The Historic Renovation of Dandár Thermal Bath

A Christmas Surprise in the Making

While we’re all waiting for Santa to arrive this holiday season, it seems his elves are already hard at work at the historic Dandár Thermal Bath in Budapest. Though we might have to wait a bit longer for the complete renovation, there’s a special Christmas gift in store – the outdoor facilities are planned to reopen just before the festive season!

The Discovery That Changed Everything

What started as a routine renovation in June 2023 quickly turned into a much more complex project. When workers began peeling back the layers of this almost century-old building, they discovered serious structural issues that couldn’t be ignored. The original 67 million forint project has now expanded to an estimated 100 million forint renovation, but hey, you can’t put a price on safety and preservation!

From Past to Present: A Rich History

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this architectural gem. Built in 1930 in the expressive Dutch-inspired style, the Dandár Bath initially served as a public bathhouse – imagine that! With 15 bathtubs each for adults and children, it was a vital facility for locals whose homes didn’t have bathrooms. Fun fact: it’s the only Budapest bath that survived World War II completely unscrathed!

The Technical Challenges

The current renovation has revealed some pretty serious issues. The ceiling was literally dripping water onto the mechanical equipment – not exactly ideal for a bathhouse! The technical team found that the reinforced concrete had corroded over time, requiring a complete structural overhaul. They’re now working on strengthening the remaining beams with steel structures and adding a new concrete slab.

What’s New and What’s Coming

Here’s where it gets exciting! The renovation isn’t just about fixing problems – it’s about creating something better. The new layout will include:

• A modernized floor plan
• New sauna facilities
• A plunge pool
• Updated social areas
• A brand new ice machine for the plunge pool
• Renovated outdoor pools with fresh grouting

Timeline and Expectations

Mark your calendars! Here’s what we can expect:

• December 15th (or before Christmas): Reopening of outdoor areas and sauna facilities
• January 31st, 2025: Completion of main construction work
• February/March 2025: Reopening of indoor facilities after technical inspections
• First quarter of 2025: Complete renovation finished

The Healing Waters

What makes Dandár truly special is its therapeutic water, which shares the same composition as the famous Gellért Bath. Rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium, and fluoride ions, it’s particularly effective for joint problems. Since 2005, the bath has had its own thermal well, ensuring a constant supply of these healing waters.

While we eagerly await the complete renovation, it’s clear that this beloved Budapest institution is getting the care and attention it deserves. The elves (I mean, construction workers) are making sure that this historic gem will continue to serve future generations with enhanced facilities while maintaining its unique character and charm.

image source: Dandár Thermal Bath