The city-owned operator of the baths did not respond to queries as to why such a decision was made.

The Rudas will also temporarily shift to mixed-men’s and women’s hours during August 4-24.

During this period, traditional men-only and women-only days will be abolished, and only full-access tickets, covering all services at the baths, will be available.

Meanwhile, the sauna at the Rudas is closed until August 23.

Stricter Regulations Introduced Due to New Legislation

According to BGYH (Budapest Spas and Hot Springs Ltd.), a new government regulation governing the operation of public baths — Government Decree 510/2023 (XI. 20.) — contains stricter rules regarding children bathing in medicinal thermal waters.

Under the decree, children under the age of 14 are not allowed to bathe in medicinal or therapeutic pools, unless prescribed by a doctor.

In its response, the company also pointed out that it has long been known — for decades, in fact — that thermal medicinal pools are not recommended for children under 14.

This is because the high water temperature (typically 36–40 °C) puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, and the mineral composition of the thermal water may negatively impact hormonal development, according to medical experts.

For this reason, children under 14 have not been permitted to visit the Rudas and Dandár baths since April 2022. Warning signs have also been posted at the facilities.

The new regulation has now made this previously recommended practice mandatory — and stricter.

BGYH also stressed that all pools at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath are filled with medicinal water. As such, all 18 indoor thermal pools are now strictly for guests aged 14 and over.

Although the outdoor pools operate with circulating filtration systems and mixed water, they are still based on medicinal water.

Since previous attempts at enforcing the age restriction were not entirely successful, Széchenyi Bath will now only admit guests aged 14 and above in full compliance with the regulation.

However, the company emphasised that Budapest is in a fortunate position, as BGYH operates several other baths that are well suited for families and children. These include Palatinus, Paskál, Pesterzsébet, and Csillaghegy Baths, all of which welcome children under 14 under parental supervision throughout the year.

In addition, during the summer months, the Római and Pünkösdfürdő beaches also offer bathing opportunities for children, they added.
 

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