Celebrating 120 Years of Csillaghegyi Mineral Water in Budapest

The Only Mineral Water in Budapest Celebrates 120 Years

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is home to a unique mineral water source that has been providing high-quality water to its residents for over a century. Known as Csillaghegyi Mineral Water, this natural spring has a rich history and continues to thrive today. Not only is it renowned for its exceptional quality, but it also offers a special treat for consumers – the famous Bambi soda.

The Ancient Origins of Csillaghegyi Mineral Water

The area where Budapest now stands was once covered by the ancient Pannonian Sea. Due to the thin crust in this region, the Carpathian Basin is blessed with numerous mineral and thermal water sources. Historical records and legends suggest that even during Roman times, the Csillaghegyi spring was known and its water was transported through an aqueduct to the nearby city of Aquincum. Later on, during the reign of the Árpád dynasty, the local community named it after their belief that it was the resting place of Árpád, their legendary leader. The spring was used for various purposes, including operating a fishpond and powering a mill. Eventually, in the late 19th century, it became the site of the Árpád Bath.

A Multifaceted History

The Csillaghegyi Bath not only provided excellent services but also became a popular destination for tens of thousands of visitors. It boasted Budapest’s first wave pool and offered sandy beaches for guests to enjoy. Additionally, international water polo matches were organized here. Meanwhile, Csillaghegyi Mineral Water was also making waves in its own right. Within a few years, three separate companies were bottling and distributing water from these springs in beautiful porcelain-capped glass bottles. As demand grew, new wells were drilled to tap into thermal water sources. Today, these wells, located at depths of 110, 137, and 500 meters, continue to supply thousands of liters per minute of low-mineral content, slightly alkaline, high-quality mineral water. In fact, one could say that the entire city of Budapest could be supplied with excellent drinking water from these wells. Consequently, the water was no longer sourced directly from the springs but from these wells. It was then bottled under the names Csillaghegyi Mineral Water or Csillaghegyi Crystal Water. In 1928, a production facility was established in the basement of Péter Villa and later expanded by Baron Kohner and Emil Kaszab. In 1934, it was taken over by Kőbányai Polgári Serfőző, which also distributed mineral water alongside its beer production. However, during the period of nationalization following World War II, the facility continued to exist only in a legal sense. The bottling operations were revived by Budapest Gyógyfürdői Zrt.

Superior Quality and Convenience

Few people realize that several famous spas in Budapest, such as Széchenyi Bath, Rudas Bath, and Lukács Bath, offer exceptional quality drinking water as well. What makes Csillaghegyi Mineral Water truly remarkable is that it reaches consumers exactly as it emerges from the wells – no changes or modifications are necessary. The temperature of the water ranges between 20-23 degrees Celsius, and its total dissolved solids content varies from 645 to 900 mg/l. Due to its moderate mineral content, it can be consumed without any restrictions. Approximately 230,000 bottles are filled annually at the bottling plant located opposite the beach area – a remarkable feat considering only a handful of people operate the facility. Using wine bottles for packaging not only makes it more cost-effective but also environmentally friendly by reducing the use of plastic.

A Sustainable Local Resource

Furthermore, Csillaghegyi Mineral Water, being the only mineral water produced in the capital city, has minimal transportation needs within Budapest. It also supplies water to local businesses and even fills the first Hungarian carbonated soft drink, Bambi, under the auspices of Budapest Gyógyfürdői Zrt. The original Bambi recipe, contrary to popular belief, never contained tar. Although it is impossible to reproduce the exact original recipe due to the unavailability of the original ingredients, every effort has been made to come as close as possible to its taste and quality.

Conclusion

Csillaghegyi Mineral Water stands out as a testament to Budapest’s rich history and natural resources. With over a century of providing high-quality drinking water and contributing to the city’s cultural heritage, it continues to be cherished by locals and visitors alike. Its combination of superior quality, convenience, and sustainability make it a true treasure for both Budapest and Hungary as a whole.

Image source: Csillaghegyi Mineral Water Co.