By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin | Source: Mook Editorial Department
Every year when the cold winds blow, I always arrange a spa trip for myself and my family, letting the warm thermal waters wash away the bone-chilling chill and adding a fitting seasonal atmosphere to the winter journey. Beyond the well-known Asian spa destination—Japan—flying to Europe, there are also renowned spa towns in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, and Switzerland waiting for visitors. Among them are drinkable thermal springs where you can enjoy the invigorating warmth of winter without even taking off your clothes, or even soak while admiring the beauty of the Alps, experiencing a spa journey unlike any you've remembered.
To experience a different kind of soaking culture, consider planning a European spa trip—it’s sure to be an eye-opener. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
1. Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary is the most famous and historic spa town in the Czech Republic, with a history of over 600 years. Since a medical report published in 1522 revealed the therapeutic effects of Karlovy Vary’s thermal springs, more and more people have studied these springs, and spa hotels have been built one after another, attracting many nobles and wealthy merchants for recuperation. The most famous visitors included Beethoven, Chopin, and Marx in the 19th century. The most popular way to relax at the time was to sip mineral water while strolling through the beautiful spa colonnades.
Vřídelní Kolonáda (Vridelni Spring Colonnade)
The Vřídlo (Vridelni) Spring is the most famous spring in Karlovy Vary, known for having the highest water jet and the highest temperature. The Vřídlo reaches a scorching 72°C, with its powerful water column shooting up 14 meters, giving observers inside the glass house the feeling of being in a steam room. Because the timing of its eruptions is irregular and the temperature is extremely high, visitors are prohibited from approaching to drink directly from the spring. In addition to the two-story high-temperature spring, the Vřídlo also has five other outlets with varying temperatures located on the other side of the colonnade. Though they originate from the same source, their flavors vary slightly.
The Vřídlo Spring’s water can shoot up to 14 meters high, always attracting visitors to stop and admire. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Mlýnská Kolonáda (Mill Colonnade)
The Mlýnská Kolonáda is the most beautiful spa colonnade in Karlovy Vary, designed by the famous Czech architect Josef Zítek, who also designed Prague’s National Theatre. It took 10 years to build and was completed in 1881. The original design was for a two-story colonnade structure, but due to budget constraints, the plan changed, 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 representing the 12 months of the year.
The Mlýnská Kolonáda gets its name from a nearby former mill and houses a total of five springs. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
2. Hungary
Hungary’s golden age of spas includes the 150 years of Turkish rule. The Turks, who also loved bathing, built many uniquely distinctive spas in Budapest. To this day, soaking in thermal baths is considered a national pastime in Hungary. People often head to thermal swimming pools to relax, swim a little, or play chess and chat—it's a popular social activity much like Taiwanese people gathering for tea and conversation, or heading to coffee shops for animated discussions.
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 the dedicated entrance on the right side of the hotel, purchase tickets at the entrance, and then access the elegantly prestigious bathing hall. The right corridor leads bathers to the classic and ornate pools, where golden sunlight pouring through the transparent skylight reflects off the exquisitely crafted Roman-style pools, enhancing the sense of classical luxury.
The Gellért Thermal Bath also offers Finnish saunas, mud baths, full-body massages, and underwater jet massages, ensuring all beauty and wellness enthusiasts’ needs are met. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Located in City Park, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is not only the most popular spa in Budapest but also one of the largest in Europe. With a history of 121 years, the Széchenyi not only boasts palace-like architectural beauty but also offers the classic sight of locals leisurely playing chess while soaking in the pools. Its grand yellow exterior, set against the lush greenery of the park, adds a serene healing ambiance. Inside, the baths incorporate the thermal culture of many European countries—the vast main pool and surrounding open spaces reflect Roman bathhouse traditions; smaller tub-style pools represent Greek bathing culture; and the steam rooms are inspired by Nordic designs.
Besides bathing, you can also find international chess masters competing here at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
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