Harkany Spa

The thermal water at Harkany was found in 1823 by workers digging drainage, and the bath opened the following year, which makes it one of the older spa towns in Hungary. What sets it apart is the chemistry: the water carries a high content of dissolved sulphide compounds, giving it a strong smell and a reputation in the treatment of joint and skin conditions that has drawn medical patients as much as leisure visitors for two centuries. The complex now mixes historic buildings with modern indoor and outdoor pools, slides and a medical wing, set in a park of old trees. The Villany vineyards, Siklos castle and the Croatian border are all within a short drive.

Highlights

• Sulphurous thermal water - the chemistry the spa is known for.
• Two centuries of use - a bath running since 1824.
• The park of old trees - the grounds the pools sit in.
• Medical and leisure wings - treatment alongside slides and outdoor pools.

When to go

Year round; the outdoor pools are best in summer and the thermal pools best in cold weather. Half a day. Weekends and school holidays are crowded.

Good to know

The sulphur smell is strong and clings to skin, hair and swimwear; some people dislike it intensely. The complex is a busy public bath, not a quiet retreat. Older buildings are dated. The town exists for the spa and little else.

Nearby

Siklos castle is east; Villany lies beyond it.