The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is one of the most enjoyable family experiences in Mezokovesd, in the heart of Hungary. Here, the country’s spa tradition meets the rich culture of the Matyo community. Just over an hour and a half from Budapest, you can discover the art of Matyo embroidery, stroll among traditional houses and relax in the sulphur-rich healing waters of the Zsóry Bath. The experience here feels genuinely authentic, surrounded by local families and far from Budapest’s more touristy thermal complexes.
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How the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath in Mezokovesd Were Born: a Discovery Made by Chance
Now one of the most popular attractions in the area, the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath came to life almost by accident, following a discovery that changed the fate of Mezokovesd. In 1939, Lajos Zsóry, a local landowner after whom the bath is named, accidentally discovered a spring of hot, mineral-rich water on his property.
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The first pools were built the following year. Soon, the waters of Zsóry became famous throughout the region for their healing properties. It was only in the 1960s that the water was officially recognised as medicinal. Then, the small rural facility was transformed into a popular destination for health and relaxation.
In the following decade, medical treatments were introduced at the thermal bath, along with the construction of a new building dedicated to therapeutic purposes. In the 2000s, the complex underwent a process of modernisation. An aquapark and children’s pools gave it its current appearance.
The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is now a large, modern complex surrounded by greenery. Here, Hungary’s spa tradition meets family-friendly relaxation.
Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Waters: the Healing Properties of Mezokovesd’s Springs
Every thermal spring has its own unique properties. The water at the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath in Mezokovesd emerges at 60°C, making it one of the richest in sulphur in all of Hungary. Officially recognised as a medicinal water since 1968, it appears to be beneficial for rheumatic and joint diseases, arthritis and arthrosis, post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation, gynaecological issues, mental and physical fatigue, and certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Thanks to its mineral composition, the water improves circulation, relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation. The Zsóry thermal water contains calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate and sulphide. The combined effect of heat, buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure provides immediate relief for the joints and a deep feeling of lightness.
Unlike other spas, such as the Lukács Bath in Budapest, where the water can be drunk, the water at Zsóry Fürdő is intended only for bathing. Therapeutic sessions should last only around 15 minutes at a time. Due to its high mineral content, children under the age of 14 can only use the medicinal pools for medical reasons. Although the complex offers plenty of other pools designed especially for them.
What to Do at the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath in Mezokovesd: Relaxation, Fun and Wellness for the Whole Family
The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is a large complex surrounded by a big park. Spaces suite every type of visitor: families with children, groups of friends, couples or solo travellers seeking relaxation. Depending on which area you choose, you can enjoy a traditional Hungarian spa experience or have fun in an exciting aquapark.
The wide variety of pools, wellness areas and the relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend an entire day here without getting bored. The thermal centre offers pools at different temperatures, perfect for alternating moments of rest and gentle wellness routines. The medicinal waters, rich in sulphur and minerals, are treated naturally and without chlorine to preserve their healing properties.
Before entering the main thermal area, however, it’s worth checking for any medical contraindications if you have specific health conditions. Also, remember that children are not allowed in the medicinal pools.
Adventure Bath: whirlpools, waterfalls, slides and swimming pools
The Adventure Bath and indoor pools at the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is open all year round. It combines fun and relaxation. In this area, the water temperature is around 26–28°C. Here, you’ll find different types of whirlpools, jet waterfalls, wave effects and three indoor slides.
I really enjoyed having a large swimming area divided into lanes, perfect for a proper swim. If you’re looking for entertainment rather than relaxation, you’ll definitely enjoy the indoor slides. Older children or teenagers love them.
Indoor Thermal Pools and Relaxation Areas: the Calmer Side of Zsóry Fürdő
If you prefer tranquillity, the indoor thermal pools are the perfect choice. For me, it was a completely relaxing experience after spending the afternoon in the outdoor pools. The medicinal water stays between 34 and 40°C, and the warmth feels deeply restorative. I had been recovering from a sports injury to my calf, and I must say the muscle pain eased significantly.
Inside, you’ll also find whirlpools and quiet relaxation areas, which are best enjoyed alone rather than when travelling with children. Still, I recommend spending at least half an hour in this part of the complex: it’s truly a rejuvenating experience.
Outdoor Pools and Sun Terraces: Enjoying the Summer at Mezokovesd’s Thermal Bath
In the summer, the outdoor area of the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is the most popular part of the complex. It’s likely where you’ll spend most of your time, just as we did. The thermal pools are surrounded by a large park where Hungarian families spend the whole day, often setting up small tents to shelter from the sun.
The different pools feature jet waterfalls, various types of hydromassage, and showers. There is also a fun wave pool suitable for all ages, thanks to its gentle slope into deeper water. Water temperature ranges between 30 °C and 36°C. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, shaded spaces, and food stalls where you can take a relaxing break between swims.
Zsóry Fürdő Aquapark: Water Slides and Fun for All Ages
For the more adventurous and for older children, there is also an aquapark. It’s open only during the summer, as is common in Hungary’s larger thermal complexes. The Zsóry Fürdő Aquapark features five slides of varying intensity, from a light-filled tunnel to a fast funnel slide, and even a four-lane racing slide where friends can compete for the best time.
