Top 4 European Hot Spring Destinations for an Unforgettable Thermal Bath Experience
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Every year when the cold winds blow, many people plan a hot spring trip for themselves and their families to let the warm waters chase away the bone-chilling chill and add a fitting seasonal vibe to winter travel. Beyond the well-known Asian hot spring havens—Japan...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin | Source: Moleskine Editorial Department
Every year when the cold winds blow, many people plan a hot spring trip for themselves and their families to let the warm waters chase away the bone-chilling chill and add a fitting seasonal vibe to winter travel. Beyond the well-known Asian hot spring havens—Japan, flying to Europe offers equally renowned hot spring towns in places like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, and Switzerland. Some even serve drinkable thermal waters, allowing visitors to enjoy the soothing warmth of winter without undressing, or to soak while admiring the beauty of the Alps, delivering a completely unique hot spring experience.
For a different kind of bathing adventure, consider adding a European hot spring trip to your itinerary—it’s sure to be an eye-opener. (Image credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)
1. Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary is the most famous and historically significant hot spring town in the Czech Republic, boasting a history of over 600 years. Since a medical report published in 1522 revealed the therapeutic effects of its springs, more and more people have studied its waters, leading to the construction of numerous spa hotels that attracted nobility and wealthy merchants for recuperation. Among the most notable visitors were 19th-century figures such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Marx. The most popular pastime back then involved sipping mineral water while strolling through the elegant spa colonnades.
Vřídlo Thermal Spring Colonnade
Vřídlo is the most famous thermal spring in Karlovy Vary, known for having the highest water jet and the hottest temperature. With water gushing out at 72°C and reaching up to 14 meters high, the powerful stream creates a steam-room-like sensation for onlookers inside the glass building. Due to its irregular eruption times and extremely high temperature, visitors are prohibited from approaching to drink directly. In addition to this two-story high-temperature spring, there are five other outlets with varying temperatures located on the other side of the colonnade. Though they all stem from the same source, each has a slightly different taste.
The Vřídlo spring can shoot water up to 14 meters high, always attracting crowds of onlookers. (Image credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)
Mill Colonnade
The Mill Colonnade is the most beautiful of Karlovy Vary’s spa colonnades, designed by famed Czech architect Josef Zitek, who also created the iconic National Theatre in Prague. It took ten years to build and was completed in 1881. Originally planned as a two-story structure, budget constraints led to a redesign, and it was ultimately finalized in the Neo-Renaissance style, consisting of a central nave, side aisles, and 124 tall columns. The colonnade is adorned with 12 classical statues, each representing one month of the year.
The Mill Colonnade gets its name from a nearby former mill and houses a total of five thermal springs. (Image credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)
2. Hungary
Hungary’s golden age of thermal baths includes the 150 years of Ottoman rule, during which the bath-loving Turks also constructed many uniquely styled spas in Budapest. To this day, soaking in thermal baths is considered a national pastime in Hungary. People often head to thermal pools for relaxation, a quick swim, or a chat over chess—much like how people in Taiwan gather for tea or gather at cafés for lively discussions. It’s a widely enjoyed social activity.
Gellért Thermal Bath
The Gellért Thermal Bath, attached to the Gellért Hotel, is considered the most luxurious spa in Budapest, making it a favorite among foreign tourists. Non-guests can enter through a dedicated entrance on the right side of the hotel, purchase tickets at the gate, and then access the elegantly opulent bathing hall. A passageway on the right leads bathers to the classic, ornate pools, where golden sunlight streaming through the transparent dome bathes the Roman-style carved pools in a timeless, luxurious glow.
The Gellért Thermal Bath also offers Finnish saunas, mud treatments, full-body massages, and hydro-jet massages to meet every beauty and wellness need. (Image credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Located in City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is not only the most popular in Budapest but also one of the largest in Europe. With a history of 121 years, its architecture resembles a grand palace, and it’s common to see locals leisurely soaking while playing chess. Its yellow, majestic exterior, framed by lush park greenery, exudes a serene healing atmosphere. Inside, the vast main pool and spacious surrounding areas reflect Roman bathing culture, while smaller tub-style pools represent the Greek tradition, and the steam rooms draw inspiration from Nordic design.
Besides soaking, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is also a hotspot for chess enthusiasts to test their skills. (Image credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)
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