Helyszín címkék:
National Sauna Tour – TOP 3 sauna oases around the country
H. Horváth Orsolya
If all this wasn’t reason enough to do it regularly, you can also add that it makes your skin more supple, silky and hydrated.
It’s well known that Hungary is a thermal water powerhouse, with both historic spas and modern thermal baths. But fewer people know that we are also at the forefront of sauna culture. Many of our sauna masters boast awards from international championships, but there are also active sauna master competitions within our borders, as well as training for the next generation.
What does a sauna master do and what makes sitting in the heat fun?
Next to the stove, the sauna master is the heart and soul of the sauna. With his professional knowledge, he helps you to use the sauna in a professional way, explaining to guests why not to wear slippers and swimsuits in the sauna, why not to bring plastic or metal accessories, why to use sauna sheets, what is the correct posture, what to pay attention to before, during and after using the sauna.
On the other hand, he is the quasi ‘showman’, who guides guests on a journey of scents and flavours set to music, often in matching sauna attire and with a fan technique that could be described as choreography. In addition to entertainment, sauna programmes also have a practical role. A classic part of the programme is a scrub (e.g. with spicy salt or coffee) followed by a skin-nourishing treatment (e.g. with honey, sugar, natural oils). By fanning intensively and pouring water or ice on hot stones, a much higher heat effect is achieved, thus increasing the heat shock to the body.
Where to go for a sauna for a memorable experience?
1. Hertelend Thermal Bath & Sauna Park – Magyarhertelend
In the neighbourhood of Pécs, a charming village in Mecsek is a legendary pilgrimage site for sauna enthusiasts, attracting professional sauna lovers from hundreds of kilometres around. The spa and wellness pools of the Hertelend Thermal Bath are nothing to be ashamed of, and the sauna park is considered by many to meet every need. The designers of the park have paid special attention to those who want to take a sauna in or without textiles (which can cause heated debate here): both groups can choose from discreet, comfortable sauna areas. A special feature is the 50-seat Finnish sauna called “Endorphin”, which regularly hosts sauna championships, and the sauna garden. On 6 days of the week, guests can enjoy professional sauna séances led by sauna masters, and on 1 day an exclusive women’s sauna programme.
After using the sauna, you are likely to get hungry. So it is recommended to visit the ‘Mills of Orfű’, a 10-minute drive from the spa, where you can satisfy your hunger in the café in the old mill and in the Pajtapékség (‘Barn Bakery’), where you can enjoy a sauna and not worry so much about the number of calories.
2. Aqua Land Thermal Bath and Adventure Spa – Ráckeve
South of Budapest, on the banks of the Ráckeve branch of the Danube, in a lush green natural environment, the spa complex is accompanied by a campsite and hotel. In the summer season, the outdoor pools are a favourite with families for music and games, but indoors the sauna area of the Vital Centre is for adults only. Admission strictly for over 14-year-old visitors only! Its speciality is the Dolium sauna, which dazzles guests with its barrel-shaped space and light show, but the Solaris sauna, heated by two stoves, is the venue for sauna programmes. Sauna masters provide unique experiences every day of the week, and on 3 days, the spa prepares a sauna marathon without swimsuits. (Please note that no swimsuit is not the same as no nudity: a bath towel or sauna suit is required!)
If you want a quick bite to eat on the way home from the spa, stop by Nocsak Bar, where you can enjoy street food or classic Hungarian dishes on the banks of the Danube.
3. Hagymatikum – Makó
Imre Makovecz’s organic architectural style runs through the buildings of the spa, both inside and out. The ten-metre-high column, arches, arcades and decorative elements that rise above the pool are simply breathtaking. This alone is worth a visit to the Hagymatikum, but while you are there, don’t miss the sauna area either! The sauna world is completely separate from the spa and leisure pool area, creating a relaxed, elegant atmosphere in the complex. Nine different saunas are waiting for you, including also a buffalo-strong steam chamber, Finnish, infra-, herbal, as well as the sauna cabins of Makó and the Lowland, which are exclusive to the hotel. Every week, guests are pampered with a wide range of sauna programmes, from relaxation to herbal and icy programmes.
On the way to Makó, you will come across the Kukutyin Műhely (‘Kukutin Workshop’), a must for home baking enthusiasts. At the family organic farm, you can buy flour specialities produced and milled in-house to make your next homemade bread even tastier.
When you are in the mood for a professional and fun sauna experience, quickly pack your towel and slippers and head to the sauna! Let’s find your own favourite places!
