally, the air technology system will undergo a complete refurbishment. The dressing rooms under the stairs will also be waterproofed against groundwater and rainwater. Finally, the dressing rooms on the swimming pool side will be upgraded.

The renovation of the thermal section is set to take place in seven phases, with each affected area temporarily closing while the rest of the bath remains operational. The refurbishment will start in the areas with the most deteriorated load-bearing structures, requiring urgent intervention. The process will then move on to the lower-risk sections. At the same time, preparations will be made for the complete restoration of the bath’s exterior and interior façades.

Source: Énbudapestem

(Cover photo: Gretchen Kessler - We Love Budapest)

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