Where to relax in hot springs: 5 popular European resorts

Thermal water is groundwater that has an elevated temperature (above 20 °C). It has long been used for medicinal purposes. Roman baths have been known since ancient times, and the discovery of hot springs in a certain area immediately made it popular with tourists.

Hot spring vacation is a great opportunity to relax and improve your health. Experts have published a list of the best resorts in Europe.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This is the most famous geothermal pool in Europe. The bright turquoise pool against the backdrop of rocky lava fields is a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. It can easily be mistaken for an unearthly Icelandic natural landscape, but in fact it is a man-made complex fed by mineral-rich water processed by the nearby Svartsengi power plant. Tourists are offered baths with white geothermal mud rich in silica.

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, England

The healing waters of Britain's only thermal spring have been enjoyed by everyone from the Celts to the Saxons since they were discovered by the legendary British Prince Bladud in about 863 BC. Using the spring that feeds the city's historic Roman Baths Museum, Thermae Bath Spa boasts herbal steam baths and four thermal baths, including an outdoor rooftop pool with romantic views of Bath Abbey.

Bains Romains de Dorres, Pyrenees, France

This is a great alternative to more serious therapeutic baths in France. A small sulphurous thermal spring located at an altitude of 1,450 meters allows guests to soak in temperatures of 37-40°C with a magnificent view of the undulating valleys below. The thermal waters are located near the border with Spain. The history of Bains de Dorres dates back to Roman times.

7132 Therme Vals, Switzerland

This minimalist spa complex at 7132 Therme Vals is so popular that tourists are willing to travel quite a distance from Zurich to take a dip in the hydrotherapy pools. Night swimming is offered to guests who stay overnight in the neighboring Vals Hotel, which was renovated by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.

Carlsbad, Czech Republic

The mineral waters of Karlovy Vary, discovered by the Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded this spa town in western Bohemia in the 14th century, are believed to have external and internal healing properties. Many hotels, such as the Grandhotel Pupp (probably inspired by Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel), have traditional bathing places among the city's historic colonnade complexes.

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