Budapest’s Iconic Gellért Thermal Bath Set to Close for Major Renovation
In a surprising turn of events, one of Budapest’s most beloved thermal baths, the Gellért Thermal Bath, is slated to close its doors this autumn for an extensive renovation project. This news comes as a shock to many, as rumors of its closure have circulated for years without materializing until now.
The Budapest Spa and Hot Springs Co. (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt.) has submitted its 2025 business plan to the Budapest General Assembly, revealing a significant decrease in projected revenue for the Gellért Thermal Bath. While the facility welcomed 420,000 visitors and generated 4.2 billion Hungarian forints in revenue last year, the company expects only 316,000 guests and 3.15 billion forints in revenue for 2025 due to the planned closure in the last quarter of the year.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The decision to close the bath stems from several factors:
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Structural Concerns: A recent structural assessment commissioned by the adjacent Danubius Hotel Gellért, which shares the building with the thermal bath, revealed that the pump room responsible for water treatment and mechanical systems is in a dangerous condition. This has accelerated the need for immediate renovation.
Hotel Renovation: The ongoing renovation of the Danubius Hotel Gellért, which began in autumn 2023, has made the bath’s reconstruction more urgent. The demolition work required for the hotel’s renovation cannot proceed without reinforcing the shared building structure, which necessitates shutting down the bath’s water supply.
Renovation Plans
The renovation project for the Gellért Thermal Bath is ambitious and comprehensive:
Two-Phase Approach: The first phase will focus on renovating the interior spaces of the bath. Once completed, these areas will reopen to the public. The second phase will involve transforming the outdoor pools and creating a new VIP section.
Duration and Cost: The entire process is expected to take about three years and cost approximately 20 billion Hungarian forints (roughly €52 million).
Staff Relocation: Despite the closure, the Budapest Spa and Hot Springs Co. has assured that there will be no layoffs. Employees will be relocated to other facilities operated by the company.
Impact on Budapest’s Spa Culture
While the closure of the Gellért Thermal Bath is undoubtedly a significant loss for Budapest’s thermal bath scene, it’s important to remember that the city boasts numerous other world-class facilities. Visitors can still enjoy the likes of Széchenyi Bath, Rudas Bath, and Lukács Bath, among others.
The renovation of Gellért Bath represents Budapest’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its rich spa culture. When it reopens, visitors can expect a blend of its famous Art Nouveau charm with modern amenities and improved services, ensuring that this beloved institution continues to delight future generations of spa enthusiasts.
For those planning to visit Budapest, it’s advisable to experience the Gellért Thermal Bath before its closure in October 2025, as decided by the Budapest General Assembly. This renovation, while temporarily inconvenient, promises to secure the future of this iconic spa for years to come.
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