Thermal hotels with overnight stay
Definition: What is a thermal bath?
The term thermal bath originally refers to a pool filled with thermal water in which one could bathe. Even the Romans recognised the benefits of thermal water for body and soul. Over time, people tried to make access to thermal water easier and bathing in it more comfortable. Today, the term thermal bath therefore often no longer refers to the bath itself, but to the entire complex including the sauna landscape etc. These so-called bathing establishments are true wellness temples and sometimes very large areas with healing clinics, spa hotels and the associated infrastructure (saunas, steam baths, indoor and outdoor pools, adventure pools, etc.).
A thermal bath nowadays means a public bathing establishment with various pools, which with their warm and mineral-rich water serve not only for relaxation but also for health promotion. The water used, should have a natural water temperature of at least 20°C from a thermal spring in the region. Only bathing facilities that use groundwater with at least this outlet temperature are officially allowed to call themselves "Therme" according to the German Spa Association.
What is a thermal therapy?
A stay in a thermal spa promises relaxation for body and soul, on the one hand thanks to bathing in thermal water with its healing effects, and on the other hand because nowadays thermal spas offer a wide range of wellness services such as saunas, massages, and cosmetic treatments that are beneficial in every respect. Therapies in which the thermal water is at the centre of the treatment are called thermal therapies. Nowadays, however, these include much more than just bathing in water. With inhalations, drinking therapies, medicinal mud treatments and massages, the programme has been expanded and perfected over the years.
The effects of thermal water
According to the definition, thermal water is first of all ground water, which emerges at a regional source with at least 20°C. A thermal treatment can be useful for many problems, and bathing in thermal water works in many different ways. First of all, the gentle warmth of the thermal water plays a role. It not only stimulates the circulation, but also has a relaxing effect on the muscles. This is the basis for the areas of treatments: Cardiovascular problems and back pain, such as muscle tension. The also lower gravity causes joint relaxation in the whole body.
Then there is the hydrostatic pressure, which is the water pressure acting on the body from all sides. Several bodily functions are positively influenced by hydrostasis, such as tissue drainage, metabolism and vein function, i.e. the pumping of blood back to the heart.
Another important factor in the effects of thermal water is the minerals and salts it contains, which provide relief from joint diseases, rheumatism, arthrosis, arthritis, osteoporosis and gout. Other areas of treatment, which are added due to the minerals and salts, are neurodermatitis or allergies. For respiratory diseases, the thermal water can even be inhaled and in the form of a drinking therapy, the minerals can work wonders for diseases of the digestive tract. This healing effect of the water varies according to its mineral composition, which is why certain thermal baths also have certain healing indications.
What can I expect during my thermal holiday?
Thermal holidays are an unforgettable experience for young and old. As a guest you will dive - whether for a few days or a few hours - into a magical world that will make you forget your everyday worries immediately.
During your holiday you will live and sleep in your comfortable thermal hotel, which will spoil you with a wonderful breakfast already in the morning. Thus you start the day relaxed and full of energy. Throughout the day, you can enjoy all wellness amenities of your thermal hotel. This usually includes your own bathing world, various saunas, steam baths, a fitness area, and much more.
If you decide to stay near one of the popular, large thermal baths, it is likely that your hotel is connected to it by a bathrobe corridor, or the thermal baths are only a few minutes away. Often, our arrangements include the entrance to the thermal baths. Enjoy your day in the sauna area, take relaxing baths, treat yourself with a soothing massage or a professional beauty treatment. Immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and feel the energy of water.
Where can I find the best thermal spas?
Italy in particular is known for its traditional thermal baths and is therefore particularly suitable for your upcoming relaxing holiday. How about a spa hotel in fairytale Tuscany, for example? But not only in the warm south, but also in the east of Germany you can enjoy excellent thermal holidays. Other popular thermal spa destinations are the Czech Republic, where the popular Bohemian spa triangle awaits you, or Hungary, where you can combine your wellness break with a city trip to the enchanted Budapest.
But also in Germany you will find many wellness temples, which will spoil you by all means. Whether in one of the many thermal spas in Bavaria, in Baden-Württemberg or in Rheinland-Pfalz - we will find a thermal spa hotel for you that is perfectly tailored to your needs.
Whichever country you choose, one thing is for sure, our hotels will make your long-awaited thermal wellness holiday a reality. No matter whether it is a thermal weekend or a longer thermal therapy, your feel-good spa is already waiting for your visit!
The best thermal baths in Europe
Thermal hotel | Location | Review | Highlight | Price per day | |
Cascate del Mulino | Saturnia, Italy | 4,6/5 | Waterfalls, hot springs | for free | |
Therme Olimia | Podcetrtek, Slowenia | 4,6/5 | Slightly radioactive thermal water | €32,50 | |
Therme Erding | Erding, Germany | 4,5/5 | The sauna landscape | €35 | |
Aquaria Thermal Spa | Sirmione, Italy | 4,5/5 | Beautiful medieval place | €79 | |
St. Martins Therme & Lodge | Frauenkirchen, Austria | 4,5/5 | Situated on an idyllic lake | €28 | |
Therme Meran | Südtirol, Italy | 4,4/5 | Modern and artistically designed | €25 | |
Tauern Spa | Kaprun, Austria | 4,4/5 | 20.000 m² bathing area | €32 | |
Europa Therme | Bad Füssing, Germany | 4,4/5 | The Aerosalzum | €17,50 | |
Leukerbadtherme | Leukerbad, Switzerland | 4,4/5 | Extra child-friendly | 30 CHF (€27,80) | |
Gellert Bad | Budapest, Hungary | 4,2/5 | Historical Art Deco ambience | 5900 HUF (€17) | |
Discover our most popular mineral baths worldwide
