Today, as we search for tranquil escapes, ‘calm-cations’ and digital detoxes, we follow in the footsteps of those who centuries ago journeyed to The Great Spa Towns of Europe. Eleven prestigious spa towns in seven countries across Europe — the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Czech Republic, and Austria — make up The Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These towns developed around natural springs of mineral water and created innovative and revolutionary architecture and urban designs for their time.

Nestled within serene, therapeutic landscapes, these towns were built to promote relaxation — places where people pursued health, rejuvenation, and “taking the cure” as key parts of the spa town way of life. Together, the towns represent the golden age of the European spa phenomenon and played a role in shaping modern wellness travel tourism today. The towns in The Great Spa Towns of Europe still preserve the ‘spa town way of life,’ with living traditions that residents, locals, and communities continue to enjoy for their wellbeing benefits and protect the World Heritage Site.

The City of Bath, England, United Kingdom

The City of Bath, known for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture, offers a picturesque destination with both historical and modern attractions. People often acclaim Bath for its natural hot springs, making it one of the few places in Britain where you can bathe in mineral-rich waters. The legend of Bath began in 863 BC when Prince Bladud, cured of leprosy by the healing waters, founded the city. By AD 43, the Romans transformed Bath into a thriving bathing complex called Aquae Sulis, making it a destination for rest and healing. Today, the three hot springs—King’s Spring, Hetling Spring, and Cross Spring—continue to fuel the city’s spa culture, attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, you can immerse yourself in Bath’s rich history by visiting the Roman Baths, located in the heart of the city. These ancient baths offer a fascinating glimpse into the Roman way of life and showcase the ingenuity behind the reservoir and bathhouse complex that once served as a sanctuary of relaxation. For a more modern spa experience, head to Thermae Bath Spa. The spa, powered by the same thermal springs the Romans once enjoyed, blends contemporary design with historic architecture. A highlight of the experience, the rooftop pool, provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The New Royal Bath offers a range of indulgent treatments that enhance your sense of wellbeing in an elegant space of glass, stone, and water.

Spa, Belgium

Spa, the town that gave the word “spa” to the English language, sits as a peaceful retreat nestled among wooded hills and crisscrossed by ancient footpaths. These paths lead to the numerous iron-rich springs that made the town famous, and today, visitors can still drink from the springs at various drinking halls for health benefits. The town continues to distribute its thermal water globally and offers a thermal center that blends nature and wellness, providing traditional balneotherapy treatments, beauty care, and thermoludism. The Romans recognized the therapeutic properties of Spa’s iron-rich waters in the first century CE, and by the 19th century, Spa had become a social hub for European aristocracy. It attracted visitors for both health and leisure, solidifying its status as the “Café de l’Europe.”

Today, visitors can ride the funicular train up to the Thermes of Spa, where they can bathe in the famous copper baths that aristocracy and historical figures like Tsar Peter the Great, Victor Hugo, and Queen Marie-Henriette once enjoyed. For entertainment, you can visit the Waux-Hall, the oldest casino in Europe, built in 1763, which still welcomes visitors daily for memorable nights. Spa’s therapeutic landscape offers soothing walks through its scenic forest paths, which people laid out in the 18th century as part of medical prescriptions. You can explore the Promenade d’Orléans, built in 1787 to honor the Duchess of Orléans, and enjoy views of Spa’s natural beauty.

Baden bei Wien, Austria

Just 30 kilometers from Vienna, Baden bei Wien blends therapeutic spa waters with vibrant cultural heritage. Famous for its “golden” sulphurous thermal springs, the town offers healing waters that flow from 14 natural springs at temperatures between 24°C and 36°C. People have revered the curative properties of these waters for centuries, and Baden bei Wien has attracted visitors seeking both relaxation and rejuvenation. Today, you can experience the soothing waters at Römertherme, a spa located under Europe’s largest free-hanging glass roof, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Vienna Woods. Alternatively, you can visit the Badener Kurzentrum in the town’s historic center, where traditional therapies blend with modern wellness treatments. You can explore the Rosarium, Austria’s largest rose garden, or enjoy the musical heritage at Beethovenhaus, where Beethoven composed part of his iconic 9th Symphony.

Baden bei Wien celebrates its rich musical history with concerts in the Kurpark’s music pavilion, where Lanner and Strauss once performed. The town’s cultural offerings continue to thrive, with museums, art galleries, and a lively theater scene. Known as Aquae in Roman times, Baden’s spa culture blossomed in the late 18th century under Emperor Franz II/I. By the 19th century, the town had become a fashionable destination for European nobility and artists. Beethoven spent summers here, composing masterpieces and solidifying Baden’s place in musical history. With its thermal waters and elegant atmosphere, Baden bei Wien remains a haven for relaxation, culture, and history.

Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Italy

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, just north of Florence, Montecatini Terme charms visitors with its rich history dating back to Roman times. The town is known for its therapeutic waters and is surrounded by lush greenery, olive groves, and magnificent Italian architecture. The iconic funicular railway carriages, named Gigio and Gigia, carry visitors up to the mountaintop village of Montecatini Alto, offering scenic views along the way. Montecatini Terme boasts eleven historic springs, with four of these ancient sources—Tettuccio, Regina, Leopoldine, and Rinfresco—still in use today. The town offers treatments at its thermal baths, including mineral water drinking cures, hydrotherapy, mud baths, inhalations, massages, and beauty treatments, all harnessing the healing powers of the springs. The town retains the ambiance of its golden age from the early 20th century, showcasing monumental architecture and a celebrated spa history, which earned it a spot among The Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To start your day, enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at Piazza del Popolo, then visit the iconic Terme Tettuccio for a spa treatment. The Terme Excelsior provides wellness services, while the Tamerici Thermal Baths features the stunning “Pouring salon,” decorated by Galileo Chini. Ride the funicular up to Montecatini Alto for charming shops, local cuisine, and spectacular views. You can also catch a performance at Teatro Verdi, where you can enjoy everything from operas to musicals. Montecatini Terme originated in Roman times, and the town developed further in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming it into a renowned destination for relaxation and cultural events.

Františkovy Lázně, Czech Republic

Františkovy Lázně, the world’s earliest peat spa, stands as an idyllic, planned spa town with charming chessboard streets. People built the town in the late 18th century, designing it with Baroque symmetry principles to create a harmonious atmosphere. The town centers around a thermal spring field with 24 springs, each topped with pavilions, and people connect them by scenic promenades, perfect for leisurely strolls. The spa focused on treating women’s illnesses, which led it to become a place of early emancipation, with ladies visiting alone. Today, you can discover the town’s healing waters. The Francis Spring, named after Emperor Francis I, has earned fame for its effervescent mineral water, which visitors often compare to Champagne. You can also enjoy the ‘drinking cure’ at Glauber Springs Hall. For something unique, you can try a dry gas treatment at the Marie Spring in the heart of the town, where carbon dioxide is absorbed through the skin to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

Don’t forget to immerse yourself in Františkovy Lázně’s therapeutic landscape, which plays a key role in ‘taking the cure.’ Wiedermann Park, a beautifully landscaped forest park, promotes health and well-being, while the nearby Soos Nature Reserve features mineral springs and mud volcanoes known as mofettas. Founded in the late 18th century, Františkovy Lázně grew around the Francis Spring, with ‘English’ parks designed for spa guests to enjoy. The town flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting up to 20,000 patients and 80,000 tourists. Today, its charm and therapeutic offerings continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary, often referred to as “the largest open-air salon of Europe,” captivates visitors as a spa town renowned for its geyser-like springs that burst from the streets. The town’s charming colonnades, including the ornately carved Market Colonnade and the Hot Spring Colonnade, showcase its rich architectural heritage. Gentle exercise forms part of the tradition of ‘taking the cure,’ and people built these majestic colonnades for spa guests and residents to stroll through calmly. Here, visitors can witness the powerful Vřídlo spring, which gushes up to 12 meters high, while nearly 80 thermal mineral springs rise throughout the town, offering a variety of healing treatments. A visit to Karlovy Vary wouldn’t be complete without enjoying panoramic views from the Diana lookout tower, which offers a stunning vista of the town and its surrounding spa landscape. Nearby, a mini zoo, butterfly house, and restaurant add to the charm. For nature lovers, the town offers scenic walking trails through spa forests, with breathtaking viewpoints over the valley.

Explore the town’s picturesque colonnades, each with its own unique character. The Hot Spring Colonnade houses one of the town’s most powerful springs, while the Market Colonnade, built in 1882, adds to the historic charm. For a deeper experience, take a guided underground tour to discover the wild springs, petrification chambers, and natural formations beneath the town. Karlovy Vary’s healing waters have attracted visitors for centuries, with the town’s spa culture dating back to the legend of Emperor Charles IV. Today, the town remains a prominent wellness destination, offering everything from mineral baths to oxygen therapy, and even a beer spa experience.

Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic

Mariánské Lázně, also known as the “spa in the park,” stands as a historic wellness destination in the Czech Republic that has attracted notable figures like Kafka, Freud, Chopin, and Tolstoy. With its blend of 19th-century charm and modern spa care, the town remains one of the premier spa towns in Europe. People know the town for its healing mineral waters, especially for treating respiratory diseases, with the cool air of the Slavkovský Forest enhancing the therapeutic environment. The town boasts 40 natural springs, each offering unique health benefits. The Ambrose Spring, rich in iron, has gained fame for treating anaemia, while the Forest Spring offers inhalation treatments at Hotel Pacifik. The iconic Singing Fountain, an impressive 1980s addition to the town, delights visitors with its water and light displays, offering daily classical and pop music performances.

