The thermal Spa is a Spa where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of a hot, healing thermal waters.
Hot springs is groundwater emerging at the surface and warming above 20 °C.
Their therapeutic effect has been known for a long time: the first bathing establishments in Europe appeared in Ancient Greece, then became widespread in Ancient Rome, and thence went across the continent.
Now it is a popular form of relaxation and treatment that does not depend on the time of year. Almost all baths in Europe open all year round, and mild winters do not push away from bathing in the open air even at low sub-zero temperatures.
First place in the number is Hungary, which has long and successfully attracts tourists including medical tourism.
1. The Széchenyi Bath
The most famous baths of Hungary — Spa complex in Budapest is located in Budapest, near the Park of Varosliget. Built in 1913, these baths are reminiscent of a real Palace both outside and inside. Around the perimeter of the building there is a small bath with water of different temperature and composition, some of them equipped with a Jacuzzi and various saunas with different temperature and humidity, there are also aromatic saunas. In the courtyard there are two spacious pools, one of them the water reaches 34-36 degrees (be it more than 20 minutes is not recommended), in another — about 30-32. A frequent pattern that can be seen in Budapest: elderly people gather right here in the open pool, at any time of the year for chess. For young people there is something fun to do once a week baths are open at night to conduct one of the largest parties of the Budapest — Chaff (Szecska).
Price: 15 Euro per day in the morning (until 8 am) and evenings (after 5 days) cheaper.
2. Lake Heviz
South of Budapest, near the famous Balaton lake, is a unique thermal source. Lake Heviz is Europe’s largest warm-water lake with an area of 47 500 square meters. It is fed by an active underground sources and is fully cleared for 28 hours. The water here ranges from 27 degrees in winter to 34 degrees in summer, making it suitable for bathing all year round. In addition, water has a rare composition, comprising potassium, calcium and bicarbonates, which are useful for people with problems of the musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal and the peripheral nervous system. Because of the composition and temperature of the water in the lake is almost no flora and fauna with the exception of water lilies. In the middle of the lake was built a Spa centre with saunas, Jacuzzi and salt room, which you can get into from the shore, and rise directly from the lake.
Price: 8.5 euros for 2 hours. The cost for the day is 13 euros.
3. Bath in Miskolc-Tapolca
Another unusual Hungarian bath is located in Miskolc-Tapolca (northeastern Hungary) and famous for its location in a natural cave that was formed over several millennia under the influence of thermal springs. Thanks to the thermal water in this cave is special wholesome air, and the treatment is recommended for people with disorders of the respiratory system. The water here is not so strongly saturated with salts and minerals as in other baths, you can swim in it without time constraints. In the baths of Miskolc-Tapolca, there are several small rooms, located in a cave, and a spacious bath on the fresh air surrounded by beech forest.
Price: 11 Euro per day.
4. Baths in Baden-Baden
The German city of Baden-Baden at the hearing since the XIX century, when went there the famous Russian poets, writers and aristocrats. Here are some of the most famous thermal baths in Germany: the historic Friedrichsbad, founded 2000 years ago by the Romans (of course, the baths were rebuilt in the XIX century, and the remains of Roman baths can be observed nearby), and the modern baths of Caracalla. In addition, many hotels of Baden-Baden have their own Spa centres and private sources. Baden-Baden is situated in the picturesque village of the black forest (Black forest) between the slopes of the mountains, here salubrious air and favourable climate, together with useful thermal water makes it perfect for recreation, treatment and recovery. In the baths also presents a wide range of possibilities: indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi and jet showers, saunas and damp Turkish bath, salt room, Solarium and much more.
Price: from 15 euros (2 hours), 21 euros (4 hours).
Of course, Baden-Baden is not the only Spa town in Germany. Pay attention to all of the city, having in its composition a part of the “bad” — it suggests that there is likely to have thermal spas.
5. The blue Lagoon in Iceland
The blue Lagoon in Iceland, attracts many tourists not far from Reykjavik, a huge area, the opportunity to bask in the hot and healthy water at normally cool temperatures outside. Interestingly, these baths are not of natural origin: water is the real thermal, but the complex together with the “lake” is a creation of human hands, perfectly imitating natural landscapes.
Price: from 35 euros 40 euros in winter and summer.
6. Thermal center Caldea
In a small Andorra, known as a center of ski tourism and the area with reduced tax rate, has located the biggest mountain thermal center Caldea. Despite the fact that the thermal springs in the Pyrenees, discovered long ago, balneological center was built in Andorra in 1994. Caldea more than most ancient baths, and includes all the fun: indoor and outdoor pools, aquamassage, saunas and steam baths of different temperatures, a Jacuzzi, a Solarium, baths with cold water and more. Baths designed primarily for skiers — here they can relax and unwind after an active sport.
Price: 34 euros.
