Here, body and mind find peace and regeneration: A bath in the healing waters has proven positive effects on our health and alleviates complaints of all kinds - from respiratory diseases to skin problems. Europe's most beautiful healing springs also impress with great landscapes and cultural highlights - you should definitely take a bath here this year.

A dip in the hot springs of Europe? Yes, please. Here in the Blue Lagoon on Iceland. © Andy Wang

1. italy: Cascate del Mulino in tuscany

In the Terme di Saturnia you dive into the healing waters, all around the hot waterfalls from the ancient volcano Monte Amiata splash down - hence the speaking name Cascate (German: Wasserfälle) del Mulino. A popular hotspot for Tuscany travelers that should not be missed.

Key Facts:

Where? Italy, Tuscany, in Manciano, near Saturnia
What? Terme di Fumarole/Thermal Spring 
Special feature? The hot, healing waterfalls amidst the Tuscan countryside are well worth the visit.
Temperature? 37 °C
Effect? The high sulfur content has a positive effect on respiratory diseases, skin problems and blood circulation.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort

2. Iceland: Blue lagoon at Grindavic on Reykjanes

If you want to visit the famous "Blue Lagoon" with its turquoise healing waters during a stay in Iceland, you should book two to three weeks in advance. The place is - rightly - popular and works true skin miracles.

Key Facts:

Where? Iceland, Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavik near Reykjavík
What? Thermal outdoor pool
Special feature? The thermal bath contains mineral salts, algae and silica - the acid in the latter provides the iconic blue color of the water.
Temperature? 37 to 42 °C
Effect? The medicinal water relieves skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Cost? up to 13 years free, adults approx. € 50,-/person
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel & Spa

3. Spain: Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos in Castellón

Near the Neolithic cave Cueva Negra and ancient Arab baths lies the Río Mijares - it is fed by thermal springs at Fuente de los Baños that maintain a constant 25 °C all year round. The area is well developed and not to be missed on a trip to Valencia!

Key Facts:

Where? Spain, Montanejos in Castellón, one hour from Valencia
What? Thermal spring in a river
Special feature? The hot springs in Mijares are surrounded by mountain walls as high as houses, wild and beautiful nature and Arab baths from the 12th century. According to legend, the latter give eternal youth.
Temperature? 25 °C
Effect? The water in Fuente can be drunk - the substances magnesium sulfoate and bicarbonate contained in it relieve skin diseases and problems with kidneys and digestion.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: Only YOU Hotel Valencia

4. Italy: Ischia in the Gulf of Naples

On the green volcanic island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, travelers will find the Terme di Ischia, with 170 thermal and healing springs in various gardens and bays. From the volcanic crater port, it is best to travel immediately to the island's interior: for the mountain village of Fango, with its world-famous healing mud, is an undisputed highlight of Ischia!

Key Facts:

Where? Italy, Campania, Ischia Island in the Gulf of Naples
What? Terme di Fumarole/Thermal spring on an island
Special feature? The hot springs mix with seawater on Ischia - a real spa treatment for the skin. Especially impressive: the gardens of Poseidon.
Temperature? 70 to 100 °C
Effect? The healing mud and baths relieve pain, rheumatic complaints, respiratory diseases and relax the muscles.
Cost? varies according to the spa; free of charge in the Baia di Sorgento bay
Opening hours? Baia di Sorgento: all year round; other baths: April to November
Hotel Tip: San Montano Resort & Spa Ischia

5. greece: thermopylae in attica

Those seeking relaxation like to enter the "Hot Gates" in the north of Athens: Under the artificially built waterfall lies the Thermopylae riverbed with healing waters up to 42 °C hot. It's hard to believe that several historical battles are said to have taken place at this idyllic spot!

