Did you know that Slovakia is home to some of the best thermal spas in Europe? Slovakia is located in a geothermally active area, meaning there are hot water springs rich in minerals underground. For us from the Czech Republic, it’s also a short trip. In this guide I will share with you Slovakia: 15 Best Places for Your Holiday, focusing on the best thermal spas. So, let’s explore the best thermal spas Slovakia has to offer.
Thermal Spas in Slovakia: when to Visit and What to Bring
You can visit Slovak thermal springs all year round, but the best time to visit is spring and autumn, when it’s neither too hot nor too cold. Winter, however, has its own charm due to the contrast between the hot water and the cold air.
For thermal spas, I recommend packing a swimsuit, bathrobe, towel, and slippers. Some spas also offer special wellness packages that are worth booking in advance.
TIP: 28 Best Wellness Stays in the Czech Republic
Slovakia: 15 Best Places for Your Holiday
If you’re looking for a vacation full of relaxation, fun, and regeneration, read on. I’ve put together 15 tips for the best thermal spas in Slovakia for you. So feel free to draw inspiration.
Most Slovak thermal spas are easily accessible by both car and public transport. You’ll also find a variety of accommodation options near the spas, from hotels to smaller guesthouses.
You might also like: 15 Tips for the Best Wellness Hotels in Poland.
1) Piešťany Spa
One of the most famous thermal complexes in Slovakia is Piešťany Spa. Piešťany is known for its mud baths and healing mineral springs with sulfur content at a temperature of 67 – 69 °C. If you have problems with your musculoskeletal system or rheumatic diseases, Piešťany is an ideal place for you.
The spa town of Piešťany will pleasantly surprise you, as it offers plenty of cultural activities and other entertainment. For example, walk across the Colonnade Bridge and stop by the symbol of Piešťany, the famous statue of the Crutch Breaker. Visit also the House of Art or the Balneological Museum. Don’t forget to stroll through the beautiful park along the Váh River and taste the local mineral water.
You can stay at the Ensana Splendid hotel, which is part of the modern Balnea wellness center with an outdoor and indoor pool and various therapeutic procedures, or at the Thermia Palace hotel.
2) Podhájska Thermal Spa
Another gem in Slovakia is the village of Podhájska. The water in Podhájska has a composition similar to the Dead Sea, which is ideal for people with skin problems, breathing difficulties, or thyroid issues. In Podhájska, I recommend visiting the Podhájska thermal swimming pool (especially if you’re traveling with children), or the Roman Baths. You can stay near the thermal baths in the RELAX Podhájska apartments or Ubytovanie Agate.
3) Bojnice Thermal Spa
Another spa town can be found in Bojnice, Slovakia. The thermal springs here emerge from nine sources, and the water has a temperature of around 30 °C. After bathing in the thermal waters, be sure to visit the famous Bojnice Castle, where, for example, ‘The Incredibly Sad Princess’ was filmed, and the local Zoo, which is the oldest in Slovakia.
As for accommodation, I recommend Hotel pod Zámkom or Penzion Termal.
4) Trenčianske Teplice
The city of Trenčín lies a short distance from our borders, and right nearby you’ll come across the spa town of Trenčianske Teplice. Here, a truly extraordinary experience awaits you. You’ll find six pools filled with healing thermal water rich in sulfur and the unique Oriental Hammam baths.
Sulphate water and mineral mud are particularly beneficial for people suffering from musculoskeletal problems, rheumatism, or skin, nervous, or gynecological issues. Indulge in sulfur mud wraps, compresses, and massages.
After the procedures, visit the town center or go for a hike; the local nature is breathtaking. In summer, festivals such as Hudební léto (Music Summer) or the International Film Festival Trenčianske Teplice are also held here.
Accommodation in the center of Trenčianske Teplice near the spa is offered by Hotel Vila Anna or Hotel Most Slávy.
