Beach season 2025: Rural spas open with combo prices

Staggered Openings, Cautious Pricing

In the past, May 1 was the standard opening day for outdoor pools in Hungary. Today, weather conditions and school holidays play a bigger role in determining when facilities launch their summer seasons. This year, many spas are opening early, while others are still preparing. After last year’s so-called “beach inflation,” fears of further price hikes were widespread—however, most spas have kept entry fees close to 2024 levels.

Sample ticket prices in 2025:

• Egerszalók: adult ticket up to HUF 9,700

• Zalakaros: HUF 6,300–6,900

• Cserkeszőlő: up to 70% discount for 70th anniversary

• Abony: HUF 2,600 for adults

• Gyula: HUF 4,700

• Hévíz: HUF 7,500

• Mórahalom: HUF 5,500–5,800 with sauna access

Prices vary greatly—a family of four could spend up to HUF 40,000 per day at some locations, while others offer a full-day experience for just HUF 10,000.

Challenges Remain for Hungary’s Spa Sector

According to the Hungarian Spa Association, post-COVID recovery, rising energy and operational costs, and new regulations introduced in 2024 have placed increasing pressure on facilities. While entry fees have risen below inflation, providers have had to raise prices modestly. Some switched to seasonal operation or even closed temporarily. In 2024, visitor numbers reached 90% of 2019 levels, but the future remains uncertain.

Upgrades and New Attractions in 2025

• Dévaványa: now officially a medicinal spa

• Szolnok: the Tiszaliget Spa is undergoing a HUF 10 billion renovation, reopening expected in 2025

• Siófok: Galerius Spa to reopen by the end of the year

• Tamási: reconstruction underway, reopening planned for summer 2025

• Bogács: a large new water playground with 53 features, including 4 slide complexes, opens this summer

Top 10 Spas Already Open for the Season

1. Hajdúszoboszló – Hungarospa: opened May 1 with live concerts and festivities; adult tickets HUF 5,000–5,300

2. Zalakaros: gradual opening, full outdoor zone operational by June

3. Cserkeszőlő: celebrating its 70th anniversary with major discounts

4. Abony: affordable, family-friendly thermal spa with natural water

5. Mórahalom: open since April 1; 21 pools, saunas, and slides

6. Eger: large city spa gradually opening until May 26 (Children’s Day)

7. Igal: one of southern Hungary’s oldest spas; full opening in June

8. Egerszalók – Saliris Resort: year-round outdoor thermal experience

9. Gyula: outdoor thermal pools available year-round; refreshed features for summer

10. Hévíz Thermal Lake: world’s largest natural thermal lake open year-round

When Will Other Spas Open?

While many spas open by May, the Pentecost weekend (June 8–9) is typically the full-scale launch of the bathing season. June 21, the first day of summer break, is expected to be the season’s true peak, with nearly all water slides and pools across the country in operation.

Examples of upcoming openings:

• Debrecen – Aquaticum: May 23

• Lipót: May 16

• Berettyóújfalu: June 7

• Budapest – Római Spa: June 15

• Püspökladány: May 9