Arriving in one of our historic thermal towns, maybe by train, to immerse yourself in the spa culture of Europe is the perfect way to start your “thermal travels” habit. Whether you seek relaxation and wellness or some world-class cultural or sporting events, you will not be disappointed!
The Kurhaus (Cure House) has been the social center of Wiesbaden for hundreds of years, although the present building, with its concert halls, restaurant, and numerous ornate salons, was built in 1907 to house increasing numbers of spa guests. Kurhauses are an important feature of many spa towns and were built for conversation, dancing, concerts, and gambling. The Spielbank, or casino, is also housed in the Kurhaus, and legend has it that Fyodor Dostoyevsky was inspired to write The Gambler here. The large “bowling green” in front of the building, the colonnades, the state theater, and surrounding spa parks form an ensemble with the Kurhaus, instantly recognizable as belonging to a European thermal town – a successful model copied around the world!
The fine, blue clay mud used in spa treatments at Castrocaro Terme is matured in the thermal water, a distinctive green color and full of salts. Described by Leonardo da Vinci as the “blue earth of the sea”, this velvet mud holds large amounts of thermal water and is very effective in thermal treatments. The neighboring medieval settlement of Terre del Sole, or “Land of the Sun”, was built in 1564 for Cosimo I de Medici and is a perfectly formed Renaissance town.
Marvel at ancient architecture in this perfectly restored 1st century Roman Bath complex, complete with individual baths on the banks of the Vouga River, before heading to the Thermal baths to revitalize body and mind in the health-giving waters. Today’s Termas S. Pedro do Sul complex is well-known throughout Portugal as a treatment center for young people, who can take part in cultural and sporting activities while visiting the spa. Wellness, culture, and great local food are also available for the adults!
A short train ride from the Gare du Nord in Paris brings you to the charming town of Enghien-les-Bains, where impressive late 19th century villas cluster around a lake. Warm sulphur springs were the catalyst for the town’s development in 1766, and today the waters are used for medical and wellness treatments in the spa by the lake. Enghien also boasts a casino, a theatre, large spa hotels, and the renowned biennial digital arts festival, “Les Bains Numériques”.
Officially known as a Spa City since 1930, Budapest has more thermal baths than any other capital city in the world. Over 100 springs stream forth here and are housed in magnificent thermal baths such as the Széchenyi Baths, seen here in their winter glory. In cold weather, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being in the cocooning warmth of a thermal bath outdoors, surrounded by billowing clouds of steam. Weekend visitors should look out for “Sparty” sessions (February to November) when the buildings are a canvas for colorful light displays, as hundreds of people dance in the baths!
Thermal water in Caldes de Montbui is hot and plentiful as it gushes from the Roman fountain in the town square, but it is in the side streets that you will find several historic thermal laundries, where townspeople used to gather to wash their linen in the naturally heated water. Wastewater from this laundry is still used to irrigate the crops, producing fabulous tomatoes! Look out for the Escaldarium fire and water festival in the summer, and “thermal broth” made in huge cooking pots at the Christmas market.
Covering more than 40 hectares, the thermal park surrounding the MONDORF Domaine Thermal delights every nature lover. A pedal boat trip on the small river and mini-golf are great activities for the whole family. Discover the old thermal baths, the Orangerie, and the Waasserhaus cinema on a leisurely stroll.
Take a stroll in one of our parks and gardens – you’ll find plenty to while away some pleasant hours getting gentle exercise and enjoying the fresh air. Julie’s park is one of the oldest spa parks in continental Croatia and grew as the spa developed. The first trees were planted around Antun’s Bath, and some are still there, providing a pleasant backdrop for meeting other spa guests in the park – often in their bathrobes! A bronze statue called The Woman Bather, sculpted by Antun Augustinčić in 1927, represents the women who have made their way to Daruvar over the centuries for fertility treatments.
Mysterious ancient springs are at the center of each of our historic thermal towns. They bring minerals, salts, heat, and even strange smells from deep within the earth, having taken long and time-consuming journeys to the surface. The combination of elements in each spring gives it specific healing qualities – some you can enjoy during a long soak in a thermal bath, and others from specially shaped drinking cups while strolling through historic colonnades. Loutraki combines thermal traditions with a stunning beach-side location, perfect for summer breaks.
In the heart of France, in the volcanic region of the Massif Central, you will find many delightful towns with some of Europe’s hottest waters and a wealth of impressive fin de siècle thermal architecture. Royat is one of 17 towns of the Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, an association which has developed the Bathrobe Addicts (Les Accros du Peignoir) to encourage everyone to adopt a more relaxed, mindful lifestyle, symbolized by a simple garment common to nearly every spa experience in Europe, the bathrobe. Once you start wearing your bathrobe, you won’t be able to stop!
Two countries in one “bio-healthy” destination, Chaves-Verín not only gives you a 25-hour day due to its dual time zones, but boasts its own water route linking Chaves, Verín, Vidago, and their numerous mineral water springs. Bathe, sip water at historic buvettes (drinking pavilions), hike along the river, or meander slowly through the impressive Roman ruins. The choice is yours! At the end of the day, why not treat yourself to a stay in a palatial spa hotel, surrounded by parkland and golf courses?
Telese Terme is a small town in the province of Benevento, in the region of Campania. It is surrounded by untouched nature, which makes it a perfect destination for those who wish to spend some time away from chaos and noise. Follow in the footsteps of many illustrious guests from days gone by, discover ancient Roman ruins and an extensive thermal park which is also the home of the two spring-fed cold pools. The Pera and Goccioloni baths are open throughout the summer and are popular for relieving skin problems.
Lipik, Croatia. Lipik’s architecture, including the Marble Baths, shown in the image, reflects the late 19th century belle époque, when Lipik became a fashionable resort after the arrival of the railway from Vienna in 1861. With its neo-baroque park and top-class spas and social facilities based around the springs, it became a model of continental European tourism. A unique attraction for these fashionable guests was at the local stud farm, still in use today: the home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses.
After the rediscovery of the Elisabeth Spring in 1834 and the development of a casino in 1841, Bad Homburg’s expansion made it one of Europe’s leading spa centers. New hotels followed the building of a new Kurhaus and Kurpark, and soon guests were arriving from all over the world to take the waters, including kings and emperors who left their mark on the town’s architecture.
Lądek-Zdrój, Poland. Parks and gardens are essential features of thermal spa towns in Europe, as is the landscape surrounding the town. Often built around – and to enhance – thermal buildings, our spa parks are oases of calm and of sensory delight, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness. The spa park surrounding the Zdrój Wojciech thermal spa is complemented by an arboretum and dense forest, crisscrossed by walking trails and streams, giving the resort the feel of a mountain spa.
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