Budapest will be without its famous baths. They will be closed to tourists for several years.

Budapest's famous Gellért Baths will close at the beginning of October for a multi-year renovation, Hungarian media reported Sunday. In 2024, the facility was visited by over 420,000 tourists.

Situated at the foot of Gellért Hill, this Art Nouveau bath complex was built between 1912 and 1918 as part of the Gellért Thermal Hotel – the first luxury hotel in Budapest equipped with state-of-the-art facilities from the early 20th century.

The resort complex was expanded in 1927, adding the world's first wave pool, and then a whirlpool in 1934. In its early years, the Budapest Baths attracted an elite clientele and were considered one of the most modern and luxurious spa facilities in Europe. Despite significant damage, they survived World War II. Over time, they were restored and renovated, preserving their historical and architectural splendor, the Daily News Hungary portal recalled.

Plans for a major renovation of the thermal baths were first announced in 2021. Initially, it was assumed the baths would close in 2022, but delays in ownership changes and planning postponed the renovation. The deteriorating condition of the facilities made it impossible to postpone the renovation any further. Experts deemed the mechanical systems of the baths and hotel a serious safety risk, Hungarian media reported.

In 2024, the Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest were visited by over 420,000 tourists, generating over €10.5 million in revenue. This made them the second most popular thermal bath in the Hungarian capital after the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

The renovation of the Gellért Baths is expected to cost nearly €50 million. In addition to repairing structural defects, the investment will include modernization of the interior, swimming pools, mechanical systems, and wellness areas. Reopening is not expected before 2028.

From Budapest Jakub Bawołek (PAP)

jbw/ san/