5) Rajecké Teplice – Aphrodite Spa
If you are looking for peace and relaxation, Rajecké Teplice with its thermal pools and Aphrodite wellness center is a perfect choice. Here you can relax in indoor and outdoor pools with healing water that reaches temperatures of up to 38 °C and contains beneficial calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals have a beneficial effect on musculoskeletal problems, injuries, the nervous system, and anxiety. As a result, these spas are frequently sought out not only by Slovak celebrities and athletes but also by foreign footballers.
The wellness center also offers massages, wraps, electrotherapy, paraffin therapies, and inhalation. Don’t forget to visit the sauna world, where sauna rituals take place.
I recommend staying at Aphrodite Palace right next to the Aphrodite wellness center.
6) Bešeňová
If you plan to go to the spa with children, then I recommend visiting Bešeňová Water Park, in the village of the same name. The thermal springs here have a long tradition dating back to the Celts. However, the spa complex has undergone significant modernization in recent years and is now among the most sought-after thermal spas with an aquapark in Slovakia.
Bešeňová therefore offers not only thermal spas but also water attractions such as slides, water massages, and a wild river. In summer, you can enjoy the outdoor pools, while in winter, the warm thermal water will keep you warm.
Accommodation Tip: Hotel Galeria Thermal Bešeňová or Grand Hotel Starý Smokovec
7) Aquapark Tatralandia
Among the best aquaparks with thermal water is Aquapark Tatralandia, a short distance from Liptovský Mikuláš. The healing mineral water, which springs from a depth of 2,500 meters here, has positive effects not only on the musculoskeletal system but also on the respiratory system.
The aquapark is open year-round and offers 14 pools, 28 slides and toboggans, a variety of fun attractions, a tropical paradise, and a Celtic sauna world. There is also a wellness & spa center that provides a wide range of spa procedures. In two special pools, Tropical Pool and White Lagoon, you’ll find seawater with a high content of minerals typical of the Mediterranean Sea, which has beneficial effects on the skin and is also suitable for young children.
If you plan a longer stay, I recommend staying in the Holiday Village Tatralandia cottages near the aquapark with a discount on admission to the water park.
8) Turčianske Teplice
Another tip for thermal spas is Turčianske Teplice, which were already popular with significant rulers and nobles, such as Emperor Maximilian Habsburg or King Sigismund of Luxembourg. The thermal springs here emerge from seven sources and are ideal for treating musculoskeletal diseases, digestive tract issues, skin conditions, urological problems, and women’s health issues. In addition, they have rejuvenating effects and provide energy.
The town itself will provide entertainment. You can visit various theater performances or concerts. You can also stroll through the city park and admire benches of bizarre shapes. Furthermore, Turčianske Teplice is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on hiking or cycling trips.
Accommodation in the center with spa services is provided by Royal Palace or VEĽKÁ FATRA kúpele Turčianske Teplice.
9) Dudince Spa
In the south of Slovakia, you’ll come across the smaller, quieter Dudince Spa. Here you can enjoy relaxation in a modern environment – whether at the Dudinka summer swimming pool with thermal water, within the spa premises, or in the Wellnea vital world.
The thermal water here contains up to six important mineral elements that support the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, rheumatic diseases, and the cardiovascular system. In the vital world, you’ll find a whirlpool and a sauna world with two dry and two steam saunas. In the morning, you can participate in exercises and water gymnastics, which will help you improve your fitness.
To be close to the thermal spas, you can stay at Penzion U Mlynárky.
10) Nimnica Spa
Among the youngest spas in Slovakia are the Nimnica thermal baths. During the construction of the Nosice water reservoir in 1952, workers discovered a local thermal spring here. Today, you can enjoy the effects of mineral water rich in potassium, magnesium, chlorine, iodine, sodium, and other trace elements, which help in the treatment of the musculoskeletal, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
Nimnica Spa is an ideal place not only for relaxation but also for rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy procedures include bathing in pools and whirlpools, with therapy often combined with water exercises, which helps strengthen muscles and joints. You can also combine your therapeutic stay with walks along the reservoir.
