With winter knocking on the door and the accumulated stress of the year on its back, there’s no better time to plan a getaway dedicated to wellness. Hot springs and spas offer a perfect refuge and, if they also serve as an excuse to see new places, all the better.
Diving into a hot pool surrounded by snowy landscapes or enjoying a relaxing treatment in a designer spa is, without a doubt, an experience that revitalizes both body and mind. And although there is no shortage of thermal water areas in Spain, you can always feel like a change of scenery and go on a little European getaway to treat yourself a little.
Europe, home of legendary hot springs and spas, has incredible destinations. Many, in addition, located in highly attractive environments. From historic baths in Hungary to modern facilities in Austria, here are nine European destinations that will make you recharge your batteries and have a pleasant soaking experience.
Saturnia waterfalls (Italy)
Hidden in the heart of Tuscany, the Molino Waterfalls, in Saturnia, are a natural corner out of the ordinary. In fact, the entire region has numerous thermal springs, but these waterfalls are famous for their constant temperature of 37.5 °C and their beneficial properties for the skin and the circulatory system.
There are many spas in the area, but the main attraction of this place is its authenticity: the waterfalls are completely natural, with small pools of turquoise water formed on the calcareous rocks. So immersing yourself in its waters, with the soft sound of water falling from waterfall to waterfall, is an experience that is truly difficult to forget.
Aqua Dome (Längenfeld, Austria)
In the heart of Austrian Tyrol is the Aqua Dome, a futuristic spa surrounded by majestic mountains. Its outdoor thermal pools are bowl-shaped and heated so you can enjoy its hot waters while contemplating the snowy landscape around you.
This complex offers a total of 12 swimming pools, 7 saunas and the ‘Alpen Arche Noah’, a family and children’s area separate from the facilities, with waterfalls, sandbanks and a 90 meter long water slide. There is also no shortage of saunas, massages and specific treatments, and its location invites you to explore small Tyrolean towns full of charm.
Széchenyi (Budapest, Hungary)
The Széchenyi is not only one of the most famous thermal baths in Europe, but also one of the largest. Located in the heart of Budapest City Park, this iconic complex has 21 swimming pools, many of them outdoor, where the magic happens in winter: soaking in its warm waters while snowflakes fall around you.
Budapest is known as the ‘City of Spas’ as Széchenyi is just one of them. Other thermal baths worth visiting are the historic Gellért Baths, known for their art nouveau architecture, and the striking Rudas, which date back to the 16th century and offer panoramic views of the city from its rooftop pool.
Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
Iceland is a country of extremes, but also of dazzling beauty, and its spas and natural hot springs are a must-see stop for those seeking unique experiences. Even more so in winter.
About 60 km from ReykjavÃk, in the southwest of the island, you cannot miss the famous Blue Lagoon, whose characteristic turquoise blue water is loaded with minerals beneficial for the skin. This spa, surrounded by lava fields, is perfect for disconnecting and enjoying the most extreme nature. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the country and the water in its large lagoon is between 37 and 39 °C.
Rogner Bad Blumau (Styria, Austria)
This spa in Styria, Austria, is much more than a spa, because it is a work of architectural art. Designed by visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Rogner Bad Blumau combines eco-friendly architecture, unique design and natural thermal baths in a setting straight out of a fantasy film.
The resort is surrounded by rolling meadows and has both indoor and outdoor thermal pools. The jewel of the place is the Vulkania, a spring with water rich in minerals that reaches 37 °C, ideal for relaxing muscles and revitalizing the skin.
Caracalla Spa (Baden-Baden, Germany)
The elegant city of Baden-Baden in southwestern Germany has been known as a thermal destination since Roman times. Among its spas, the Caracalla Spa stands out, a temple of relaxation with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and an atmosphere that exudes luxury and tranquility.
Its thermal waters spring up at temperatures between 32 and 38 °C, perfect for relieving tension and loosening muscles. But Baden-Baden does not stop there: its surroundings, with the Black Forest at its doorstep, offer opportunities to enjoy nature to the fullest.
Thermae Bath Spa (Bath, England)
The historic UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath is famous for its natural hot springs. In fact, one of its main tourist attractions, and also in all of England, is undoubtedly found in its famous Roman baths, where the Celts already enjoyed the natural hot springs.
Today the alternative in which to soak is found in the Thermae Bath Spa, which combines modernity and tradition by offering contemporary facilities in an environment steeped in history. From its spectacular rooftop pool you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, known for its characteristic Georgian architecture and grand abbey.
Termy Chocholowskie (Poland)
In the foothills of the majestic Tatra Mountains, very close to the border with Slovakia and an hour and a half from Krakow, lies Termy Chocholowskie, the largest thermal complex in Poland. A modern spa that combines tradition and technology to offer a complete wellness experience in a green natural environment.
Its facilities have outdoor and indoor pools, hydromassage areas, saunas and steam baths, as well as specific areas for children, making it a perfect destination for both families and those seeking relaxation. Here, at this time of year, it is easy to swim in waters that range between 32 and 38º C while the ambient temperature is below zero.
Lake HévÃz (Hungary)
In the heart of Hungary, near Lake Balaton, is Lake HévÃz, which with its 47,500 square meters of surface area claims to be the largest thermal lake in Europe. The lake’s waters, rich in minerals, spring from underground springs, causing the temperature to range between 24º C in winter and 36º C in summer, making it perfect to enjoy at any time of the year.
In addition to swimming in the lake, inside we find a spa that includes all kinds of treatments. Its natural environment, surrounded by forests and a quiet atmosphere, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and recharge their energies.
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