Segment: Thermal Baths
Episode: Grand European
Air Date: 9th February 2020
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

The Viking Way of exploration is all about taking you deeper into the culture, people and places you visit. Our next adventure in Budapest is the perfect example of a ‘Local Life’ shore excursion that uncovers the daily rhythms of how the locals live and reveals one of their favourites: thermal baths!

• Hungary’s thermal baths’ culture dates back to more than 2000 years. Budapest’s nickname is indeed City of Spas, and with over 100 thermal springs beneath the city that filter up over 70 million litres of hot water each day, it’s easy to understand why!
• Hungary is situated on the Carpathian Basin where the earth’s crust is very thin. Because of this, the water rises easily closer to the surface. The ancient Romans first discovered the benefits of bathing in the thermal waters that flow through Budapest and as the city grew, the sprouting springs were treasured and preserved.
• The Szechenyi Baths are located in the biggest green park of Budapest, City Park. These are the largest medicinal baths in Europe. There are 15 indoor thermal pools with water temperatures up to 40C and three outdoor pools. You can also enjoy saunas and steam rooms and if you want some extra pampering, there are also massages, pedicures and facials available.
• Guests arrive and get changed in one of the cabins. There’s an orientation tour with a Viking guide and then everyone is free to explore and experience these ancient baths all for themselves.
• These hot waters contain minerals such as sulphite, sodium, calcium and magnesium. They can give relief from a range of ailments as well as soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and fight inflammation.
• The baths are open year round so it doesn’t matter what time of the year you come to Budapest: even if the outdoor temperature is freezing, the water here is perfect!