Hot Springs in Europe

Thermal Springs by European County

Map of European Countries with Thermal Springs

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Guide to Europe’s Natural Thermal Springs

A trip to one of Europe’s best natural hot springs is a great way to relax, improve your health, and feel less stressed. There are a lot of choices, from natural thermal springs in cold Iceland to medical centers in Germany that are known all over the world.

After a good soak, you’ll be ready to see the region’s museums, national parks, and other sights. When you return, spend time caring for yourself in a hotel’s hot thermal pool, with a massage, or in the sauna.

Northern Europe (Scandinavia)

With its world-famous Blue Lagoon, Iceland is one of the most well-known nations for hot springs. Even though this spa may get busy and be hard to get into without a reservation, many others around the country offer the same relaxing atmosphere.

Northern and southeastern Iceland is home to both primitive and resort hot springs that are just as popular as those located closer to Reykjavik. Some of them have been transformed into spas, complete with saunas and swim-up bars.

Since there are no volcanoes in the rest of Scandinavia, there aren’t many natural geothermal water sources like hot springs. On the other hand, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, are known for putting health first and using saunas, plus hot and cold baths. Norway’s floating saunas are becoming more popular for relaxation after a day spent in the cold.

Western Europe

There are many thermal mineral springs in Western Europe, but the exact number varies from country to country.

Home to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain is typically grouped into either Northern Europe or Western Europe, or given its own distinction called the British Isles. There are only a few places to soak in hot springs in the United Kingdom, notably the city of Bath in England has become well-known for its numerous geothermal water spas.

There are at least 30 thermal spa resorts in the French Pyrenees, where many of the region’s hot springs have been visited since Roman times.

The Black Forest region of Germany is also home to several healing thermal springs. About two thousand years ago, Romans went through there and established the first thermal baths in Baden-Baden (called after the German term for “bathe”). There are heated water springs in different parts of the country, but pools all over the land get their water from the same aquifer.

Austria, which is to the west, has the Alps and a lot of soothing hot springs all over the country. Top-notch spas made in the region are well-known across the globe and great for soaking in the beautiful Alpine scenery simultaneously.

Other western European countries with hot springs include:

• Belgium
• Switzerland

Southern Europe

Underground springs of naturally hot water can be found in almost all of the land that makes up the Italian peninsula. It comes to the surface as hot springs all over the country, turning pools and showers into a paradise-like oasis of boiling water.

In the southern part of Tuscany is the contemporary town of Chianciano Terme. It’s famed for its hot springs and thermal bath houses that provide therapy to assist in mental and physical health.

For others traveling to the Mediterranean, stop by Greece and soak in one of its many hot springs, both on islands and inland locations. The exceptional geology of the country has resulted in the existence of more than seven hundred natural hot springs spread throughout the nation.

Other southern European countries with thermal springs include:

• Portugal
• Spain

Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe might have some of the most famous hot springs on the continent. The well-known bathhouse in Budapest, Széchenyi, is the largest spa complex in all of Europe. However, Hungary as a whole has more than 1,300 thermal springs.

The Czech Republic has many mineral springs as well, particularly in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, which has often been compared to many other iconic hot springs destinations.

Poland is also a hub for natural baths, and the country’s largest concentration of spas may be found in the Tatra Mountains, especially in the town of Zakopane. Four mineral pool complexes may be found in the area, with new ones opening up every few years.

There are many great thermal waters in eastern and southeastern Europe, especially in places like Albania and Romania. Visitors can find everything from rock-walled natural baths out in nature to luxurious spa hotels that suit every taste and budget.

Turkey is also home to more than a thousand healing hot springs that have been used for hundreds of years because they are rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Other eastern European countries with hot springs include:

• Croatia

A visit to a hot spring in Europe is sure to be a relaxing and culturally enriching experience everywhere you go. Experience some rest and relaxation in the most visited continent for tourists on the planet.

Learn more about visiting Europe on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.

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