Magyar News, 2004. szeptember-2005. augusztus (15. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2004-09-01 / 1. szám

An inside and an outdoor thermal pool setting

DESTINATION SPAS OF WESTERN HUNGARY: THERMAL WATERS FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

By Deirdre Frost and Sebastian Price

Popularity of the medical and wellness spa in the western Hungarian town of Bük soon became evident after the manager Antal Béla greeted us warmly in the reception area. The early morning overcast sky had just given way to a beautiful, bright summer's day and already the large spa teemed with about equal number of both sexes. Antal introduced a charming young lady by the name of Veronika Oszkó, who would guide us through this busy complex that includes both indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

The spa attracts visitors mostly from nearby Austria and Germany, which comprise about 70% of the total number of visitors. The remaining numbers are mostly Hungarian with a much smaller number coming from countries like the Czech Republic and Poland. Veronika casually mentioned the staggering statistic that "over one million individuals visit the spa each year." Also, during the summer months "on average 7 thousand visitors enter the spa each day." These remarkable figures are listed in the official literature that we collected after the tour.

Passing one of the large outdoor thermal pools, a multitude of bathers appeared with only their heads and shoulders above the water line. They seemed in serious discussion while mostly submerged in the close confines of the medicinal waters. There are 15 outdoor pools and 4 indoor. The water comes from the depth of 4000 feet and the temperature of it is 130 Fahrenheit. Our young guide suggested that the majority might be discussing the proposed increase in the state pension or some other related concern. Within the spa complex there is a separate, far less crowded section where children and a younger generation can relax and enjoy the spa facilities.

While most come to bathe and relax in the medicinal waters that is believed to cure almost everything from arthritis, stomach disorders, and other illnesses, others seek out other services, ranging from common beauty treatments to therapies designed to address recurring medical concerns. Veronika Oskó mentioned that trained physical therapists are available under the guidance of qualified medical

Above: The Szapáry mansion welcomes the visitors. Below from left.: One of the pools with a roof that opens and closes, and moves around. Right: A hotel named Piroska.