cím: Can we share Hungarians desire for thermal baths?

lead: Travel blog and photos by Motti Verses

tartalom: + 1 The IMTM 2023 – International Mediterranean Tourism Market was held two months ago in Expo Tel Aviv for the first time after COVID. The exhibition was a success. Endless booths and representations of both countries and private tourism providers alike. Walking between the cubicles and meeting hundreds of professionals, I suddenly noticed a small modest counter in a remote corner with the Hungarian flag. There I met Petr Ostrovkin, an impressive businessman with his intrepetor. I was curious about the product he was trying to market – a hotel in Hungary he owns on a small lake I never heard of. Petr invited me to visit and within a few weeks I found myself spending an incredible time by Europe’s largest thermal basin – lake Hévíz, chick to chick with Lake Balton.      There I investigated, discovered and experienced – why do Hungarians desire top thermal baths so much. Or, is it true that Hungary is indeed a “bathing world-power”.  The explanation is rather straightforward – history, tradition and geography are all mixed, like a traditional Jewish Cholent. The Romans that ruled in ancient Hungary left first their famous mark here. They had bathing and cleaning habits. Bathing was an important part of their lifestyle, which meant refreshing the body and soul. They built baths in this region, mainly for their military forces. Several private baths were also framed by wealthy Romans in their mansions. It is believed that the Roman healers built separate bathing complexes for those who were in poor health condition.   Hungarian bath culture started flourishing with medieval Turkish rule – an art wall creation in Rudas bath, Budapest (photo by Motti Verses) Going back in time – Rudas turkish style sink, Budapest (photo by Motti Verses) However it is believed that the Hungarian bath culture started flourishing with medieval Turkish rule. The Ottoman Empire, historically  the Turkish Empire, controlled much of southeast Europe, including Hungary. They are the ones that lay down the foundations of thermal baths. The Ottomans also introduced people to the habits of their wellness treatments. Massages, body creams and oils. The Turks valued bathing as both a cleansing ritual and social gathering. The Hungarians were doubtful. Only the Turks were allowed to use the baths during the day. Curious Hungarians only went to the thermal baths at night-time, especially in Budapest that was and still is a city of bathing power. The rest is history. Over the years these baths became part of a balanced life culture in Hungary. Bearing in mind that the country has no access to an ocean or a sea, relying on Lake Balaton for recreational needs, local baths flourished. The neighbors in Austria, once part of the joint dual Monarchy under the name Austro-Hungarian Empire, similarly love thermal baths . Lake Hévíz, Europe’s largest thermal basin (photo by Motti Verses) Endless steam – Lake Hévíz (photo by Motti Verses) A small creek with water coming from the lake- similar as the hotel thermal baths (photo by Motti Verses) No wonder the small Lake Hévíz, Europe’s largest thermal basin is an extremely popular destination – a two hours drive, either from Budapest or Vienna. It is 38.5 meters deep, with 410 liters per second water flow rate and biologically volcanically active – a natural thermal lake with magical health capabilities. Some call it the fountain of life. Since 1795 these healing waters helped people to recover and regain their strength. Most visitors return home refreshed and rejuvenated. Experts indicate that the chemical ingredients of cold and hot water springs, with 40 degrees of sulphuric medicinal water here, are richer than those in thermal baths in Budapest. Hévíz is where Petr Ostrovkin’s hotel is. He hopes Israelis will in time flock to his shimmering estate. His Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa offers 232 rooms and suites and is an ultimate destination for a relaxing and therapeutic vacation. The hotel is located in a gigantic natural park within walking distance to Lake Hévíz. This walk is rather surreal along a small creek with steam water coming from the lake. Our visit was just recently but the temperatures were low and a constant drizzle dominated our stay. Endless steam evaporates as the water temperature is very high. Guests may enjoy Lake Hévíz mineral water reaching the spa via pipes. Definitely the most rewarding experiences one can enjoy here. Lotus Therme is a pampering traditional hotel. A variety of different indoor pools in contrasting water temperatures are offered. The great jacuzzi was the strongest I have ever experienced. The main round pool is heated, but does not contain healing water. Pouring rain while your body is soaked deep in hot water is just paradise. We loved our morning swim in this well maintained pool. A unique experience in any weather conditions. The wellness spa offers a variety of treatments with Lake Hévíz products, however we did not experience them. The pampering pools were just fantastic. The daily scenery from the room balcony – total relaxation (photo by Motti Verses) A great experience while swimming – constant drizzle with steam evaporation, as the water temperature is very high (photo by Motti Verses) The relaxing lobby of Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa (photo by Motti Verses) Lotus is the key element here as this water flower really blossoms on this never surprising natural wonder. Apparently they like the volcanic water and always thrive in warm water with a need room to grow. The lake provides the perfect environment and the hotel wisely promotes this unique phenomenon as a marketing tool in its logo and with endless art creations all over the facilities. Advertisement   Hungarians and Austrians might carry a mosaic of a historical ambivalent relationship, but both people surly adore Lake Hévíz. The majority of guests in the hotel originate from those countries that share love for thermal baths. Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa is offering both food and entertainment with this fact in mind. Pleasant veteran General Manager Attila Fulop is heading skilled team members that work here for many years. Dressed with formal clothes they all recognize the guests who keep returning here. Loyal customers are the best proof for success. The menu at dinner is different each evening and the variety is one of the most generous I have seen. The bar is crowded each night and live dancing with different musicians each day are offered here. Guests of all ages are actually dancing. General Manager Fulop knows his work. A dream of a good hotelier is to keep his guests in its premises and not looking for alternatives elsewhere. A variety of different indoor pools in contrasting water temperatures are offered (photo by Motti Verses) Lotus is the key element here as this water flower really blossoms on the lake (photo by Motti Verses) The bar – live dancing with different musicians each evening (photo by Motti Verses) Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa by night (photo by Motti Verses) With General Manager Attila Fulop(left) – a true Hungarian professional hotelier(photo by Motti Verses) One question remains. Will Israelis flock to Hévíz? Hamat Gader hot springs site in the Yarmouk River valley, used since the classical antiquity, is one of the most popular attractions for Israelis. With that in mind and the endless daily flights from Ben Gurion airport to Budapest, the potential is certainly there. Especially in winter when the flight costs are rock bottom. Hévíz here we come.

