An ancestral tradition
As far back as Antiquity, the Romans became so aware of the virtues of natural thermal water baths that they made them an institution within their empire. This tradition has endured in Slovakia through the centuries and the various influences on its territory. However, as in other European countries, it was not until the 19th century, under the Second French Empire, that spa treatments became popular. The industrial revolution was underway, railways were being built and resorts were becoming more structured. It was the Belle Époque, and following in the footsteps of Tsar Alexander of Russia and Empress Elisabeth "Sissi" on a spa treatment in eastern Slovakia at Bardejovské kúpele in 1895, the bourgeoisie went on vacation to Europe's most fashionable resorts.
During the 20th century, the spa industry evolved with the progress of modern medicine. Health care was modernized, and many soldiers wounded in the Second World War came to Piešťany, Slovakia's spa capital, for treatment. During the Communist era (1948-1990), interest in the spa continued unabated. Aware of the uniqueness of this natural heritage, the leaders of the time created the National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases (Národný Ústav Reumatologických Chorôb) in 1952. Still active today, this institute brings together a college of expert hydrologists, chemists, biologists and balneotherapy specialists, and is responsible for preserving the specific properties of the country's waters. Thermal cures are an integral part of Slovakian life, and are sometimes covered by social security. The waters continue to treat a multitude of pathologies, but in today's leisure-oriented society, the main reason for visiting a spa town is to relax.
The big thermal spas
The leading spa town in Slovakia is undoubtedly Piešťany. Internationally renowned, its geothermal waters and sulfurous mud treat muscular and nervous disorders, osteoarthritis, post-operative convalescence and, of course, the skin. Most of the facilities at this modern spa form an island, the "Isle of Thermalism". Its lush green setting provides a serene setting for rest and relaxation.
Bardejovské kúpele is one of the pioneering towns of thermalism. Close to the Gothic town of Bardejov, it has maintained the bathing tradition since 1505. It's famous for its revitalizing mineral waters, which remedy digestive, diabetic and respiratory problems. It's also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wooden churches.
On the outskirts of Trenčin, the Trenčianské Teplice baths are famous not only for their plastery, sulfuric medicinal waters, but also for their architecture. Indeed, its purely Oriental-style hammam is well worth a visit. Built in 1888, it is a replica of the hammam used by an Egyptian monarch who fell in love with the owner's daughter. The monarch thus authorized him to build baths identical to his own.
The thermal baths at Rajecké Teplice, in central Slovakia, are mainly dedicated to beauty treatments, slimming and body sculpting. Everything is organized around the theme of Aphrodite, and the motto of the place is: "We don't know how to stop time, but aging does"
The small thermal baths in the village of Sklené Teplice, in the center of the country, are unique in that they offer 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 can try a stay at the Sliač Kúpele thermal baths, just outside Banská Bystrica.
There is no sea here, but thermal pools and aquaparks
This abundance of thermal waters can also be exploited in a more playful way, with leisure parks designed for family relaxation. Here's a list of the country's best aquaparks.
Aquapark Tatralandia, in Liptovský Mikuláš, is Slovakia's largest and probably most famous water park. Its spring springs from a depth of 2,500 m, at 60°C, and feeds fourteen indoor and outdoor pools with water temperatures ranging from 26 to 38°C. Equipped with twenty-six waterslides, the park is open all year round and is particularly popular in winter with skiers from neighboring resorts.
AtPoprad's Aquacity, you can bathe outdoors in thermal water at 28 or 38°C, while admiring the view of the snow-covered High Tatras. In addition to thirteen thermal pools, you can relax in the spa and enjoy flower or salt inhalations in its hammams or take advantage of the solarium. A special mention goes to the pool bar, where you can sip a beer or slip into a vodka. Open all year round, bathing outside in sub-zero temperatures is a unique experience.
The Bešeňová spa park is also open all year round. It is located below Liptovska Mara. The water is supplied by a geothermal borehole at a depth of 1,987 m, and comes out at 60.5°C. The mineral water in some of the pools is reddish, as it contains large quantities of minerals beneficial to the musculoskeletal system.
Oravice Aquapark Thermal is located almost on the border with Poland, just a few kilometers from Zakopane. The natural thermal water emerges at a temperature of 58°C from a depth of 1,611 m. Probably the most interesting part of the park is the wave pool.
At Aquathermal Senec, six different pools operate year-round; in summer, there are eleven. The water in the geothermal well is between 28 and 38°C. It's a popular spot for the capital's residents, as it's 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. Water temperatures range from 27 to 38°C.
Wherever you are, there's plenty of choice for your swim!
