Top Spa Towns in Europe to Enjoy a Relaxing, Cultural Getaway

The waters. Doctors often prescribed the cure-all remedy to European patients during the 18th and 19th centuries. This meant they had to go to a peaceful town with good weather and spend several months drinking the healing waters. This treatment was quickly associated with Europe’s elite and wealthy, requiring them to leave home to relax in a distant town.

Thus was born the European tradition of spa towns. Wealthy patrons would spend entire seasons in these towns to relax and drink therapeutic waters with varying mineral contents. It is up to the doctor-patient confidentiality whether it worked or not. However, the future saw beautiful towns with exceptional architecture, history, culture and top-notch spa facilities.

While spa holidays are still very popular but more affordable to the masses, the top ten European spa towns offer a relaxing, cultural getaway that will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

Merano, Italy

Merano is located in the South Tyrol region, Italy’s Dolomites. Since the 1800s, Merano was a popular destination for Europe’s wealthy. Its mild climate and curative waters promise relaxation and restoration among stunning alpine scenery.

The waters once nourishing Austrian empress Sissi and composer Strauss, as well as writers such Pound and Kafka, are now available at a range of luxury resorts and spas like the Henri Chenot Wellness Centre and the 25-pool Terme Merano wellness compound, which is known for its radon rich thermal baths.

Take time to stroll the historic promenades, admire the architectural styles, including Art Nouveau and Belle Epoque, or take a concert at the Kurhaus. You can also visit iconic places like Tyrol Castle. November and December are great times to visit for the annual Wine Festival, Culinaria Food Fair, and Christmas Market.

Saturnia, Italy

The hot springs of Saturnia, located in the hills surrounding this Tuscan town, are a legend. A bolt from Saturn’s lightning created them. These hot springs have been popular since Roman times because of their high sulfur content. This helps to treat skin conditions.

There are many luxury resorts, such as the Terme di Saturnia. But the most popular is the Cascate del Mulino hot springs, located outside town. They are famous for their cascading pools, terraced surroundings, and proximity to the provincial areas. The town has a top-notch archaeological museum. Visitors can also visit nearby Roman monuments and walk the streets of this medieval capital.

Baden-Baden, Germany

Baden-Baden, a Black Forest village, was founded 2,000 years ago by Romans as a retreat. It then experienced a revival in the 19th century as a spa destination.

There are many bathhouses that visitors can visit, including the traditional Kurhaus spa. But the two most popular bathhouses are the historic Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa.

There are many other things to do in this town, such as exploring the Old Town and the Roman baths or seeing the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, Germany’s largest opera house, performing world-class music, and browsing the museums.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary, with its collonaded, colourful houses perched on the banks of the Ohio River and Tepla Rivers, is the perfect image of a European spa town.

The town and its environs became prominent during the 19th-century spa town boom. There are 13 large springs and 300 small ones. Five large springs are located along the Mill Colonnade walkway in the town’s centre. Spa resorts such as the Elizabeth Baths, Soviet-era Hotel Thermal, or the Imperial Baths offer treatments based on the recommendations of a physician. These include hydro-therapy and mineral-rich water.

Visitors can spend hours admiring the many historical buildings of the Neo-Renaissance or Baroque eras. They can also visit the Diana Lookout tower and the Vridlo indoor hot spring.