Key Facts:

Where? Greece, north of Athens, narrow pass between Kallídhromon massif and Gulf of Maliakós
What? Thermal gorge
Special feature? Besides the relaxing bath, you are surrounded by history here. The Persian army, known from "300", fought here against the Greeks.
Temperature? 40 to 42 °C
Effect? The hot water relaxes, loosens the muscles and has a positive effect on the complexion.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: The Margi Athens

6. France: Thués-les-Bains in the Pyrenees

Swimming, sliding, climbing: The Thués-les-Bains thermal gorge attracts sports enthusiasts to hot water canyoning in the French Pyrenees. For 6.3 kilometers, you hike along the course of the river, slide down natural slides and bathe in hot pools. Of course, only with professional guidance, such as from Inextremis Aventura! 

Key Facts:

Where? France, Pyrenees Orientales, between Thuès-entre-Valls and Nyer near Canaveilles
What? Thermal Gorge
Special feature? In the 19th century Thués-les-Bains was a popular health resort - today green overgrown ruins tell of the long history. A real insider tip in the French Pyrenees!
Temperature? 35 to 60 °C
Effect? The beneficial sulfurous water is especially good for the skin and joints.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa

7. Austria: Maibachl in Carinthia

Hidden in the Carinthian forest, a hot tip awaits hikers: the healing waters of the Maibachl, an overflow from the thermal spring in Warmbad Villach, have long been known among locals. The spring flows mostly in spring after the snow melts - from March onwards, for example - as well as after heavy rain.

Key Facts:

Where? Austria, Carinthia, Maibachl on the Dobratsch, near Villach
What? Thermal spring in the forest
Special feature? In the middle of the forest you will find warm bubbling water in the Maibachl - absolutely recommended: a hot-cold-Kneipp routine!
Temperature? 28 °C
Effect? The warm bath contains calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate and is therefore good for joint pain, cardiovascular diseases, bladder problems or osteoporosis.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? all year round, depending on the water level
Hotel Tip: The Ronacher - Spa & Resort

8. Turkey: Pamukkale in Denizli

Located near the archaeological site of Hierapolis, Pamukkale is a true natural spectacle. The Romans discovered the sinter terraces in southwestern Turkey 2,000 years ago. High time to do the same.

Key Facts:

Where? Turkey, Denizli province in the southwest of the country
What? Thermal spring in sinter terraces
Special feature? A unique sight: The hot springs are located in several limestone terraces that shine in bright turquoise - they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temperature? up to 30 °C
Effect? The highly calcareous water of the terraces helps with circulatory and heart problems, rheumatism and skin problems.
Cost? approx. € 11,-/person
Opening hours? every day from 06:30 to 20:00
Hotel Tip: Colossae Thermal Hotel

9. Albania: Bënjë near Përmet

Near the quaint Ottoman stone arch bridge Katiu, in Bënjë eight springs bubble directly in the river Lengarica. Embedded in the beautiful nature of Albania - near Përmet, the "City of Roses" - you get to know the country  from its most relaxed side.

Key Facts:

Where? Albania, in the southern county of Gjirokastra near Përmet
What? Thermal spring in the river
Special feature? Even in winter, Bënjë, with a view of the impressive Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkë mountain massif, invites you to take a hot bath - the best time to avoid the tourist crowds.
Temperature? 23 to 30 °C
Effect? The sulfurous spring water has a beneficial effect on the skin and musculoskeletal system.
Cost? free entry
Opening hours? All year
Hotel Tip: Villa Përmet

10. Hungary: Lake Hévíz in Keszthely

It is the largest natural, biologically active thermal lake in the world: Lake Hévíz in Hungary, only 200 km from Vienna, is fed by many hot springs. The water here renews itself every 72 hours!  

Key Facts:

Where? Hungary, Keszethely County in Zala County, Hévíz Spa Resort
What? Thermal spring in the lake
Special feature? Beautiful lotus flowers and water lilies appear on the water surface.
Temperature? 24 to 33 °C
Effect? Sulfur, calcium and radon in the medicinal water relieve rheumatic complaints, joint pain or skin problems. A Hévíz drinking cure has a positive effect on digestion and metabolism.
Cost? from € 10,-/3 hours per person
Opening hours? All year round at different times, here. read more
Hotel Tip: Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa.

A real sight: Lake Hévíz.