Budapest Thermal Baths Ban Children Under 14: What Families Need to Know in 2025
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Budapest, renowned for its historic and healing thermal baths, has introduced significant policy changes affecting families traveling with children. As of July 24, 2025, the famous Rudas Thermal Bath officially bans all visitors under the age of 14. Following closely behind, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the city’s most iconic wellness destinations, will implement the same restriction starting August 1, 2025. These new rules are part of a national health directive aimed at protecting children from the potential risks associated with medicinal thermal water, and they signal a shift in how family tourism will function in the Hungarian capital.
The updated policy is grounded in Hungarian Government Decree 510/2023, which prohibits the use of therapeutic or medicinal pools by anyone under 14 years old unless they have a valid medical prescription. This legislation is a direct response to health concerns raised by medical experts, who warn that thermal water—typically heated to temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius and rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur—can strain a child’s cardiovascular system and impact hormonal development. Though these waters are beneficial for adults seeking relief from chronic conditions or joint pain, they pose potential long-term risks for growing children.
While these restrictions may seem sudden, they are actually a formalization of earlier practices. Both Rudas and Dandár Baths had already adopted similar internal rules as early as April 2022, and warning signs have been posted for years advising that children should not use hot thermal pools. The latest changes, however, make the age limit legally binding and subject to enforcement.
At Rudas Bath, the implementation is straightforward. Every pool in the facility uses medicinal thermal water, so the total restriction on under-14s applies across the board. Széchenyi Bath, however, presents a more complicated case. Although its outdoor pools use a mixture of filtered and thermal water, all 18 indoor pools are filled exclusively with medicinal spring water. Rather than attempt to separate minors by zone, Széchenyi management decided to enforce a full ban on visitors under 14 years old to ensure full compliance with the law and to protect children’s health.
The situation at Gellért Thermal Bath is notably different—for now. Gellért has not issued a formal ban, but it has long discouraged young children from using its pools. According to official guidance, children under 14 are allowed entry at their parents’ discretion but are strongly advised to avoid the thermal areas. Babies and toddlers under the age of 3 are strictly prohibited from entering any pools, even with swim diapers. Only children 14 and older are generally allowed full access to the spa’s services and pools, and only under adult supervision. While this approach is more flexible, it still reflects the growing consensus that thermal waters are not suitable for younger children.
For families planning a trip to Budapest, this new reality might seem restrictive, but there are still plenty of child-friendly alternatives. Several spas and bathhouses in the city cater to visitors of all ages without relying on medicinal thermal water. Palatinus Baths on Margaret Island is one of the best options, offering outdoor pools, slides, and kid-safe features perfect for family fun. Other excellent choices include Paskál Thermal Bath, Dagály, Csillaghegyi, and Pesterzsébet Baths, which provide both indoor and outdoor swimming experiences without the health concerns posed by thermal waters. During the warmer months, Római and Pünkösdfürdő open-air beaches offer family-friendly atmospheres where children can enjoy the water safely.
For parents wondering how to navigate this updated spa landscape, planning ahead is crucial. Avoiding Rudas and Széchenyi with children under 14 is now a matter of law, not just preference. Checking current entry policies before visiting any bath is essential, and choosing facilities with specific child-friendly zones can ensure both safety and enjoyment. Also, for families with very young children, confirming potty-training requirements and pool rules will prevent unexpected issues at the entrance.
These policy shifts reflect a broader trend in Hungary toward medically informed public health regulations. While the new rules may change how some families experience the city’s legendary spa culture, they also open up the opportunity to explore lesser-known but equally enjoyable bathhouses and waterparks. Budapest continues to be a top destination for wellness tourism, and with informed choices, families can still fully enjoy what the city has to offer.
In conclusion, while the official age restrictions at Rudas and Széchenyi Baths mark a notable transformation in Budapest’s thermal spa policy, they align with health-focused practices intended to protect young visitors. Gellért Bath remains more lenient for now but reinforces the same warnings. Thankfully, numerous other spas across Budapest remain welcoming and safe for children. With thoughtful planning, your family can still take part in this unique part of Hungarian culture—safely, legally, and enjoyably.
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