Europe is home to some of the world’s most famous thermal spa destinations. Most travelers have heard of the thermal baths in Budapest, the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik, or the elegant spa town of Karlovy Vary.

But if you look beyond the places that dominate travel guides, you’ll discover a different side of Europe’s spa culture. Across Central and Eastern Europe, historic spa towns have been welcoming visitors for centuries, combining mineral-rich thermal waters with stunning mountain scenery, majestic castles, lush forests, and charming old towns.

Some are well-known locally but rarely make it onto international itineraries. Others have quietly remained favorites among regional travelers while escaping the spotlight altogether.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wellness break, or want to combine sightseeing with relaxation, these underrated thermal spa destinations deserve a place on your travel list.

1. Băile Felix, Romania

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Best for: thermal relaxation + city break

Located near Oradea, in Western Romania, Băile Felix is a well-known thermal spa destination in the country. The therapeutic effects of the waters have been known since ancient times when the free Dacians noticed an improvement in physical conditions and the ease of joint pains after bathing here.

And the fame extends: in 1095, King Ladislau of Hungary enjoyed the thermal springs, and a few hundred years later (in 1221), the oldest testimony of the Băile Felix appears in a Diploma of the Vatican. In the early 1700s, Felix Heldres, a Czech monk, discovered the spring that would be used for the entire resort.

Now, Băile Felix is the largest permanent functioning resort in Romania, and its waters have been analyzed by the specialized institutions in Europe. What makes them unique is the physiological balance between chemical composition and thermality, which makes them highly efficient in both internal and external treatments.

And while locals and some Europeans already know about Băile Felix, it remains largely overlooked by international travelers.

Its ideal location (very) close to Oradea, one of Romania’s beautiful but underrated cities, makes it very easy to combine the two places in one magnificent trip. Arrive by plane, train, bus, or car in Oradea, spend a few days exploring the city – including the citadel – and then make your way to Baile Felix. The resort offers multiple spa hotels, wellness centers, and outdoor pools for a very relaxing escape.

And if your feet are itchy for the trails, yes, you can go hiking in Felix Forest, which offers tens of hectares, surrounded by alleys where you can walk or hike. Caving and horseback riding are also possible in the same area.

2. Băile Herculane, Romania

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Best for: thermal spas + hiking in the mountains

Located in the Cerna Valley and surrounded by mountains, this historic spa town dates back to Roman times. And yet, it’s Romania’s forgotten spa town. When it comes to unique bathing culture, it’s the country’s answer to… Budapest.

While myth attributes the name to the god Hercules, who rested and bathed here, history tells us it was the favorite bathing spot of both Emperor and Empress of Austria (and later Hungary), Elisabeth ‘Sissi’ and Franz Josef.
Let’s trace its roots back a bit. During Roman times, it was a place of attraction for the Roman aristocracy, frequented by prominent figures, including Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his mother, Julia.

In the 18th century, under Habsburg administration, Băile Herculane had a new period of prosperity. Baroque buildings were constructed, and the spa town became popular among the royalty. Maybe the casino had something to do with that, too…

Then it became part of Romania (in 1919), experiencing a new renaissance in the 1970s and 1980s. New hotels were built, and visitors came from the country and from abroad. After the fall of communism, a big part of the spa town was abandoned, and it’s only nowadays that efforts are made to bring it back to its former glory.

However, yes, there are plenty of thermal spas and pools available, so the town is worth a trip. All of them use thermal water, which is known for its benefits on the body and overall well-being. Ștrandul 7 Izvoare, Ștrandul Termal Versay, Sara’s Sons Pools, Artemis Pool, and Jojo Imperial Pool are just some options. Some of them, such as Artemis and Jojo Imperial, offer the possibility to book accommodation on site.

But few thermal spa towns in Europe have a setting as dramatic as Baile Herculane. And that’s why, if you are an avid hiker, this is the place to be. The popular trails are mostly…hard (or at least designated as such). So good fitness is required.

3. Sovata, Romania

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Best for: lakeside wellness escapes

Sovata is one of Romania’s most appealing spa destinations thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous surroundings. It’s also old…The town began in 1578, when Prince Cristofor Bathory, voivode of Transylvania, mentions the name in ‘Confirmatio Assecurationis Possessionis Zowatha’, an act of privileges given to the keepers of the exploitations in Sovata.

In the late 1870s, following a landslide and the accumulation of rainwater, the famous Lake Ursu (Bear Lake) was formed. It’s the largest heliothermal salt lake in Europe. And what does that mean, you wonder? It receives heat from the sun and traps it beneath a layer of cooler, less dense freshwater that sits atop denser, warmer saltwater.

