Csillaghegyi Árpád Baths

In district III of Budapest, in Csillaghegy, lies one of the capital’s most fascinating thermal complexes: the Csillaghegyi Árpád Forrásfürdő Thermal Baths, also known as Székely Éva Uszoda after the Hungarian Olympian who decided to become a professional swimmer here. This centre, originally opened in 1919 as Csillaghegyi Strandfürdő, is the second oldest strand in Budapest after the Roman baths. In 2018, a major renovation transformed the historic establishment by adding a modern seven-storey building with 11 new indoor pools, making it the fourth largest indoor thermal complex in the city.

What distinguishes Csillaghegyi is its dual soul: on the one hand, the outdoor area of more than 90,000 square metres surrounded by a magnificent century-old park with tall trees, and on the other hand, the contemporary indoor wellness centre opened in October 2018. The natural mineral water that feeds the pools, rich in calcium and magnesium, gushes out at a constant temperature of 23°C from sources known since Roman times, when the ancient inhabitants of Aquincum channelled it for their daily use. The facility can accommodate up to 600 people at the same time and accommodates up to 1500 visitors per day.

The complex is spread over several levels connected by stairs and lifts. The sports area includes a 25×33 metre Olympic-size swimming pool, which is also used for swimming and water polo competitions, a teaching pool and two long water slides that run through the building. The wellness area offers pools with whirlpool jets, neck fountains and sensory pathways, while the sauna world features six different thermal experiences including a panoramic Finnish sauna, biosauna, aromatic sauna, steam bath and hell sauna. During the summer season, the historic outdoor pools complete the offer with a strand surrounded by greenery. To explore Budapest’s other historical thermal baths, we recommend spending at least three days in the city.

What to do at the Csillaghegyi Árpád Thermal Baths

The experience begins on the ground floor with the reception, where you will receive an electronic bracelet that opens your personal locker. Access is organised into three zones: the basic zone includes the Olympic pool, teaching pool and the Finnish and infrared saunas on the first floor, as well as the smaller slide. The wellness zone and the Gyermekvilág (children’s world) are included in the basic ticket at no extra charge. Access to the sauna world with the six spa experiences requires an additional ticket. There is also a bar-buffet on the ground floor where you can refresh yourself between baths.

The 25×33 metre Olympic-size swimming pool on the first floor is the heart of the sports area. Equipped with four lanes with the possibility of a double separation rope, it is regularly used for swimming competitions and water polo matches in front of a small audience on the bleachers. The 10×12-metre teaching pool is ideal for those who want to improve their technique or take part in swimming courses organised by the facility. The natural mineral water maintains a comfortable temperature all year round. Here one can admire the large mosaic by Barcsay Jenő, rescued from the demolition of the historical Újpest pool and installed as a valuable artistic find.

The wellness world extends over several levels with thematic pools. The acoustic pool combines underwater music with whirlpools, creating a unique sensory experience. The relaxation pool offers whirlpool beds where you can lie completely immersed while the jets massage your entire body. The adventure pool features waterfalls, geysers and neck fountains that relieve neck and shoulder muscle tension. Children love the sodrófolyosó, a corridor with a water current that gently drags along a circular path.

The Szaunavilág (sauna world) is only accessible from 14 years of age and is the highlight of the complex. The Finnish panorama sauna, the largest with a capacity of 20 people, offers views of the city through large windows and maintains temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius. Aufguss ceremonies with essential oils are regularly held here. The biosauna at 60°C is perfect for those who prefer more moderate temperatures. The Turkish hammam reaches 45°C with 100 per cent humidity, ideal for the skin and respiratory tract. The aromatic sauna combines dry heat with natural essences, while the infernal sauna reaches 95°C for true enthusiasts. Two immersion pools, one hot and one cold, complete the offer, as well as a rooftop terrace with a heated outdoor pool where you can relax even in winter while admiring the view of the Buda hills.

On weekends and special occasions, the complex organises the ‘Sauna Lovers’ Weekend’ with extensive Aufguss programmes, guided sessions and extended openings of the sauna world. During the summer season, the outdoor strand area comes alive with three outdoor pools set in the park: a 33-metre swimming pool, a recreational pool that gradually slopes from 145 to 240 cm and a children’s pool with slide. Sun terraces alternate with shady areas under the ancient trees, while a five-a-side football pitch and an outdoor fitness area complete the available activities.

Admission tickets

Csillaghegyi’s ticket system is based on three access zones. The basic ticket for the sports zone includes the Olympic pool, teaching pool, Finnish and infrared sauna on the first floor, small slide, wellness area and children’s world. Prices vary between weekdays and weekends, with reduced rates for students (with valid day pass), pensioners (with ID) and residents of District III. The supplement for the Sauna World costs about 1,200 forints and includes access to all six saunas, immersion pools and the panorama terrace with heated outdoor pool.

There are limited-time tickets that allow entry at reduced rates if you stay less than two hours, available only on specific days. The facility operates a deposit system for lockers: you pay a cash deposit (1,400 forints on weekdays, 1,800 on weekends), which is returned if you leave the complex within two hours of entry. For those who visit the Csillaghegyi regularly, 15- or 50-entry passes valid on the basic zone are available.

Opening hours

The Csillaghegyi Árpád Baths open every day of the year without weekly closures, also operating during Hungarian national holidays. The opening hours vary between the winter and summer seasons. The indoor part maintains regular openings from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. depending on the time of year, while the outdoor strand area operates seasonally from May to September with extended hours in the central summer months. The sauna world follows slightly reduced hours compared to the main pools.

During special weekends for sauna enthusiasts, the complex extends the hours of the Szaunavilág and organises continuous Aufguss programmes. These events are mainly held in the cold months, from October to March, when the demand for spa experiences is greatest. It is advisable to check the official website for the calendar of events before your visit in order not to miss special occasions. Tel. +36 1 242 0754 for information and to check the updated schedule.

How to get to the Csillaghegyi Árpád Thermal Baths

The baths are located at Pusztakúti út 2-6, in Csillaghegy district III of Budapest, on the western bank of the Danube. The most convenient means of transport is the suburban railway line H5 (HÉV) connecting the centre with the northern suburbs. Starting from Batthyány tér (M2 metro station), take the H5 towards Szentendre and get off at Csillaghegy H. From the station it is just a 65-metre walk, about 1 minute walking south along Pusztakúti út. HÉV trains run every 10-30 minutes from 4:11 am to 00:35 am.

Bus lines 134, 160 and 219 stop directly at Csillaghegy H, right in front of the entrance to the baths. These buses connect the complex with different parts of Budapest, being particularly useful for those staying in the 3rd district or the northern parts of the city. Bus 160 comes from Szentendre and runs through the entire northern area, while bus 134 connects Csillaghegy with the centre of Óbuda. The stop is literally at the entrance of the complex, eliminating any need for orientation.