The best thermal baths in Europe. Ranking of thermal baths worth visiting

The best thermal baths in Europe have enjoyed unflagging popularity for years. They are ideal places for relaxation and regeneration surrounded by beautiful landscapes. From luxury spas to wild springs, each offers something unique. Here’s a guide to the thermae worth visiting for a dip in waters warm from nature.

What are thermal waters?

Thermal waters are underground resources whose temperature at the outflow from the intake is at least 20°C. Their heating is related to the natural heat of the Earth’s interior – the so-called geothermal energy. They can occur at various depths and in a variety of geological structures, and their temperature and chemical composition are the result of long-term contact with the surrounding rocks.

Why visit thermal baths?

Regular bathing in thermal waters has physical and mental health benefits, among others:

• Improve blood circulation and metabolism;
• Relieve muscle pain, joint pain and rheumatic complaints;
• Strengthen the immune system;
• Reduce stress and nervous tension;
• Improve the condition of the skin, smoothing it and increasing its elasticity.

The best thermal baths in Europe – our TOP 3 destinations

1. Hungary – the thermal capital of Europe

With more than 1,300 registered thermal springs, Hungary is the European leader in geothermal. As many as 123 are located in the capital, Budapest. The most popular of these are:

• Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő – opened in 1913 in the heart of Budapest’s City Park (Városliget) is the largest therapeutic bath complex in Europe. The thermal waters come from deep boreholes – the first, 975 meters deep, was drilled between 1865 and 1875, and the second, 1256 meters deep, in 1938. The water temperature here reaches 74-77°C at the source, and in the pools ranges from 20 to 38°C. The complex includes 18 pools – including three outdoor pools (used year-round) and numerous saunas, steam baths and relaxation areas.
• Gellért Gyógyfürdő, also located in Budapest, has been in operation since 1918. The springs that feed the baths come from deep deposits beneath Gellért Hill, providing water at a temperature of 35-40°C. The complex impresses with marble columns, Zsolnaya mosaics and a glass dome, creating an atmosphere of luxury. It offers indoor pools, outdoor pools and a 1927 wave pool inspired by Roman thermal baths.
• Lake Hévíz (western Hungary) is the world’s largest biologically active thermal lake. It covers about 4.4 hectares (47,500 m²). The water flows out of an underground grotto at a depth of about 38 meters with a flow rate of about 410 l/s and completely renews itself every 72 hours. The water temperature varies from 24°C in winter to about 38°C in summer, so bathing is possible all year round.

2. Iceland – a geothermal paradise

Iceland, located at the junction of tectonic plates, is famous for its numerous hot springs, thanks to intense volcanic and geothermal activity. Among the most famous are:

• Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavik, was created in the 1970s as a byproduct of the Svartsenga geothermal power plant. The 37-39°C water comes from deep boreholes that pump a mixture of fresh and seawater, heated by magma. The azure color of the lagoon is due to the presence of silica, and the luxury complex offers pools, saunas and mud masks surrounded by volcanic rocks.
• Mývatn Nature Baths, located in the north of the island, draws 36-40°C water from underground geothermal springs in the Mývatn Lake region. The complex was built in 2004.The creators were inspired by Blue Lagoon, but Mývatn Nature Baths is less popular and therefore also less crowded.
• Seljavallalaug, Iceland’s oldest functioning swimming pool, was built in 1923. It lies in a valley surrounded by mountains in the south of the country. The 32-38°C water comes from a natural hot spring that flows directly from the rocks. Access to the pool requires a short walk, and the raw, wild surroundings attract lovers of minimalism and nature.

3. Italy – Tuscan wonders

Tuscany, thanks to geothermal activity in the region, offers some of the most beautiful natural thermal baths in Europe. The facilities have attracted travelers for centuries.

• Saturnia – Cascate del Mulino is one of the most impressive natural thermal baths in Italy. The sulfurous waters, with a constant temperature of 37.5°C, flow out from the foot of the extinct Monte Amiata volcano and form small limestone waterfalls and basalt cascades that have taken thousands of years to form.
• Bagni San Filippo is another Tuscan marvel, where 37°C sulfurous water flows from hot springs, creating limestone formations called the White Whale (Italian: Balena Bianca). These springs, discovered in ancient times, were used by the Etruscans and Romans. The harsh, natural setting and lack of commercial infrastructure add to the authenticity of the place.
• Ischia, Abano Terme and Montecatini Terme are three legendary Italian thermal spas whose traditions date back to ancient Rome. On the island of Ischia, 28-40°C geothermal waters, heated by the volcanic activity of Vesuvius, for example, feed the Giardini Poseidon complex – one of the largest thermal parks in Europe. At Abano Terme, located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, flow some of the hottest waters in Europe – reaching up to 87°C. They are rich in mineral salts and used, among other things, for mud baths. Montecatini Terme, on the other hand, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, is famous for its 11 mineral springs of 24-33°C, available both in elegant pools and classic pump rooms.

Thermae closer than you think – Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Although the largest thermal complexes are associated with distant regions, Poland also boasts numerous baths with naturally warm water. The most popular of these are Chocholowskie Thermal Baths, BUKOVINA Thermal Baths and Bania Thermal Baths in Podhale.

Lovers of warm baths can also head across our southern border. The Czech Republic is famous for its historic spas such as Karlovy Vary and Teplice, where drinking cures are available alongside thermal baths. Slovakia, on the other hand, attracts tourists with complexes such as Tatralandia and Bešeňová, offering modern aquaparks with geothermal waters and views of the Tatra Mountains.