At the same time, ‘Gera’, the first public bath in Sovata, started to function as a therapeutic bath in 1876. But locals used the river waters for their therapeutic benefits even before the public bath or the lake existed.

Soon, the town grew rapidly, and Sovata was declared a bathing resort. After World War II, Sovata became one of the most renowned resorts in Romania. Even the royal family visited. In 1952, it was declared a city, and the hotels followed. However, the decline started in the 1990s, and right now, you’ll find a lot of chalets and summer houses, bringing the resort back to life.

The treatments are famous across Europe, and the resort is open year-round. Whether you visit in the cooler summer months or during the mild winters, you’re in for a treat. Treatment bases near Lake Ursu and Lake Aluniș offer various therapies for gynecological, inflammatory, and rheumatic conditions, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. While at the hot baths, you can benefit from electrotherapy and hydrotherapy procedures, kinetotherapy, and warm mud wraps.

But Bear Lake is not the only one in Sovata. There’s also Lake Verde, Tivoli, Paraschiva, and Mierlei. You can go zip lining, walk on the trails, or just spend relaxing time in nature.

Currently closed (and possibly forever, due to flooding), only 10 km from Sovata, you’ll find the Salt Mountain in Praid. It was well-known for the aerosols and experience the therapeutic advantages of the salt lake baths. If it does reopen, it’s worth a visit thanks to its sheer size: it’s one of the biggest salt mines in Europe and measures 1,300 meters in length.

4. Băile Tușnad, Romania

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Best for: quiet wellness in nature

Small, green, and peaceful, Băile Tușnad is ideal for travelers who want a slower pace. Baile Tusnad dates back to 1842 with the legendary healing of a shepherd boy’s leg in the local mineral waters.

Located in Harghita County, it developed rapidly as a balneo-climateric resort until being officially granted city status in 1968, famously becoming Romania’s smallest city.

It saw the 1848-1849 Revolution, which destroyed the spa, but in the 19th century it was revived: a rebuilt spa, promenades, lookout towers (Apor-bastion), and the artificial Csukás Lake.

Often called the “Switzerland of Transylvania”, it relies on a high density of therapeutic mineral springs and CO₂ mofettas, which are heavily utilized for cardiovascular and nervous system treatments. The focus is on drinking cures, carbonated mineral baths, and dry carbon dioxide gas therapies. And by the way: do you know that you can buy bottled Tusnad mineral water in most stores in the country?

Tusnad is ideal if you want a village-like atmosphere – very laid-back and relaxed. There’s Wellness Tusnad which is marketed as a wellness center with a jacuzzi, a kids’ pool, regular pool, thermal water pool, and a variety of wellness therapies available.

And if you want to mix in some hiking, why not follow the trail to Lake Sfanta Ana? Or you can take the shorter trail (just 2.5km) to Falcon Stone (Piatra Şoimilor), which offers stunning views of Olt Valley.

5. Hévíz, Hungary

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Best for: thermal lake experiences

Hévíz is home to the world’s largest natural thermal lake that is suitable for swimming. Located 200km from both Budapest and Vienna, it’s a small town but… the second most visited after Budapest. Who would’ve known? Well, you do now. And yes, it’s pretty well-known in Europe, but its fame hasn’t crossed oceans (that much yet).

Amid lush green forest, this place is all about relaxing and being pampered. You can swim in thermal water among colorful water lilies.

The spa town dates to 1795, and the therapies are based on the medicinal water of Hévíz, which, due to its rich mineral content, is particularly effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

One of the unique things you can do here is bathe in the 24°C thermal water in winter while the snowflakes fall around you. (Side note: technically, you can do the same at Baile Felix, but the snowflakes might not show up…)

Feeling like you still have money to spare? Lake Balaton is nearby, and it offers a plethora of small towns to check out. And even spa towns like Balatonfüred.

Less inclined to break that piggy bank? Then opt for the more budget-friendly options: take a stroll in Hévíz , visit the nearby Festetics Palace in Keszthely, check out Hévíz Museum or walk in the Hévíz Forest Park. And since this is Hungary, there’s wine tasting here, too , as this is quite a famous area for wines, and there’s local food. Burn it all off with a cycling tour, we’d say.

6. Eger, Hungary

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Best for: wellness + wine

Eger is mostly known for its beautiful architecture, castle, and wine culture. And that’s exactly why we visited many years ago for our wedding anniversary. Surely, we saw the spas, and we’ll talk about them now.

There are quite a few of them dotting this small town close to Budapest. The Eger Thermal Bath opened in 1932, and it’s one of the most well-known spas in Hungary. It’s located in a 5-hectare area and features 13 pools, sports fields, a playground, and direct access to the Turkish Bath. The waters are used both for relaxation and treatment. Plus, at many hotels, you can find options for wellness treatments as well.

