A team of experts from the international travel magazine Lonely Planet has only found two more extraordinary spas than the Lake Spa of Hévíz. First place was given to the famous Icelandic Blue Lagoon, a truly magical place, if not a naturally formed lake. The second place was awarded to the Thermal Bath Spa in England, a classic spa that can only be visited as a museum today, bathing is not here permitted.
The Lonely Planet compilation includes a total of 20 thermal baths, and in addition to Hévíz, Budapest's Széchenyi Bath has also made it into the top 10.
WHAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THE 10 MOST EXTRAORDINARY BATHS?
1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
You have to see it to believe it! It is said that the bright turquoise-blue pool, 30 minutes from Reykjavik in the rugged lava fields, could easily be assumed to be a natural formation; however, it was created artificially. Its water is full of which is from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
Source: Lonely Planet
2. Thermae Bath Spa, England
So romantic! The Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, England took second place on the list. Here can be found the only hot spring in Great Britain, where the water has been enjoyed by many throughout history from the Celts to the Saxons. According to the legend, the spring was discovered around 863 by a king named Bladud. From the outdoor pool we can admire the ornate buildings of Bath Abbey.
Source: Claudio Divizia/shutterstock.com
3. Hévíz, Hungary
Back to nature! Water full with water lilies, well-tended parks... If that's not enough, this city can also boast with the world's largest biologically active lake with natural medicinal water. The thermal complex can also be visited in the winter and its natural thermal water has a temperature of around 38°C in the summer.
4. Bains de Dorres, France
A magnificent view! The water of this small thermal spring in the Pyrenees has a temperature of 37-40 °C. The thermal bath offers a magnificent view of the mountains, as it is located at an altitude of 1450 meters. According to some sources, the thermal spring has been already known in Roman times.
Source: Christoph Boutet - France.fr
5. Therme Vals, Switzerland
Alpine style. A minimalist and modern bathing complex 200 kms from Zurich, with hydrotherapy and an experience of night bathing.
Source: 7132.com
6. Pala Kameni, Greece
Nature's mud pack! The volcanic island in the Santorini caldera can of course only be reached by boat and is famous for its sulphurous mud, which is also suitable for therapy. Anyone looking for the most authentic spa experience should definitely avoid the tourist high season.
Source: Palea Kameni by Sergio Canobbio- greece.com
7. Szechenyi Bath, Hungary
Space for everyone! The Széchenyi Spa in Budapest took the seventh place with the motto “There is room for everyone”. The neo-baroque bath with its 18 different pools, 10 saunas and a steam bath is one of the most important sights of the capital.
Source: Szállás.hu
8. Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, Germany
A rural sight to behold! In the Art Nouveau building, which is more than 100 years old, the atmosphere of the baths from the past are brought to life. In truth, its history goes way further as it was built on the site of an old Roman sauna.
Forrás: Joerg Halisch
9. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Calming from the inside out! Karlovy Vary or “Karlstadt”, one of the most famous spa towns in Europe, which was founded by the Roman Emperor Karl and is best known for its effective mineral waters, both externally and internally. Wes Anders is said to have designed his film entitled "Grand Budapest Hotel" based on the Grand Hotel Pupp located here.
Source: Planetfulloflove.com
10. Hammam al Ándalus, Spain
Ancient Arab splendor! After the closure of the Moorish baths in Andalusia by the Christian rulers of Spain in the 16th century, the elaborately designed Hammam Al Ándalus became the first traditional Turkish bath in Europe.
Source: hammamalandalus.com
WHO ELSE MADE IT INTO THE TOP 20?
11. Laugarvatn Fontana, Iceland
12. Pantelleria, Italy
13. Pamukkale, Turkey
14. Caldea, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
15. Rogner Bad Blumau, Austria
16. Chateau des Thermes, Belgium
17. Terme di Saturnia, Italy
18. Klevevška Toplica, Slovenia
19. Aqua Dome, Austria
20. Piešťany, Slovakia
Which one is your favourite? Come and see Hévíz, one of the best Spas in the world!