title: Can we share Hungarians desire for thermal baths?

description: Travel blog and photos by Motti Verses

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cím: The Forgotten Synagogue of Hévíz – Memories of a Bygone Era

lead: Few people know that in the last century, a grand synagogue stood in what was once Hévízfürdő. It served not only as a sacred place for the local Jewish community but also for the many visiting spa guests. Although the building is no longer visible today, the city still preserves its memory.

tartalom: + 1 The Birth of a House of Prayer – Hévíz’s Religious Diversity In the early 20th century, many Jewish guests came to Hévíz to enjoy the healing effects of the lake. As religious visitors needed a place to pray, a modest prayer house was built in 1905 next to the lake's outflow channel, near Ignác Lusztig’s guesthouse called “Jerusalem.” However, the small building quickly became too cramped as the spa resort grew in popularity. (Sharp-eyed readers may spot the prayer house's location on this 1925 map) By the late 1920s, the growing community and increasing number of spa visitors made it necessary to build a larger, more representative synagogue. One of the key initiators of the new building was Dr. Adolf Kertész, a lawyer from Budapest who was a devoted supporter of Hévíz’s development and religious life. He submitted a request to Prince Tasziló Festetics II, who generously provided land for the synagogue free of charge. Fundraising began in 1929, and in 1930 the Israelite Synagogue Association of Hévízfürdő was established. It operated fully independently but functioned as a branch of the Keszthely Jewish community. Construction was completed in 1933 at a cost of approximately 20,000 pengő. The town also contributed: the municipal council of Hévízszentandrás donated 1,000 pengő, recognizing the importance of boosting tourism. 1933 – A Ceremonial Inauguration in a Growing Town The Hévíz synagogue was officially inaugurated on July 2, 1933. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Lajos Glück, chief rabbi of Keszthely, who gave the opening address. Distinguished figures from the spa town and local community were also present, including Sándor Stern, the synagogue’s first trustee, and Mór Weisz, president of the local Jewish community. The event attracted great interest and was significant not only for locals but for visiting spa guests as well. Caught in the Storm of History Hévíz was not spared the tragedies of World War II. In 1944, the Jewish community was deported, and many never returned. Several members from Hévíz were taken to Auschwitz. According to records, Dr. Vilmos Schulhof, Hévíz’s spa physician, was also among the Holocaust victims. Dr. Schulhof played a vital role not only as a doctor but also as a community leader. Many of the synagogue’s former visitors and supporters perished in concentration camps, including Mór Weisz, Sándor Stern, and other local residents. After the war, the abandoned synagogue remained empty and slowly fell into ruin. By the late 1960s, it was in a dilapidated state and was eventually demolished in 1977. For decades, nothing stood on the site, as if a piece of history had vanished without a trace. Preserving the Memory Fortunately, the city of Hévíz did not forget its past. In 2000, a memorial was erected on the site of the former synagogue. Its design recalls the original building and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The plans were developed with the help of city officials and local historians, and Chief Rabbi Tamás Raj delivered the speech at the unveiling ceremony. This quiet yet powerful memorial site continues to invite visitors to pay tribute to those who were once an integral part of Hévíz’s community. Brought Back to Life – Virtually Though the synagogue no longer stands, today it is possible to explore it through a virtual tour. Thanks to a digital reconstruction, anyone can step inside and imagine what the interior might have looked like in its full glory. (You can view the rotatable 3D model at this link) If you’re curious to see how the Hévíz synagogue looked in its heyday, click here and explore it through a virtual walk!  

title: The Forgotten Synagogue of Hévíz – Memories of a Bygone Era

description: Few people know that in the last century, a grand synagogue stood in what was once Hévízfürdő. It served not only as a sacred place for the local Jewish community but also for the many visiting spa guests. Although the building is no longer visible today, the city still preserves its memory.

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