Hungary for Hot Water? the Baths of Budapest
For centuries, Hungarians have been extolling the health virtues of their waters which are full of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, fluoride, sodium and calcium; and apparently do wonders for muscular ailments, while also proving ideal for unwinding the mind.Of course Hungary is in no way unique in it"s love for hot aquatics; many countries have a long history of bathing; Japan has its onsens, the Finns have their saunas, even the Brits had roman bathhouses (though these are now somewhat scarce) - but the real draw of Hungary"s baths is the magnificent settings in which you can steep in the naturally warmed waters.
Though many are of a more modest design, several have been perfectly preserved since their creation, producing a truly decadent atmosphere, with high, stone column supports, domed glass ceilings, elaborately ornate interiors, mosaic floors and stained glass windows. These are places with opulent surroundings where murmurs ricochet off the tiled walls, and echoes seep through the steam. Hotel Gellert is one of Budapest most striking baths, offering 13 different pools and a variety of massages from the heavy handed Hungarians, who will pummel and knead your body; an experience, though not necessarily always a comfortable one.
However, the baths of Budapest offer more than just body work; in the same way the Brits have their pubs and the French have their cafes, the Hungarians use the baths as neutral meeting place in which to escape from the hustle of the city and to socialise with friends and colleagues.
But it"s not all traditional; more modern aqua options are appearing in the city, which offer bathers sleek surroundings, with contemporary facilities such as gyms and jacuzzis in addition to the thermal pools, and visitors can also take advantage of the newest treatments for muscle problems such as hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and water aerobics.
Opening at 6am and closing at around 7pm in the evening, Budapest"s baths serve as a meeting place for the locals, as well as an exotic experience for the traveller, and more and more Brits are taking the pool plunge, encouraged by the increasing availability of cheap flights to Budapest and the glowing reports that are slowing filtering back from those who return from the steamy city.
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