Harkány thermal and outdoor spa

Harkány thermal and outdoor spa

Harkány thermal and outdoor spa – the treasure of Harkány lies in its thermal water, which was already known during the Turkish occupation. By 1823, the Batthyány family owned significant land in the area, and by draining a marshy area – now the site of the thermal spa – they attempted to expand their pastures. One of the day laborers, Pogány János, was very dissatisfied with the construction of the channels due to his rheumatic pain, which was only aggravated by this task. That’s why he was very surprised when, after working in the swamp, he was rid of all his pain.

News of this miraculous event quickly spread, and more and more people visited the sulfurous water channel to treat their ailments. From 1825, construction of a bath began, and the next major step occurred in 1866: under the guidance of the expert in artesian well drilling, Zsigmondy Vilmos, new wells were drilled in the area. This was made possible, even at the time’s technological level, due to the unusually shallow high-temperature thermal water along the Harkány-Siklós-Kistapolca fault line.

But why can the thermal water of Harkány be so effective in healing? The answer lies in the composition of the water, which has a high concentration of carbonyl sulfide. This substance is easily and quickly absorbed through the skin, and when inhaled as hydrogen sulfide, it has cartilage-strengthening and anti-inflammatory effects. Today, at the Harkány Thermal Spa, not only the spontaneous effects of the thermal water take place, but the city also tries to take advantage of its natural resources. The favorable climate, the microclimate of the spa, and the 2100-2200 hours of sunshine per year are excellent complements to a carefully planned bath treatment.

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In the summer, in addition to the thermal spa, the strand (beach) offers excellent opportunities for visitors to relax, featuring one of Central Europe’s largest surface area swimming pools, a seven-slide water park opened in 2016, children’s and sports pools, various leisure activities, a playground, and, last but not least, a beautiful, spacious, wooded park. The Harka Water World, opened in 2021, offers indoor experiences in bad weather and outdoor attractions when the weather is good.

Discover what Harkány offers today!

Harkány Thermal Spa

The thermal spa, renovated in 2003, has a fully covered, a partially covered, and an open medicinal pool with a total water surface of 2098 m2, depths ranging from 110 to 153 cm, and temperatures between 34-38 °C (the water rises from 50-70 meters deep, with an average temperature of 62 °C).

In the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal and joint diseases, osteoporosis, chronic gynecological inflammations, and disorders of lymphatic circulation, very good results can be achieved during a Harkány cure, as the water contains more than 1000 mg of minerals per liter. The thermal water of Harkány has been proven effective in alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis. Interestingly, there are only two other places in the world outside our town where this disease can be effectively treated.

As mentioned in the introduction, the main component of the thermal water is carbonyl sulfide, which is 150 times more absorbable than other sulfur compounds (such as sulfates). The sulfur that enters the body plays an important role in replacing sulfur-containing compounds in cartilage, which is then incorporated into the body. Previous studies have shown that the thermal water of Harkány has literally miraculous effects on women suffering from chronic gynecological inflammations, as 30% of the sterile women treated here became pregnant.

For more information about the composition of the thermal water and other details, you can visit the Harkány Thermal and Strand Spa website. With the help of our gallery, you can also visually convince yourself of what the place offers – just scroll through the article.

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Harkány Thermal Spa – Spa & Wellness Section

On the upper floor of the renovated spa building, those looking for a true Wellness and Spa experience alongside the healing effects of the thermal water will find it. A modern spa today cannot operate without a sauna, hydrotherapy pools, and a cosmetic and massage salon, as these rejuvenating treatments not only improve general well-being but also help maintain the body’s youth and beauty. Naturally, all these amenities are available at the Harkány Thermal Spa, and we aim to present all options in detail on our site.

• Scenic pool, which awaits guests in a beautiful environment. The retractable roof allows guests to enjoy the sunshine from our hydrotherapy and jacuzzi pools.
• Hot tub, jacuzzi, with 32-33°C water and installed massage jets, neck showers, and bubble beds.
• Sauna, steam cabin, with traditional Finnish design.
• Paraffin treatment, to improve circulation.
• Wave massage, for reducing cellulite.
• Ear candle therapy, to relieve ear-related issues.
• Cupping therapy, using vacuum to relieve muscle cramps.
• Body massage with essential oils, vacuum, or honey.
• Reflexology massage, stimulating nerve endings in the feet.
• Chocolate massage.
• BEMER, a unique treatment that improves the oxygen and blood supply of the entire body, aids metabolism, strengthens the immune system, and enhances the body’s self-healing ability.

