An ancestral tradition
As early as Antiquity, the Romans became aware of the virtues of natural thermal baths to the point of making them an institution within their empire. This tradition has endured in Slovakia over the centuries and the various influences on its territory. However, as in other European countries, it was from the 19th century, under the Second French Empire, that thermal cures became popular. The industrial revolution is in progress, the railway lines develop and the resorts are structured. It was the Belle Époque, and in the image of Tsar Alexander of Russia and Empress Elisabeth "Sissi" in a spa in eastern Slovakia at Bardejovské kúpele in 1895, the bourgeoisie went on holiday to the most prominent resorts in Europe.
During the XXth century, thermalism evolves thanks to the progress of modern medicine. The treatments were modernised and many soldiers wounded during the Second World War came to the spa capital of Slovakia for treatment: Piešťany. During the communist period (1948-1990), the interest for thermalism does not decrease. Aware of the uniqueness of this natural heritage, the leaders of the time created the National Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (Národný Ústav Reumatologických Chorôb) in 1952. This institute, which is still active today, consists of a college of experts in hydrologistics, chemistry, biology and balneotherapy, and is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the specific properties of the country's waters. Thermal cures are an integral part of the life of Slovaks and are sometimes covered by social security. The waters continue to cure a multitude of pathologies, but in the age of the leisure society, people today go to the water cities mainly to relax.The big thermal spas
The main town of the thermal spa in Slovakia is undoubtedly Piešťany. Enjoying an international reputation, its geothermal waters and sulphurous mud treat muscular or nervous diseases, arthrosis, serve postoperative convalescence, and of course care for the skin. Most of the facilities of this modern resort form an island, "the island of thermalism". Its green setting brings a serenity conducive to rest and relaxation.
Bardejovské kúpele is one of the pioneer cities of the thermalism. Close to the Gothic town of Bardejov, it maintains the tradition of baths since 1505. It is known for its revitalising mineral waters that cure digestion problems, diabetes and respiratory problems. It is also an ideal starting point to reach the surrounding wooden churches.
In the vicinity of Trenčin, the baths of Trenčianské Teplice are famous not only for their medicinal plaster and sulphuric waters, but also for their architecture. Its pure oriental-style hammam is well worth a visit. Built in 1888, it is a replica of the hammam of an Egyptian sovereign who fell in love with the owner's daughter. The monarch thus authorized him to build baths identical to his own.
The thermal baths of Rajecké Teplice, in the central part of Slovakia, are mainly dedicated to beauty care, to slim or shape the body. Everything is organized around the theme of Aphrodite and the motto of the place is: "We can't stop time, but ageing can"
The small thermal baths in the village of Sklené Teplice, in the centre of the country, have the originality of offering baths at 42°C in a cave before relaxing in an equally magnificent room.
There are many other small resorts all over the country, some of which give the impression of being frozen in time. Those looking for something authentic and local will be able to try a stay at the thermal baths Sliač Kúpele, located next to Banská Bystrica.There is no sea here, but thermal pools and aquaparks
This abundance of thermal waters also allows a more playful exploitation, for leisure parks adapted to family relaxation. You can find them all over the country, they are modern and fun, here is a list of the best aquaparks in the country.
Tatralandia in Liptovský Mikuláš is the largest and probably the most famous water park in Slovakia. Its spring gushes out from a depth of 2,500 m at 60 °C and feeds 14 outdoor and indoor pools with water temperatures ranging from 26 to 38 °C. With 26 water slides, the park is open all year round and is particularly popular in winter with skiers from neighbouring resorts.
, you can swim outside in thermal water at 28 or 38 °C while admiring the view of the snow-covered High Tatras. In addition to the 13 thermal pools, you can relax in the spa and take flower or salt inhalations in its hammams or enjoy the solarium. Special mention should be made of the pool bar where you can sip a small beer or sip a small vodka. Open all year round, swimming outside with negative outside temperatures is something unique.The thermal park at Bešeňová is also open all year round. It is located below Liptovska Mara. The water is supplied by a geothermal borehole 1,987 m deep, and comes out at 60.5 °C. The mineral water in some swimming pools is reddish, as it contains a large amount of minerals beneficial to the musculoskeletal system.
Oravice Aquapark Thermal is located almost on the border with Poland, only a few kilometres from Zakopane. The natural thermal water emerges at a temperature of 58 °C from its 1,611 m depth. The most interesting part of the park is probably its wave pool.
At Aquathermal Senec, six different pools operate all year round; in the summer there are eleven of them. The water in the geothermal well is 28-38°C. This place is popular with the inhabitants of the capital, as it is only 25 km from Bratislava.
Thermal Corvinus Veľký Meder is located between Dunajská Streda and Komárno. It offers a swimming pool, a recreational whirlpool, a children's pool and a well-designed family pool for entertainment. The outdoor area includes a swimming pool, an Italian pool and a children's pool with play elements. The water temperature is 27-38°C.
Wherever you are, you will have the choice to swim!