For a truly luxurious experience, you can indulge in the Roman baths at Nove Lázně, the town’s grandest spa, where famous figures like Goethe and Wagner once relaxed. The Therapy & Wellness Centre provides a range of treatments using the town’s mineral waters. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mariánské Lázně offers picturesque walking trails through the Slavkovský Forest Protected Landscape Area. You can visit Mescery’s Belvedere for breathtaking views or explore the Geological Park, home to rare minerals from the region. Monks from the Teplá Monastery founded Mariánské Lázně, and it has remained a sought-after destination for centuries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town became a social hub for Europe’s elite, solidifying its place in spa history.

Baden-Baden, Germany

Located on the western edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden has served as a wellness destination since Roman times, when soldiers used its therapeutic hot springs to heal war wounds. The town’s twelve thermal springs rise from about 2,000 meters deep, flow at temperatures up to 68°C, and offer curative benefits for the body and mind. Baden-Baden has earned renown for having the hottest and most mineral-rich waters in Baden-Württemberg, making it a top destination for health and relaxation. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s rich bathing culture. The historic Friedrichsbad provides a unique experience that combines Roman and Irish bathing traditions across 17 stations, while the modern Caracalla Spa features sprawling turquoise pools and therapeutic amenities like rock grottos, whirlpools, and waterfalls. For ultimate luxury, the Villa Stéphanie, a private spa within the Five-Star Brenners Park-Hotel, offers personalized wellness treatments, including beauty, detox, and medical care.

Baden-Baden also boasts 2,000-year-old Roman bath ruins, which stand as one of the best-preserved examples in Germany. Visitors can explore the ruins with a guided tour or audio guide. To experience the town’s charm, you can take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride along the Lichtentaler Allee or join a walking tour led by a local guide. A visit to the Casino Baden-Baden, known as the most beautiful casino in the world, adds a touch of glamour to the trip. With its rich history and timeless appeal, Baden-Baden continues to attract visitors seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.

Bad Kissingen, Germany

Bad Kissingen, known as “the Great Bavarian Spa,” attracts visitors for its healing mineral springs along the River Saale in Bavaria. The town has been a therapeutic haven for centuries, with seven springs scientifically proven to alleviate various health conditions. Springs like Rakoczy, Pandur, and Maxbrunnen provide healing waters that help with digestion, respiratory issues, and fatigue. Visitors can enjoy therapeutic baths at the KissSalis thermal pools, which fill with mineral-rich waters, and experience inhalation treatments at the Gradierbau, a historic graduation tower. Bad Kissingen also has a history of salt production dating back over 1,000 years. Architect Max Littmann’s influence shapes the town’s architectural wonders, including the iconic Regentenbau, a concert hall that he built in just 21 months.

Today, visitors can participate in the traditional drinking cure at Europe’s largest drinking spa hall, Wandelhalle, and the Brunnenhalle, where the healing waters have served since 1911. The water pouring often accompanies live spa orchestra music, adding to the restorative experience. The Kurgarten (spa garden), one of the oldest of its kind, offers relaxation and features three mineral springs. The Rosengarten, with over 125 varieties of roses, provides a picturesque retreat. For a historical touch, visitors can ride the Dampferle steamboat or the unique Postkutsche stagecoach, which still operates today, providing an authentic journey through the picturesque Saale valley. With a rich history dating back 500 years, Bad Kissingen continues to attract those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Bad Ems, Germany

Nestled on the banks of the River Lahn, Bad Ems charms visitors with its rich history as a fashionable spa destination. Surrounded by a stunning river valley, the town attracts attention for its healing springs, particularly the famous Emser Krähnchen, which visitors can sample for free at the Brunnenhalle (Fountain Hall). People have long celebrated Bad Ems’ mineral water, and its salts still make the iconic Emser pastilles, which the town has produced since 1858. For a truly immersive experience, you can explore Bad Ems’ historic spa buildings, such as the Baroque Bathhouse, the Kursaal Building, and the Spring Tower, all built around the town’s therapeutic waters. The Baroque Bathhouse, dating from 1711-1720, once served as a private bathing palace for a princess from the House of Nassau-Orange. The Marble Hall, built between 1836-39, houses the Kursaal building, which features a spa theatre and casino.

To take in Bad Ems’ breathtaking scenery, you can visit the Concordiaturm lookout tower for panoramic views of the Lahn Valley or ascend the Kurwaldbahn cable car, one of the steepest funiculars in the world. Another must-see is the Robert-Kampe Artesian Spring, which holds a Guinness World Record for being one of Germany’s hottest springs, with a fountain of water reaching 8 meters. Bad Ems has served as a haven for Europe’s elite since the 15th century, hosting renowned figures like Dostoyevsky, Richard Wagner, and Victor Hugo. Like most of The Great Spa Towns of Europe, the town attracted politicians, princes, diplomats, and rulers, who made major historical decisions among the spas. Bad Ems played a key role in German history with the “Ems Dispatch” in the 19th century, a pivotal moment in the formation of the German Empire.