Tucked away in southern Hungary, the Bath Festival of Magyarhertelend is gearing up for its big splash from August 8 to 10, 2025. Each summer, this small spa village transforms into the center of a poolside party with wild events and a non-stop festival vibe. The party headquarters? The main year-round spa complex, featuring four indoor pools and a direct corridor to a sun-drenched outdoor pool. When summer peaks, the expansive swimming area grows to reveal a grand total of 12 pools to maximize relaxation and fun.
A Packed Weekend of Pool Mayhem
Here’s the lineup: Day one kicks off on Friday, August 8th with a high-energy Pool Party, spinning beats from 3 to 9 PM. Saturday, August 9th starts at 2 PM, featuring live performances that run well into the night—capped by a dazzling fireworks show. On Sunday, August 10th, the legendary Joe Rudán (Rudán Joe) takes the stage from 2 PM, promising an epic concert to close out the festival.
At the decks for the Pool Party, you’ll find DJ Simi and Öcsi, ready to provide the soundtrack for your summer misadventures. Beer lovers can head to the Kapucinus Beer Party, hosted with the energetic Attila Késmárky (Késmárky Attila). If harmonica is your thing, Ádám Szabó (Szabó Ádám) is there to lift your spirits. For musical theater fans, the Roxínház troupe brings HAIR (the Kaposvár city musical) to the spa stage, and both Friday and Saturday will offer not only traditional fireworks, but also the so-called liquid fireworks show. Want more music? Joe Rudán teams up with guitarist László Tóth (Tóth László) for an acoustic treat on Sunday. Saturday also features a lively music quiz, while Sunday will have a DJ request show: send your favorite tracks to DJ Simi & Öcsi!
Dive into the Accommodation Scene
Spa weekends are best enjoyed when you can relax nearby—and Magyarhertelend has you covered. The Hertelendi Guesthouse is ready with two stories full of modern comforts, cable TV, and fast WiFi. The whole house is exclusively for guests (no owners around), offering a peaceful escape for up to 11 people (that’s 9+2 if you use the sofa beds). Wake up to birdsong and dive straight into countryside calm!
If you want more space, Kántor Guesthouse is a three-story family home with a backyard perfect for lazy grilling and group games. Out back: ping-pong tables, garden furniture, a sandbox, swings, and even basketball. Two double rooms on the top floor are ideal for families, and the house has a huge living room, modern kitchen, bathrooms, and a sunny terrace overlooking the garden. There are ping-pong tables downstairs to amp up your post-swim competitions.
For larger or younger groups, there’s the Youth Hostel just beyond the Mecsek hills, set in one of the region’s most scenic villages. It’s perfect for school camps and student groups, offering 40 beds (bunk style) and a rare promise: pure, undisturbed camping vibes. Just note—it’s closed during the heating season, so don’t expect cozy winter getaways.
For quiet charm, Mathias House is right beside the thermal baths. With its peaceful gardens, free WiFi, and daily buffet or American-style breakfasts, it’s perfect for relaxing after a swim. The terrace is set up for morning coffee with mountain air, while nearby trails invite you to cycle or hike.
Those seeking something closer to a retreat can stay in one of the area’s winterized guesthouses near the forest, designed for eight guests and split into two separate apartments if needed—think year-round tranquility on the edge of the woods, just steps from the thermal baths.
For larger groups, there’s a guesthouse near Pécs and the Mecsek Mountains: rent it as a whole or split into apartments, with space for up to 14. It’s ideal for families, team-building, or getaways with friends, promising both peace and active fun.
Eat, Drink, and Repeat
All your festival cravings are covered, from medieval feasts to modern cuisine. Right by the southern gate and Swan Lake, feast at the legendary White Swan Inn (Fehér Hattyú Csárda), where the aroma of roast meat and medieval décor draw the hungry inside. The Apple Mill (Almalomb) is history revamped: a restored 19th-century watermill now hosting a renowned restaurant, event space, and museum, with accommodations for up to 16 (pets welcome).
Chocolate and dessert lovers, don’t miss Angel’s Temptation (Angyali Kísértés) in Pécs—it’s paradise for truffles, bonbons, and homemade sweets. Looking for a budget-friendly and filling stay? Anna Pension (Anna Panzió), with four rooms and 16 beds, is perfect for people working around Pécs or Szigetvár or for hikers exploring the Mecsek, Ormánság, or South Zselic.
If you want hearty Hungarian portions, several bustling bistros serve everything—fried, grilled, or stuffed meats, risottos, savory casseroles, pasta, pizza, salads, and desserts. There’s something for every appetite, from traditional Hungarian recipes to international favorites, all in friendly, lively settings.
For wine and food lovers, the Aranykacsa Restaurant is the area’s go-to, sourcing local ingredients and offering generous wine flights in cozy surroundings. Take your pick from wine tastings, casual bites in the Tüke room, or go big with a wedding or birthday bash in the upstairs hall.
Craving fresh fish? More than 40 fish dishes are on offer year-round, available to eat on site or take away, all prepared by a family-run team passionate about good food. And for a panoramic escape above Pécs, Owl Castle (Bagolyvár) offers rooms decorated with folk art and dishes to match, with breathtaking hillside views and a menu of Hungarian and international delicacies.
Festival Notes
Organizers reserve the right to adjust dates or programs—so check back before planning your unforgettable weekend! If you’re eager for music, sun, food, and endless poolside action, Hertelendi Bath Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate midsummer adventure.
