Aesthetics and energy efficiency: the new face of the Pesterzsébet Salt-Iodine Bath

2024. 11. 15.

The large-scale renovation and expansion of the Pesterzsébet Salt-Iodine Bath began in 2018, with the aim of transforming the former 800-square-meter area into a much more modern and spacious 4,300-square-meter indoor bath complex. As a result of the modernisation, the facility has been completely revitalised: Budapest’s only iodine-salt water thermal bath is now open year-round, enticing visitors with its modern design, elegant interiors, and numerous wellness services.

As part of the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme, a development co-financed by the EU, a comprehensive renovation of the historical, T-shaped, single-story, high-roofed building with a dome in the pool area was carried out. In addition to the replacement of windows and doors, the facade and floors were also insulated. The heat generation is carried out by a heat pump, utilizing the heat from the water flowing from the existing thermal well pools, as well as the heat from the thermal water itself. The low-temperature heating is provided by underfloor heating. On the roof surfaces, 278 polycrystalline solar panels with a power output of 275 W each have been installed.

On the section of the Danube running alongside Pesterzsébet, a beach was established as early as the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, only a pier extending into the Danube and a few wooden buildings awaited those wishing to swim. By the 1930s, the first pools were created, which were still filled with water from the Danube. By 1936, the dome-shaped pool area in “pseudo-Turkish” style was also built. During this period, the iodine-salt medicinal water in the area was discovered, which soon provided the water supply for the beach, as by the 1950s, the Danube water had become unsuitable for bathing. This building quickly became an iconic structure for the locals in Pesterzsébet. By the late 1970s, a complex consisting of a thermal bath and a beach had been established, with wave and children’s pools, mud treatments, and massage services, which operated until the early 2000s. Due to financial difficulties in the therapeutic section (the iodine-salt water needed to be heated), the beach was closed in 2001, followed by the thermal bath in 2005. The building stood empty for years, and the medicinal water flowed into the Danube.

The best descriptor for the riverside building might be that it is modern. The interiors and furniture are characterised by simplicity and comfort, which contribute to a calm and refreshing atmosphere. The wellness area is particularly spacious and well-equipped, and the outdoor pools include wave and lap pools to ensure that every age group can find an enjoyable activity.

Here, experience, comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency come together, so whether we seek relaxation or active recreation, the spa meets all needs. During the modernisation, the goal was to create a place that could be operated cost-effectively, meeting the expectations of modern wellness and bathing experiences, and providing truly unforgettable experiences for visitors.

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The development was implemented from EU funding in the project KEHOP- 5.2.8-17-2017-00004 under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.

Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details

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