But, if you ask us, after a treatment or two, maybe a massage, just put on your walking shoes and enjoy the town. The castle is gorgeous, but takes a while to explore and the town is cute. You can walk to the top of the minaret (unless you’re claustrophobic, then you may want to not do that), visit the Basilica of John the Apostle, or take a day trip to the Valley of the Beautiful Women (where the wines are).

h2>7. Harkány, Hungary

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Best for: classic thermal spa holidays

Harkány is one of Hungary’s oldest spa towns, located just 25km south of Pécs. The spa town was first documented in 1323 as “Harkan”.

Its spa popularity focuses on the 62.5°C sulfurous medicinal waters, which were accidentally discovered by a well-digger in 1823.

But even before that, during the Ottoman era, the healing powers of the waters were recognized by the Turks but were quickly forgotten once they left the area.

After the discovery (rediscovery?) engineer Vilmos Zsigmondy drilled the first official artesian wells, establishing a formal and scientific foundation for the spa. But it wasn’t until 1925 that the first dedicated spa infrastructure opened.

And crazier still, it was only 1999 that Harkány officially received its city rank.

Today, Harkány remains a major rehabilitation center in Europe, drawing visitors year-round for both its therapeutic waters and its rich cultural surroundings. However, the spa town is still unknown among American travelers and somewhat hidden for the Brits.

The Thermal Spa and Bath of Harkány offers a water surface of 7,600 sq meters and a leisure area of 5,000 sq meters, where you can find 3 thermal and 5 bath pools. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a family bath experience. There’s a slide park with seven elements, which can be a real adventure for children.

As for the adults, there are various massage options, saunas, body treatments, and, of course, the pool bar.
Want to also check out the town? There isn’t much to do, but you can visit the churches (Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Reformed church, and Reformed Church of Terehegy), visit the Futó László Pál Museum, which features contemporary art, or explore Zsigmondy Park with its promenade.

And if you’re into something a bit more active, 6km from Harkány, there’s the rural community of Matty, where you can find two lakes and lovely hiking paths or biking lanes in the surrounding forest.

8. Orosháza, Hungary

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Best for: thermal spa & water park

Located close to Romania, Orosháza isn’t exactly what you’d find on many itineraries, even if you’re looking for thermal spas. Yet, we’ve been for a weekend of doing nothing except splashing in the water, relaxing in the thermal pool, and catching some tan.

Gyopárosfürdő, the spa in Orosháza, dates back to the 1860s when a local doctor, Dr. Elek László, recognized the healing properties of the local lake. The spa opened in 1869 and was extended in 1958. The development led to the current massive thermal, adventure, and park complex, with 13 indoor & outdoor pools.

When it comes to the healing properties, the water was officially classified as medicinal in 1999. Rising from a depth of 670 meters with a temperature of 47°C, the alkaline hydrogen carbonate water is used to treat locomotive disorders, rheumatism, and respiratory issues.

As for what to do here, expect to spend most of the time at the spa (Gyopárosfürdő). You can even opt for treatments like balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, massages, sauna, and more. Or swim in one of the pools, or just relax in the thermal water.
The amazing thing about this spa is that it allows night bathing on Saturdays. So on super hot days (and nights), it can offer a respite from the heat.

Surely, you can walk in town or visit Tesco if you need something (food mostly, but maybe you also have a swimsuit accident like me). Or maybe check out the local market (and bring a trusty app to translate).

9. Gyula, Hungary

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Best for: thermal spa and castle

Located on the grounds of the historic 8.5-hectare Almásy Castle park, the Gyula Castle Spa (Gyulai Várfürdő) officially opened in 1959. The 72°C alkaline-hydrocarbonate medicinal water was discovered just a year prior, but drilling began as early as 1942. Due to World War II, it was repeatedly put on hold.

Much later, in 1971, the Ministry of Health classified the facility as a certified spa in 1971. And the surrounding area achieved official therapeutic resort status in 1985.

In the early 2000s, renovation work expanded the medical services and added advanced wellness facilities. Today, balneotherapy and hydrotherapy treatments are available, such as mud baths, carbon dioxide baths, underwater jet massage, and more.

And if you’d rather spend some time exploring the area, you’re in luck. There’s Gyula Castle, built in the 15th century, and it is the only flatland brick castle in Central and Eastern Europe that is still intact. It’s small, though, but you can check the dungeon, torture chamber, workshops, kitchen, pantry, a Lady’s Room, the Knights’ Hall, a Chapel, and other residential areas. The view from the tower is nice. And you can also spend time in the park surrounding the castle.

Oh, and be sure to walk in the city. It’s really cute, and you can take a lot of photos. Ask around for the best ice cream place in town and thank me later.