Accommodation Tip: Hotel Gino Park Palace
11) Dunajská Streda Thermal Spa
Another tip for thermal spas is Dunajská Streda, where you can especially visit Thermalpark. The complex features 10 pools, a large sauna world, steam and solarium cabins, and a massage center. The healing water here is drawn from a depth of 1600 meters at a temperature of up to 57 °C.
Dunajská Streda is a popular destination for families with children due to its many pools and water attractions. After bathing in the thermal waters, you can go for a cycling trip through the landscape of Žitný ostrov (Rye Island).
I recommend staying at the Thermalpark hotel, which offers free entry to the indoor and outdoor thermal pools of the Dunajská Streda aquapark.
12) AquaCity Poprad
In the heart of Poprad, beneath the High Tatras, the popular aquapark AquaCity Poprad awaits you. This modern complex offers outdoor and indoor pools with water temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 °C, fed by natural thermal water springing from a depth of 1,300 meters. The water contains over 20 different minerals that have beneficial health effects. It helps with musculoskeletal problems, respiratory issues, circulatory system problems, nervous system disorders, and even has positive effects on the skin.
You’ll find 13 healing and relaxation pools, slides, whirlpools, saunas, and over 350 different water attractions that will delight not only children but also adults. In the evening, you can look forward to a light show when the pools are illuminated.
I recommend visiting during the winter months, when you can enjoy the combination of mountains and warm healing water.
Choose accommodation at Hotel AquaCity Seasons or AquaCity Mountain View, which are part of the complex.
13) Thermal Park CORVINUS Veľký Meder
If you head to the south of Slovakia, then definitely don’t miss visiting the peaceful thermal spa Thermal Park CORVINUS in the village of Veľký Meder. The thermal springs here emerge from a depth of 1.5 kilometers, with one of the boreholes reaching a natural temperature of over 76 °C. However, the water in all 13 pools is adjusted to a more pleasant temperature, ranging from 25 to 38 °C. It primarily treats the muscular system, chronic fatigue, joints, and spine.
The complex has 13 indoor and outdoor pools and is ideal for visiting in both summer and winter. For children, there are kids’ pools, slides, and playgrounds available.
Accommodation Tip: Spa & Wellness Hotel Orchidea
14) Malé Bielice Thermal Spa
If you are looking for peace and a less-known place, Malé Bielice, a short distance from Trenčín, is a great choice for you. The spa offers a peaceful atmosphere and pleasant thermal pools for relaxation. You’ll find five year-round pools with mineral thermal water here. In addition, you can also visit the sauna world or get a massage. You can stay in the Termály Malé Bielice apartments.
15) Vadaš Thermal Spa, Štúrovo
The Vadaš Thermal Complex in Štúrovo is popular mainly in summer, when various events and festivals are held here. The healing thermal water spring reaches temperatures of up to 40 °C and is cooled to varying degrees for use in indoor and outdoor pools. The springs have healing effects, especially for the musculoskeletal system.
Not far from the spa lies the town of Štúrovo, which is located directly on the southern border between Slovakia and Hungary. Hungary, as you surely know, is another country rich in thermal spas, so you can take a trip there as well.
After bathing and relaxing, I recommend walking across the bridge over the Danube and visiting the Hungarian city of Esztergom. You can stay at Wellness Hotel Thermal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the best time to visit Slovak thermal spas?
The best time to visit is spring and autumn, but the spas are accessible year-round.
Are Slovak thermal spas suitable for families with children?
Yes, many thermal spas, such as Tatralandia, offer attractions for children and entire families.
What are the healing effects of thermal springs?
Thermal water has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system, respiratory tracts, and skin problems.
What are the average admission prices for thermal spas?
Admission ranges from 10 to 30 euros, with possible discounts for families, students, and seniors.
Who are thermal spas suitable for?
Thermal spas are suitable for a wide range of people – from seniors seeking pain relief, to families with children, to athletes who need regeneration after physical exertion.
Why visit Slovak thermal springs?
One of the greatest advantages of thermal springs is their healing effect. Thermal water is rich in minerals and helps in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, skin problems, and respiratory issues. Furthermore, bathing in thermal springs is extremely pleasant and relaxing, and it also promotes muscle regeneration.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
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