Balnevia
Palatinus Strand in Budapest — thermal bathing

Budapest/Hungary

Palatinus Strand

Margaret Island's grand open-air bathing complex, fed by the island's thermal wells.

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Bathing temperature
36°C
Bathing
Indoor / Outdoor
Established
1919

Palatinus Strand occupies a wooded stretch of Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, a short walk from central Budapest. Its terraces of open-air pools, wave pool and thermal basins are supplied by the island's own thermal wells, making it the city's largest outdoor bathing complex.

Balnevia view

Why visit

Come for open-air bathing on a scale few European capitals can match: broad terraces, mature trees, and a mix of cool swimming pools and warm thermal basins in a single park setting.

Recommendations

Hotels nearby

Explore places to stay near Palatinus Strand.

The water

Thermal water

Source
Margaret Island thermal wells
Mineralisation
Alkaline thermal water with calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate
Character
Wells drilled on Margaret Island supply the thermal basins; the swimming and wave pools are cooler.

History

Open-air baths were established here in 1919, after thermal water was struck on Margaret Island; the complex was enlarged in the 1930s and has been repeatedly modernised since.

Practical information

Primarily a summer destination, with a reduced year-round thermal section. Check current opening months and ticket types on the official site before travelling.

Official website

Getting there

Margaret Island is served by tram 4 and 6 (Margitsziget stop) and by bus 26 from Nyugati station; the baths are a signposted walk inside the park.

Location

Budapest, Hungary47.5290, 19.0490View on Balnevia map

Related places

More thermal baths in Hungary