Wellness Camping in Hungary

Wellness and wine, tradition and modernity, nature and culture - Hungary is a country of contrasts. Rich in wineries and thermal springs, the country is attracting more and more campervan and motorhome drivers who are looking for well-equipped campsites for their holiday in the countryside. After hiking and cycling tours through the Puszta or a visit to enchanting Budapest, a steam bath, sauna or pool await at one of the many wellness campsites in Hungary.

Travel destinations

When it comes to wellness and relaxation, Hungary is the perfect holiday destination. With over 1,300 registered thermal and medicinal water springs, Hungary has the world's largest reserves. Holistic recreation concepts now also characterise the facilities at campsites. In addition to outdoor pools, there are saunas, steam baths and massage programmes in many places. Wellness camping in Hungary is possible at the popular Lake Balaton as well as on the banks of the Danube, in the low mountain ranges and in the Puszta.

Lake Balaton is the most popular holiday region in Hungary, the lake is as big as the sea. With its colourful holiday resorts, it attracts many families. A wellness campsite on Lake Balaton is the ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding forests. Outdoor pools with slides and additional therapeutic offers such as massages or yoga courses enrich every day of your holiday. The popular Gyenesdiás Wellness Park offers an outdoor pool, sauna and steam bath as well as other beauty and wellness treatments. Located in Zala County on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, it is not far to the beach. 130 km west of Lake Balaton lies the medieval town of Sárvár and one of the most beautiful wellness campsites in Hungary. Thermal Camping Sárvár, which has been awarded 4.5 ADAC stars, offers a large leisure pool, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths as well as beauty, spa and massage treatments.

The Puszta steppe in the east of Hungary is enchanting. The tranquillity and vastness of the landscape alone have a high recreational value and are perfectly complemented by the offers of spa campsites. Camping Thermál in Hajdú-Bihar County pampers campers with beauty, wellness and spa facilities. A solarium, sauna, outdoor pool, indoor pool and steam bath are also available.

Top tips

• Wellness fans on a city tour should plan an hour or two for the Gellért Baths in Hungary's capital. The Art Deco-style thermal baths are part of the famous Gellért Hotel. The nostalgic bathing facilities from 1918 are now open to the public.
• Another traditional spa is the Rudas Bath. The Turkish steam bath has several pools and is popular with holidaymakers and locals alike. A real highlight is the warm pool on the roof, from where bathers can enjoy a marvellous view of Budapest and the Danube.
• After swimming, relax in the park. The best way to do this is with a picnic in the sunset on Margaret Island. The parks are located in the middle of the Danube between the districts of Buda and Pest.

Activities and excursions

The low mountain ranges in the north of the country are ideal for hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Water sports enthusiasts get their money's worth at Lake Balaton and on the Danube and the Puszta is best explored on horseback.

On the water

Even though Hungary has a relatively dry, uniform continental climate and it can get quite hot in summer, holidays in Hungary are dominated by the element of water. Several superlatives cast a spell over water sports enthusiasts. The largest inland lake in Europe, Lake Balaton, is ideal for surfing and sailing. The second longest river in Europe, the Danube, is a favourite with kayakers and canoeists. And the largest deposits of healing waters attract wellness fans to the country.

Historical sights in Budapest

History and architecture fans will be delighted by Hungary's well-preserved old town centres, especially Budapest. The metropolis on the Danube boasts some of the most beautiful baroque and neoclassical buildings in the country. With its 268 metres, 96-metre-high dome and almost 700 rooms, the Parliament Building is not only the largest building in the city, but also its most famous landmark. Like the Fishermen's Bastion, which is well worth seeing, the parliament building was built at the turn of the century. There are several historical buildings and structures on the historic Heroes' Square. The 36 metre high Millennium Monument in the middle of the square is particularly impressive. In addition to the Castle Palace in the famous Castle District, the many bridges characterise the cityscape. Of these, the Chain Bridge is the best known and oldest.

Happiness on horseback

The landscape of the Puszta is often associated with horses galloping through the steppe. The famous Noniusz horse shows can be admired in stud farms and at horse shows. The highlight of each performance is the Hungarian Post riding formation, in which one rider standing on two horses conducts a total of five steeds. Equally appealing are riding excursions across the wide plain. If you don't want to sit on one of the elegant animals yourself, you can cross the Hortobágy National Park in carriages.

Events

Hungary is a country characterised by tradition with modern aspirations. This is reflected in the events: the colourful cultural programme ranges from pop concerts and spring festivals to beach parties.

July

• Balaton Sound: If you want to continue your wellness day on the beach with a party in the evening, then Balaton Sound has been the place to be in July since 2007. It takes place directly on a 4 km stretch of beach on the southern shore of Lake Balaton. You can dance to the sound of electronic music until the early hours of the morning.

August

• Samsara Festival: The Samsara Festival, an event for yoga, dance and music lovers, has been held in the Töreki forest near Siofok for several years. For six days, yoga workshops are held and full moon parties with psychedelic trance music are organised.