Helyszín címkék:
The myriad ways to sweat – In search of stylish and unusual saunas
H. Horváth Orsolya
In the first part of the national sauna tour, we wrote about the effects of sauna bathing and introduced you to 3 legendary spas with professional sauna worlds and large 50-70 person master saunas. To continue, we have explored hidden, special places visited by the “gourmet” sauna-going public.
We talked to sauna master Zoltán Szabó – an active participant and shaper of the Hungarian sauna culture – about saunas, guests and trends.
How do we Hungarians take a sauna?
“Sauna life in Hungary has undergone a huge change in the last decade and a half,” says Zoltán Szabó, sauna master. – The emergence of trained sauna masters has turned saunas – as a side activity in hotels, swimming pools or gyms – into a full-day entertainment programme. The unique style of the sauna programmes began to attract guests, who almost didn’t notice, but in time learned how to use the sauna professionally. It was a long process, of course, but here we are now.
Progress has not stopped and new trends are constantly emerging. One example is the herbal branch, which seeks to extract the fragrances of herbs, buds and leaves in the most natural way possible, with special steaming devices placed on sauna stoves. In addition, more and more people – including myself – are experimenting with smoke rituals, i.e. smoking natural materials, trees, resins, dried herbs. These create a special atmosphere in the sauna that can even take meditation programmes to a higher level.”
What are typical sauna guests like?
“If we were to typify the sauna-goers today, we could identify 2-3 major groups,” continues Zoltán Szabó, “Some people visit a nearby sauna after work on a weekly basis to relieve stress. The other large group uses the sauna mainly during hotel stays, on an occasional basis. The third group includes guests who spend almost every weekend looking for new places, events, competitions or even quiet, secluded spas and unique saunas.”
Where should you go for a sauna if you want a real curiosity?
Szauna Szigliget
Directly on the shores of Lake Balaton, on the beach, you will find the sauna house, open from autumn to spring, where you can enjoy the Finnish and infra cabins in 3 separate rooms, then relax on the panoramic terrace with a view of Lake Balaton or splash in the lake to cool down. It is advisable to book in advance, as they can accommodate up to 15-20 people at a time!
If you get hungry after the sauna, try the freshly baked bream on the beach at Uncle Oszi’s Bream Bakery (‘Oszi Bácsi Keszeg Sütödéje’)!
Vulkán Spa and Experience Baths, Celldömölk
There are also two saunas to choose from in the experience baths. One is available to all guests in the main building, and the other is a separate ticket at the Jufa Vulkán Fürdő Resort (Jufa Volcano Spa Resort). The latter is bathrobe-free, with its own enclosed sauna courtyard and quiet, peaceful surroundings, if you are looking for undisturbed relaxation.
When visiting volcanic landscapes, enjoy not only the thermal waters but also the delicious wines! Just 30 minutes away, at the top of the Somló Hill, you will find the Spiegelberg Artisan Wine Cellar, which is famous for its fine wines and beautiful panoramic views.
Káli Art Inn, Köveskál
Káli Art Inn’s sauna has a capacity of only 7 people, but that’s what makes it so charming. On Sunday sauna afternoons, only registered guests are welcome, with pre-announced themes (e.g. St. Martin’s Day, Christmas, winter energizing). The programmes will be accompanied by special snacks, teas, body lotions and scrubs. The evening culminates with a candlelit dinner in the house restaurant.
Cascade Cave and Adventure Baths, Demjén
The colour and light of the artificial cave baths transport you back to the world of the movie Avatar. According to the legend of the baths, the sauna cave is heated by the fire of the dragon Lángfog. If you are looking for an even more mystical atmosphere, combine your sauna programme with a night dip!
We can further enhance the atmosphere in neighbouring Egerszalók with wine tastings at the St. Andrea Vineyard and Winery, where traditional Eger wines await us.
Mobile Sauna Master
You can find a mobile sauna anywhere in the country, whether at a private sauna party with friends or at public events at campsites or water beaches. The mobile sauna has been creatively converted from a caravan, so it can be parked almost anywhere and the fire in the stove is already burning. You can also enjoy a professional sauna experience here, thanks to the sauna master.
Sauna experiences are limited only by your imagination, so feel free to try out the special saunas around the country until you find your personal favourite!
