The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe.

Its water comes from two thermal springs, at 74 °C (165 °F) and 77 °C (171 °F), respectively.

In preparation since the 1880s, the bath had first been referred to as the Artesian spa (Artézi fürdő). When it opened on the 16th of June 1913, it was officially called Széchenyi spa (Széchenyi gyógyfürdő) after István Széchenyi. Széchenyi was a Hungarian politician, writer and theorist. One of the greatest statesmen of Hungary’s history honored with the sobriquet “the Greatest Hungarian”.

At Széchenyi guests can relax in water containing sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of fluoride acid and metaboric acid. These waters are indicated for degenerative joint illnesses, chronic and sub-acute joint inflammations, as well as orthopedic and traumatological post-treatments. In Hungary, baths prescribed by doctors are subsidized by the Hungarian healthcare system.

The complex was expanded in 1927 to its current size, with three outdoor pools and 15 indoor ones where men and women can visit the swimming and thermal sections. Outdoor swimming pools are open from 6 am to 10 pm and the thermal area, from 6 am to 7 pm.

Budapest is the single capital in the world where it seems thermal water contains real healing qualities, so a trip to Hungary is not complete without a visit to at least one thermal bath.