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Harka Water World and Adventure Pool

Thanks to the 2021 addition, the spa now offers experiences even in bad weather, as well as a complete Sauna World for sauna enthusiasts. The European-standard new wing offers all-day entertainment for ages 0 to 99 years old.

The spa regularly hosts night bathing events, with DJs providing the music. At the cocktail bar, you can quench your thirst with delicious drinks, or if you prefer, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna session at 9 PM and unwind from the day’s stress. What does the Harka Water World offer?

• Water depth: 95 cm – 1.2 m
• Water temperature: 30 – 32°C
• 766 m² of water surface
• 3 slides, two fully enclosed, leading outside the building and curving back inside – this is quite a fun experience in the winter as well. The third one is designed for families or friends, where you can race down together. The only downside is that those lounging in the pool below might get splashed by adventurous sliders. ?
• Adventure pool, where we arrive after sliding down. Here you’ll find a diving tower where it’s not recommended to dive belly first. ? The climbing wall is a great place for kids, teens, or anyone testing their limits. The lazy river is a man-made water flow tunnel, just like swimming in a real river with the current. In the middle, a jacuzzi pool offers refuge for those wanting to relax. ?
• Experience pool, featuring water massage elements such as neck showers, reclining and seated underwater bubble benches. This is especially useful for parents who don’t want to leave their kids in the adventure world but want to enjoy some relaxation themselves.
• Outdoor open-air swimming and beach pool, which typically opens during favorable weather in early summer to late spring, offers relaxation by complementing both the outdoor beach and the indoor experience world. It has two spacious outdoor pools with several swimming lanes and built-in seating and reclining benches on the sides.

For more information, visit the Healing Spa’s website. Check out more images of Harka Water World below!

Outdoor Children’s World

The outdoor children’s section, inaugurated in May 2022, functions as an extension of the beach during good weather and can be visited with a spa entry ticket. This area consists of four pools with a total water surface of 550 square meters. To the delight of children, various slides, splash features, climbing frames, and water obstacle courses make the time spent in the pools truly enjoyable. With water depths ranging from 25 to 100 centimeters across the four pool zones, toddlers to teenagers can find activities they love.

• Water depth: 25 – 100 cm
• Water temperature: 35 – 37 C^°
• 550 m² water surface
• Parrot Pool, which features three slides simultaneously, so everyone can find the right height for them. Whether it’s the mini slide, the spiral, or the Water Castle tube slide, every ride promises excitement. Parents, get ready—kids will surely spend lots of time here!
• Duckweed Pool: an exciting adventure! The unforgettable experiences are guaranteed by the Water Trail, designed especially for adrenaline-seeking kids. No worries if balance isn’t perfect at first—ropes help ensure the kids stay on course.
• Waterfall Pool: Stand under the waterfall to refresh yourself! Or behind it, and simply enjoy the sound of water cascading before your eyes!
• Fish Pool, which features a maxi slide for the most adventurous kids and teens alike!

Covered Children’s World

The little ones take the spotlight, indoors! The section, which was opened in 2017, features two modern pools and numerous playful elements. One is a splash pool, where a waterfall and treasure cave await the youngest (0 – 6 years old), while larger kids (aged 4 – 14 years) can enjoy adventures on a pirate ship slide and a water cannon, with water at a depth of 50 cm.

Harkányi Strandfürdő

Here, with the summer and good weather, who wouldn’t long for a good splash in this wonderful region of Southern Baranya, near Villány’s premium wines or the Siklós Castle with its encompassing history, just to name a few. The Harkány beach, set in a 13.5-hectare historic park, offers outdoor pools, a infinity-edged swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a slide from May to October for water lovers.

The bath provides pleasant and high-quality venues for family sunbathing, playing, sports, and dining. Every member of your family can find the most enjoyable activity for themselves. There are 20 restaurants, 15 snack bars, and another 59 shops and services available. Scroll down for the gallery (lots of pictures)!

