7 Best Hot Springs in Europe for Winter

Hot springs are typically fueled by geothermal-heated water, which often creates a diverse array of minerals and health benefits. What makes hot springs so popular is their apparent healing properties – various hot springs contain minerals like calcium or magnesium, and the heat of the water can help improve circulation and promote relaxation. 

There are dozens of hot springs dotted across Europe, from volcanic geysers and hot springs in Iceland, to ancient geothermal pools in Greece. When the weather cools down, these pools maintain a fairly consistent temperature, ranging from lukewarm to steaming hot. Let’s delve deeper (pun intended) into the collection of hot springs you can find in Europe, just in time for the winter period. Here are 7 of Europe’s best hot springs to sink into this winter.

7. Srpske Toplice, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Conveniently located a short distance from Banja Luka, one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s main cities, we find the spa town of Srpske Toplice. Here, you will discover the beautiful hot springs that give this town its reputation among thermal spa enthusiasts. Bosnia & Herzegovina is quietly emerging as a popular tourist destination, with cities like Sarajevo and Banja Luka attracting attention for their affordability and stunning town centres. 

If you’ve seen every corner of its main cities, then head a little more off the beaten path to this little slice of paradise. Here, the hot springs hit average temperatures of around 33°C, making them the perfect bathing temperature. The surrounding scenery provides an idyllic backdrop to your hot spring bathing, too, adding to the whole experience. 

6. Rupite Hot Springs, Bulgaria

Local Bulgarians hold this place close to their heart, and this little hidden gem is tucked away from the large tourist crowds to give you a tranquil and unique experience. Rupite Hot Springs allow you to bathe in the volcanic mineral-rich waters of around 75°C. You can feel all your worries and stresses dissipating as you sink into the steamy depths, while enjoying the peaceful and picturesque surroundings. 

These pools contain a truckload of minerals, from sulphur and calcium to silicon and sodium, each of which is thought to provide ample benefits for your skin and body. The closest town to this tiny village is Petrich, which offers regular buses to the area, making these pools very easily accessible. 

5. Loutra Edipsou, Greece

Steeped in Ancient Greek legends and history, these mystical pools in Evia, Greece, are a cultural gem that is almost always bustling with people. With temperatures ranging from 30-70°C, they’re perfectly suited to a range of preferences. The waters of these little rock pools are laden with minerals and other benefits, and the best part is that there are several revered spa hotels overlooking the pools that can enable you to experience a full spa package alongside your bathing session.

Loutra Edipsou thermal springs may be located in an initially unsuspecting place, but once you locate them (a clue, they’re off the coast of Edipsos), they’ll become your new favourite relaxation spot, guaranteed. 

4. Furnas Hot Springs, Azores

São Miguel, the largest island in Portugal’s Azores Archipelago, is full of wonder around every corner. Tucked away on the island, you’ll find Furnas Valley, a volcanic stretch of land that is rife with geothermal activity, including hot springs. In the valley’s Terra Nostra Park, you’ll find a large lake and several hot springs dotted around that provide the perfect bathing experience. 

The ground and water here are so aptly heated that locals actually cook food in the ‘calderas’ and ‘fumaroles’, with things like stews and other foods being perfectly cooked with the natural heat— it’s a tradition and a cultural experience like no other. As for the hot springs, they can reach temperatures around 70°C and are rife with minerals and other benefits to leave you feeling satiated and relaxed. 

3. Terme di Saturnia, Italy

As aesthetic as they are beneficial, the Cascade pools in Saturnia are completely free and completely made of natural thermal waters that are rich with calcium and other minerals. Formed from limestone rock and with a cascading design similar to a waterfall, these hot springs are incredibly visually pleasing, as well as physically beneficial. 

With a temperature that rarely exceeds or dips below 37°C and free 24/7 entry, you can relax, bathe or swim (albeit a short distance) to your heart’s content. Close by, you’ll find a variety of refreshments and amenities to enhance your experience even further. With a constant pleasant temperature, these pools are perfect for winter holidaymakers who want to escape the chill or those who are looking for the perfect relaxing retreat.

2. Deildartunguhver, Iceland

Deildartunguhver has a reputation for being Europe’s most powerful hot spring, with a high flow rate and a temperature of around 98°C. Because of the high temperature, these hot springs aren’t suitable for bathing. However, the Krauma hot springs use water that is taken directly from the Deildartunguhver springs and is mixed with cold water to achieve a more suitable and safe bathing temperature. 

This means you can still experience the benefits of these mineral-rich pools without worrying about it being too hot. Iceland is one of the best places in the world for hot springs and geysers, thanks to the widespread geothermal activity and land. Although not as well-known as its world-famous counterpart, the Blue Lagoon, Deildartunguhver still deserves recognition. 

1. Szechenyi Baths, Hungary

You’ve likely heard of this thermal bath in the heart of the Hungarian capital, as it is Europe’s largest thermal bath with medicinal benefits. Head here, and you’ll see it packed with both locals and tourists who want to experience the constant 74°C and mineral-laden water. Believe it or not, Hungary has a rich geological history that contributes to the formation of its many hot springs and thermal spas. 

The water from these springs comes from deep underground and is naturally heated, but it’s cooled down to a safe bathing temperature for visitors. The entire complex that houses these thermal baths and springs was built around 1910, and has since become one of the city’s prime attractions.