  |
||||||
|
|
Miskolctapolca Thermal BathsUnique Therapeutic Waters Found Inside a North Hungarian Mountain
Connoisseurs of thermal baths will have a rare treat at Miskolc-Tapolca, whose cave baths are unique in Europe. They are inside the mountains of the Bükk ranges.
Miskolctapolca is described as both the pearl and the playground of Miskolc. In the 1,150 hectare park there are not only the stunning thermal pools, sometimes listed as a modern Wonder of the World, but, also 20 tennis counts, an adventure park and easy access to scenic walking in the Bükk mountains. Formed by Mountains and WaterAt the edge of the ranges and forest, seven kms from the centre of Miskolc, the limestone of the mountains meets the hot thermal waters in an astonishing way. The Barlang Fürdo thermal baths are the most spectacular in Hungary and are unique in Europe. They opened in 1959, and the system can accommodate approximately 2,000 people a day. The waters have been used as a cure since the Middle Ages. Carved Out CavernsWhat makes the baths so special is the waters have carved out caverns, pools and paths in the mountains. With modern enhancements of lighting and pummelling showers, swimming in an area covering over 1,100 square metres – and a lot of it covered by raw rock – takes on a whole new meaning. Bygone AgeThe vestibule, with its high stained glass dome, its statues, a collection of palm trees and white wrought iron furniture, lends a festive, tropical air reminiscent of a bygone, and perhaps a more decadent age. The waters of this bath are cool, coming out of the ground at a mere 28°C; the inside pools are heated with gas, but in the caves there is no heating, and none is necessary. Mystical ExperienceIt is a mystical, magical experience to stand in the warm waters, surrounded completely by the living rock, whose features are illuminated by cleverly placed lights. If you get tired of the noise and sensation of the "pummelling cave" where water gushes out of carved gargoyles to splash onto your back in an invigorating massage, you can wade deeper into the mountainside, along the passageways cut into the limestone. The mineral laden waters, slightly radioactive, form beautiful crystal encrustations and other features associated with caves, such as ripples of flowstone that lines the floors, and which lend an extra surreal dimension to this thermal experience. Health BenefitsThe humid air is clean and germ free, and is good for treatment of asthmatic complaints, while the waters here would appear to be good for stressed out executives, being efficient in relieving both physical and mental exhaustion, amongst other things. All Year Round EnjoymentAnd because the caves are deep inside the mountain, unaffected by the outside temperatures, it is possible to enjoy these waters all year round, even with snows lying deep on the ground outside. As well as the usual medicinal services, after you’ve finished soaking and exploring the caves in the mountainside, you can enjoy, amongst other things, a sauna, solarium, and have beauty treatments. Winter and Night SwimmingIt's not only the baths that are the attraction, although it’s wonderful to lounge in the warm waters (28 to 35 C) while the snow falls and darkness steals over the hills. Another delightful feature of this thermal complex is that it possibile to go night swimming in the caves, with catering to order! Other Neaby AttractionsThere are also three caves to explore at nearby Lillafüred, a narrow gauge railway line heading off into the hills, a trout farm, the castle of Diósgyor, and of course all the attractions of Miskolc, one of the biggest and most lively cities in Hungary. Another delightful feature of this thermal water complex is that it is possible to go night bathing in the caves, with catering to order!
The copyright of the article Miskolctapolca Thermal Baths in Hungary Travel is owned by Christiane Birkett. Permission to republish Miskolctapolca Thermal Baths in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
