With winter knocking on the door and the accumulated stress of the year on our backs, there’s no better time to plan a getaway dedicated to well-being. Hot springs and spas provide the perfect retreat, and if they also serve as an excuse to explore new places, so much the better.
Diving into a warm swimming pool surrounded by snowy landscapes or enjoying a relaxing treatment in a designer spa is undoubtedly an experience that revitalizes the body and mind. And even if there is no shortage of thermal water areas in Spain, you can always want a change of scenery and go for a little European getaway to treat yourself a little.
Europe, home of legendary hot springs and spas, offers incredible destinations. Many, moreover, are located in very 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 an enjoyable bathing experience.
Saturnia Waterfalls (Italy)
Hidden in the heart of Tuscany, the Molino waterfalls in Saturnia are an extraordinary natural corner. Indeed, the entire region has many thermal springs, but these waterfalls are renowned for their constant temperature of 37.5°C and their beneficial properties for the skin and the circulatory system.
There are many thermal spas in the surrounding 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 limestone rocks. So immersing yourself in its waters, with the gentle sound of water falling from waterfall to waterfall, is an experience truly difficult to forget.
Aqua Dome (Längenfeld, Austria)
In the heart of Austrian Tyrol lies the Aqua Dome, a futuristic spa surrounded by majestic mountains. Its outdoor thermal pools are bowl-shaped and heated so you can enjoy its warm waters while contemplating the snowy landscape that surrounds you.
This resort offers a total of 12 swimming pools, 7 saunas and “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 discover small Tyrolean towns full of charm.
Széchenyi (Budapest, Hungary)
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 resort has 21 swimming pools, most of which are outdoor, where the magic happens in winter: bathing in its warm waters while snowflakes fall around you.
Budapest is known as the “City of Spas”, Széchenyi being just one of them. Other thermal baths to visit are the historic Gellért Baths, known for their Art Nouveau architecture, and the striking Rudas, which dates back to the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop swimming pool.
Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
Iceland is a country of extremes, but also 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 Reykjavík, in the southwest of the island, you cannot miss the famous Blue Lagoon, whose characteristic turquoise blue water is loaded with beneficial minerals 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 resort in Styria, Austria is much more than a spa, as it is an architectural work of 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 indoor and outdoor thermal pools. The jewel of the place is the Vulkania, a spring whose mineral-rich water reaches 37°C, ideal for relaxing muscles and revitalizing the skin.
Caracalla thermal spa (Baden-Baden, Germany)
The elegant town of Baden-Baden in southwest Germany has been known as a spa destination since Roman times. Among its spas, the Caracalla Spa stands out, a temple of relaxation with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas and an atmosphere that exudes luxury and tranquility.
Its thermal waters flow at temperatures between 32 and 38°C, perfect for relieving tension and relaxing muscles. But Baden-Baden doesn’t stop there: its surroundings, with the Black Forest on its doorstep, offer the opportunity to fully enjoy nature.
Thermae Bath Spa (Bath, England)
The historic city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its natural hot springs. In fact, one of its main tourist attractions, and also in all of England, is undoubtedly its famous Roman baths, where the Celts already took advantage of the natural hot springs.
Today, the alternative to soaking up is at Thermae Bath Spa, which combines modernity and tradition by offering contemporary facilities in an environment steeped in history. From its spectacular rooftop swimming pool, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, known for its characteristic Georgian architecture and its grand abbey.
Termy Chocholowskie (Poland)
At the foot 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 spa complex in Poland. A modern spa that combines tradition and technology to offer a complete wellness experience in a lush natural environment.
Its facilities have outdoor and indoor swimming pools, hydromassage areas, saunas and steam baths, as well as specific areas for children, making it an ideal destination both for families and those who looking for relaxation. Here, at this time of year, it is easy to swim in waters that fluctuate between 32 and 38ºC while the ambient temperature is below zero.
Lake Hévíz (Hungary)
In the heart of Hungary, near Lake Balaton, lies Lake Hévíz, which with its 47,500 square meters of surface area claims to be the largest thermal lake in Europe. The mineral-rich waters of the lake flow from underground springs, varying the temperature between 24ºC in winter and 36ºC in summer, making it an ideal place to enjoy it 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 its calm atmosphere, make it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and recharge their batteries.