Butterfly Pool

The Butterfly Pool at Harkány Strand and Healing Spa – with an area of 1460 m² and 1520 m² – is one of the largest such facilities in Central Europe, with water temperatures of 26 – 28°C on the left side and 30 – 32°C on the right, with a gradually deepening design. Thanks to this, even the smallest can bathe with the family without needing to retreat to the children’s pool if someone cannot swim.

Due to the seating areas on the edges and the shallow steps at the entrances, there are almost countless relaxation spots available here. Those who want to move can find their space in the inner areas of the pools. During the summer, the beach hosts musical night bathing events, held at the Butterfly Pool. During these events, the best DJs and today’s star performers provide the music, or rather they would, because all that’s under our feet is water! It’s a great party for kids, young people, and adults, and it is usually free with the day ticket!

❗+1 extra from 2024: The newest slide park next to the Butterfly Pool has OPENED on the beach area, bringing the total to 12 slides waiting for visitors! ❗

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Children’s Pool

The little ones are welcome in good weather at the renovated outdoor children’s pool, which is decorated with water experience elements, with a water temperature of 30 – 35°C and a surface area of 220 m². One of the favorite features of this gradually deepening pool is the rainbow slide, where the youngest can show how brave they are, and once they succeed in sliding down, it’s hard to get them to leave! Parents can only accompany and support them in this pool – no swimming is allowed.

There is also an option to rent deck chairs right next to the pool, making an afternoon nap after enjoying “hat ice cream,” American hot dogs, or mini donuts an achievable mission.

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Harkány Swimming Pool

The outdoor swimming pool of the medicinal spa, which also serves as the venue for prestigious sports events (such as the Harkány Sprint International Swimming Competition), awaits athletes in 1050 m² of space, with water temperatures between 20 and 24°C, in designated lanes. But there are also other opportunities for those who want to jump and dive, as this activity is allowed in the remaining lanes! Diving, jackknife, cannonball, somersault: everyone can try them out together, making it a lifetime experience in Harkány! 😊

The sports pool is located in a quieter area of the spa, surrounded by many shaded spots, beautiful flowers, and banana trees. Therefore, for those who want to retreat a bit and take a dip in cold water, this is the ideal location.

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Slide Park

On May 1, 2016, the completely new 7-slide modern slide park of Harkány’s city beach spa was inaugurated, which can be used free of charge and unlimited with the purchase of a spa entrance ticket. On the Divina Boutique Hotel website, we try to introduce you to which slide offers which experience.

• Family Slide: Similar to the indoor Harka Water World red (family) slide. Located on the lowest level, it has the advantage that up to four or five people can slide in parallel, so even the bigger kids can feel “grown-up”. They can enjoy the experience alongside the rest of the family!
• Snake Slide: For those who are a little braver, it’s time to head to the second level! Here’s a great opportunity to race against the clock on the closed green slide. The infinite curve at the end lets you really speed up, and at the exit, you’ll be showered by a huge water jet. Who will be faster? Maybe the heavier one, who has more momentum? Or the one with the best technique? It’s worth trying!
• Turbolance: Also on the second level, this slide allows for single or double rides with a mat. Brave little ones can sit with their parents, and two adults can slide together as well – speed and excitement are guaranteed!
• Kamikaze: We’ve reached the third floor, and this slide is for the truly brave, with a minimum height of 120 cm. True to its name, it might seem like a deadly experience, but don’t worry, it’s only the steepness that’s intimidating at first. Close your legs, brace your vocal cords, and go!
• UFO: A minimum shoulder height is also required here. This slide is ideal for professionals looking to refine their sliding strategy, thanks to its length, curves, and steepness. Perfect your technique, and end with a big splash in the plunge pool!
• Half-closed – Half-open Slide: A slide for one or two people with a mat, where those not meeting the minimum shoulder height can still slide with an adult companion! The experience is unique, featuring two or three turns in a closed tube slide, followed by a steep slope, another rise, and a final runway!
• Onion Slide: Not just one slide, but several! After arriving at the middle section of the onion slide, you can make 2-3 loops before reaching the plunge pool. A minimum shoulder height is required to use this slide.

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