Budapest’s Iconic Széchenyi Baths Undergoing Major Renovation: A New Chapter for Europe’s Largest Thermal Spa
Budapest is renowned worldwide for its historic thermal baths, and among these, the Széchenyi Baths stand out as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Opened in 1913, this grand bath complex has welcomed millions of visitors over the past century, becoming an essential stop for tourists seeking relaxation, wellness, and a taste of Hungarian culture. Now, the famous Széchenyi Baths are entering an exciting new phase: a comprehensive renovation project designed to preserve their heritage while enhancing visitor comfort and safety.
Preserving a Historic Treasure
The Széchenyi Baths’ impressive neo-Baroque architecture and sprawling layout make them Europe’s largest medicinal bath facility. However, after more than a hundred years of continuous operation, the building requires significant restoration work. Recognizing this need, Budapest Spas (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt.) launched an ambitious three-year renovation program in 2024, investing approximately 4.5 billion Hungarian forints into revitalizing this iconic site.
The renovation aims not only to restore the baths’ magnificent exterior but also to address critical structural issues within the building. Recent assessments revealed that parts of the thermal section and day hospital have suffered damage due to water infiltration and chemical corrosion. To ensure long-term stability and safety, extensive structural reinforcement and modern waterproofing solutions will be implemented throughout affected areas.
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What Has Been Done So Far?
Throughout 2024, substantial progress was already made in several key areas. Visitors today can witness visible improvements in the indoor thermal pools beneath the central dome—where elegant new tiles have replaced aging surfaces—and refreshed walls brighten the interior spaces. The men’s steam bath has also undergone complete refurbishment, featuring restored mosaic tiles and upgraded ventilation systems.
Other notable enhancements include renovated roofs around sun terraces, improved air conditioning and furniture replacement in the Palm House relaxation area, and a fully remodeled “Főnix” sauna—now operating as a clothing-free Finnish sauna with modern electric heating. The Dante sauna area also received a thorough makeover, ensuring guests enjoy higher comfort standards than ever before.
Current Renovations: A Look at What’s Happening Now
In March 2025, another major stage of renovations began: the complete overhaul of Széchenyi’s iconic outdoor swimming pool. Workers are currently replacing outdated cement-based waterproofing with advanced resin-based materials designed to withstand decades of use. Alongside this upgrade comes meticulous restoration work on surrounding stone elements, railings, and water management systems.
Visitors need not worry—the baths remain open throughout these improvements and the renovation does not affect the Sparty events in the bath. Although certain sections may temporarily close or operate at reduced capacity during specific phases of construction, most facilities continue welcoming guests daily.
What’s Next? Future Improvements Await
Looking ahead through 2025 and beyond, even more extensive renovations are planned. This year alone sees an additional investment of one billion Hungarian forints dedicated to further upgrades: from restoring heritage-protected entrance stairs to modernizing changing rooms with state-of-the-art facilities such as hairdryer stations and improved ventilation.
Additionally, plans are underway to transform existing sun terraces into inviting cocktail lounges—perfect spots for unwinding after a soothing soak in thermal waters. Meanwhile, comprehensive updates to ventilation systems across technical areas will ensure optimal air quality throughout all indoor spaces.
The thermal section itself will undergo meticulous reconstruction over multiple phases spanning approximately two-and-a-half years. Each phase will focus first on areas needing immediate attention due to structural concerns before progressing systematically through lower-risk zones.
Long-term goals include restoring all exterior façades and courtyard walls back to their original splendor—ensuring that future generations can continue enjoying this architectural masterpiece.
Commitment to Heritage Preservation
Maintaining historic bathhouses like Széchenyi demands considerable resources—but Budapest Spas remains dedicated to preserving these cultural treasures for both locals and international visitors alike. The ongoing renovations represent not merely maintenance but rather a thoughtful effort toward safeguarding Budapest’s architectural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences significantly.
As you plan your next visit to Budapest—or perhaps your first—rest assured that despite ongoing construction works at Széchenyi Baths, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for relaxation amid stunning surroundings steeped richly in history. The renewed Széchenyi promises not only improved comfort but also an enduring celebration of Hungary’s vibrant spa culture—a timeless tradition cherished by generations past and present alike.
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