10. Vyšné Ružbachy, Slovakia

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Best for: thermal spa and relaxation

Vyšné Ružbachy is a historic Slovak spa village first documented in 1329. Situated at the foothills of the Spišská Magura mountains, the village’s deep travertine deposits yield highly carbonated mineral waters.

The spa was built in the 15th century, transforming the village into an exclusive retreat for Polish and Hungarian aristocracy. Under the Zamoyski family, the village underwent its most significant modernization. One of the most notable additions was the Gallery White House, an opulent Baroque-style palace built on a travertine mound in the early 20th century and inspired by Monte Carlo.

But after 1948, the spa was nationalized and operated as a state medical spa, expanding further with new hotels and facilities. Today, the resort blends these historic aristocratic roots with therapeutic treatments and preserved natural landmarks.

The resort combines mountain climatotherapy with natural balneotherapy to treat cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, oncology recoveries, and musculoskeletal disorders. Visitors can enjoy thermal indoor and outdoor pools with a water temperature of 34°C, massages, various saunas, ultrasound, and electro-stimulation to reduce inflammation and boost tissue repair.

When you’re not relaxing at the resort, you can visit the Crater, explore Ľubovňa Castle, check out Zaskalnik Waterfall, or hike in the nearby Pieniny National Park.

11. Turčianske Teplice, Slovakia

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Best for: spa and nature

Turčianske Teplice is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe, known for its 38°C thermal springs. It is the only spa in Slovakia specifically known for treating kidney and urinary tract diseases, alongside musculoskeletal and locomotive disorders.

The therapeutic waters famously attracted royalty, including King Sigismund of Hungary. Legend has it he bathed in the waters wearing his gold crown to cure gout.

The surrounding region is also historically significant, particularly the nearby historical village of Mošovce, which dates back to 1233 and was once a major crafts center.

At the ⁠SPA & Aquapark Turčianske Teplice, you can indulge in aromatherapy, mud baths, or herbal bath. Various wraps, gold treatments, massages, and saunas are also available. Suffice to say, this is a spa leaning heavily towards a luxury experience. Proceed with caution if budget is a concern.

And the waterpark area is also high-end, with high-energy entertainment featuring a white-water bypass channel, the steep “Kamikaze” slide, and a movie slide with integrated video projections.

On another note, Kúpeľný park (Spa Park) is a massive historic park cutting directly through the center of town, with plenty of walking paths and public fountains with free thermal drinking water. Plus, there are some unique art installations to check out, ideal for some quirky photos.

And if you’re after more adrenaline, the Tlstá and Ostrá Peak Loop is widely regarded as one of the most stunning, rocky ridge hikes in the Veľká Fatra National Park. Pack good hiking shoes!

Or if you enjoy exploring caves, Harmanecká Cave and Mažarná Cave are also in the nearby area. Oh, and there’s also Bojnice Castle, located about a 30-minute drive away. It’s one of Europe’s most romantic, fairy-tale-style neo-Gothic castles.

12. Lądek-Zdrój, Poland

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Best for: spa and nature

Located in Lower Silesia, Lądek-Zdrój is one of the oldest spa towns in Poland and Europe. Its history is defined by its therapeutic sulfur and radon waters, which attracted European royalty, aristocracy, and cultural icons throughout the centuries.

The town was granted its charter in the second half of the 13th century. Around the same time, thermal springs were discovered near the foot of Świętojerskie Hill. In 1498, the very first bathhouse, Georgenbad, was established. Much later, in 1680, the Marienbad, now famously known as the Wojciech Sanatorium with its distinctive neo-baroque rotunda, was founded, marking the beginning of the town’s planned spa architecture.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Lądek-Zdrój developed into a highly exclusive and luxurious health resort. But following World War II and the Yalta Conference, the region of Kłodzko Land was transferred from Germany to Poland. The spa resort underwent a cultural shift, transitioning from an exclusive retreat to a widely accessible medical spa.

In recent decades, Lądek-Zdrój has successfully modernized its infrastructure, focusing heavily on eco-tourism and becoming one of Poland’s first energy-self-sufficient communities using renewable energy.

The town’s therapeutic treatments rely heavily on its rare natural thermal waters rich in radon, sulfur, and fluorine. The most popular option is the 30-minute bath inside a historic neo-baroque marble basin filled with hot, un-rinsed sulfur-fluoride healing water (29–30°C). Other treatments include radon-sulfur baths, pearl and mud baths, hydrotherapy, and crenotherapy.

Lądek-Zdrój sits at the base of the Golden and Bialskie Mountains (part of the Sudetes range), offering routes directly accessible from the spa center. You can take the Trojak Mountain trail (marked in blue), hike to the Karpień Castle Ruins, or explore the Arboretum Loop.

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