The standard ticket includes entrance to the Aquapark. However, to use the slides, you should comply with the height regulation for safety reasons. Unlike other water parks, at Zsóry Fürdő height is measured at the shoulder. All slides, including the indoor ones, are reserved for visitors whose shoulder height exceeds 120 cm. My son was below the minimum height, and I am not particularly fond of slides myself, so we didn’t try this area personally. Still, it looked like great fun for groups of teenagers.
Family and Children’s Pools: Safe Fun at Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath in Mezőkövesd
The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is ideal for families, featuring several pools specifically designed for children, both indoors and outdoors. Inside, there are two heated pools with water temperatures between 32 °C and 34°C. Outside, you’ll find shallow pools with small slides and playful water mushrooms.
The park has plenty of shaded areas, picnic spots and sun loungers available for visitors. The pools are carefully monitored by lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Practical Guide to Visiting the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath: Tips for Planning Your Day
Visiting the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is a pleasant and authentic experience. Still, there are a few things worth knowing to make the most of your visit. To really enjoy your thermal day, do as the locals do and come prepared to spend the whole day outdoors. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, UV-protective clothing. If you have one, bring a small sun tent to set up in the park, just like Hungarian families do.
The staff at the reception don’t speak much English. For this reason, it can be a bit confusing at first to understand how everything works. Everyone is very friendly, but as there aren’t many foreign visitors. It’s best to be patient and observe how locals behave to understand how things work.
For example, when I asked about the changing rooms with lockers, I got directions to outdoor cabins and small, paid lockers in the park, rather than the main building with showers and proper facilities, which I only discovered at the end of the day.
The thermal complex isn’t luxurious, and some areas are a little dated. Still, the relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere more than makes up for it. It’s the perfect place to experience genuine Hungarian life. Many families arrive in the morning with sun tents, folding chairs and even small camping carts to spend the entire day between pools and green lawns.
For food, there are several snack bars and kiosks, although many close around 5 or 6 pm. You’ll find snacks, sweets and those brightly coloured ice creams that children love, perfect for a break between swims.
Opening Hours of Zsóry Fürdő and the Best Time to Visit
The opening hours of Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath vary depending on the season. During winter, the outdoor areas and some indoor sections remain closed. In the colder months, the bath is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, with the saunas and medicinal pools closing an hour earlier.
In summer, opening hours extend until 8:00 pm, although the thermal area and swimming pools usually close earlier, around 6:00 pm. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to arrive in the morning or just after lunch, ensuring you can enjoy all parts of the complex while they’re still open.
It’s always a good idea to check the latest opening times on the official website before your trip. When we visited Zsóry Fürdő in summer, everything was open, including the food stalls and refreshment kiosks scattered around the park.
Keep in mind that summer is high season, and the bath can get quite crowded. The best time to visit is in early summer, when all facilities are open but the August crowds haven’t arrived yet.
Tickets and Prices: How Much It Costs to Enter Zsóry Fürdő in Mezőkövesd
Entry to the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath costs 4,800 HUF (Hungarian forints) per adult, which is roughly €12 for access to the main thermal park. Discounts for children and family tickets with two adults are also available.
Access to the Adventure Bath, swimming pools, and saunas requires an additional ticket, which costs 2,000 HUF, approximately €5.
How to Get to Zsóry Fürdő and Move Around Mezőkövesd
The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is located in Mezőkövesd, a city situated west of Budapest, approximately an hour and a half away. For us, it was one of the stops on our road trip through Hungary, so we were already travelling by car.
I recommend driving, as travelling by public transport takes much longer and usually involves several transfers. If you prefer not to drive, you can take a train to Mezőkövesd and spend a few days exploring the Matyó handicraft traditions. You can then reach the bath by taxi or on a 20-minute walk.
Whether you start from Budapest or another Hungarian city, simply drive towards Mezőkövesd and follow the signs for Zsóry Fürdő once you arrive in the town. Alternatively, you can just type “Zsory Furdo” into Google Maps or any other navigation app, and you’ll easily find your way. There is a large free car park directly in front of the bath.
Zsóry Gyógy és Strandfürdő (Zsóry Thermal Bath)
Napfürdő út 2, 3400 Mezőkövesd
What to See Around Mezőkövesd: Discovering the Charm of Matyó Culture in Hungary
If you spend a few days in Mezőkövesd, you can combine a relaxing day at the Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath with visits to the town’s main attractions and explore the culture and craftsmanship of the Matyó community, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Traditional Matyó embroidery is instantly recognisable for its vibrant floral patterns and symbolic motifs, which decorate clothing, tablecloths and everyday objects with remarkable beauty. The heart of Matyó life is the Hadas district, a small area of Mezőkövesd with traditional houses transformed into workshops and craft studios.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Matyó Museum, which tells the story of this community through original costumes, photographs and household objects, offering an insight into how art and everyday life are deeply intertwined in local culture.
Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath: Discovering the Most Authentic Side of Mezőkövesd and Hungary
The Zsóry Fürdő Thermal Bath is a perfect destination for a family trip or a day out with friends. The complex is spacious, laid-back and offers plenty of room to move around, chat and enjoy time outdoors.
Many visitors come for a quick dip but end up spending the whole day there, between picnics, conversations and moments of pure relaxation. You can complete your experience with a visit to Mezőkövesd, where you can discover authentic Hungary through the colours and embroidery of the Matyó culture.
Feel free to leave a comment if you’ve already visited Zsóry Fürdő or other thermal baths in Hungary: I always love hearing about new travel experiences and exchanging ideas with fellow spa and culture enthusiasts.
