Articles
Basic info
Treatments & activities
Additional info
|
Spa destinations
Austria |
France |
Italy |
Switzerland
Austria
Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein is a popular ski resort, renowned also for its 18 thermal springs with high level of humidity and proven healing qualities. The thermal water is bitter and its application is mainly for drinking purposes, thermal fango and inhalation, as well as underwater therapies. People from all over the world are coming to heal their rheumatism, asthma, arthritis, inflammation of the gums, spine and nerves problems.
The main source of geothermal waters in Austria is located in the Eastern Alps, including Styrian Basin, Vienna Basin and Upper Austrian Molasse Basin. Number of thermal spa centres has grown in the recent years and according to the statistics, approximately 3.5 million visitors are coming each year to take advantage of the thermal waters’ healing effect. Bad Blumau and Bad Waltersdorf are the main spa resorts in the region of Eastern Styria that boast with their own thermal spa grounds, beautiful architecture and many restaurants.
Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau is a part of the Styrian Basin, which carbonate rocks have formed a deep aquifer, a suitable source of geothermal energy used for balneological purposes. The maximum temperature of the thermal water at the well head is 47°C. The geothermal system is pollution-free and functions as the geothermal brine is gained from the district heating system and transferred into a reinjection well of 3000m depth. The temperature of 110°C makes Blumau the hottest thermal water in the whole Austria. Since the year 2000, the thermal energy has been used for heating the spa complex and the hotels in the resort. Constant research and examinations were made and in result, a new air cooled turbine was installed in 2001; the latest improvement is an outdoor pool named “Vulkania”, which water temperature is kept stable due to the use of geothermal energy taken from one of the Blumau wells.
Bad Waltersdorf
Bad Waltersdorf is the other spa village in Eastern Styria, unique with its healing thermal waters, stored at 1 200m below the earth’s surface for more than 10 000 years. The thermal water of Bad Blumau and Bad Waltersdorf has a temperature of about 62°C and a favorable mineralization that is used for relieving gastro-intestinal disorders, hormonal dysbalances, rheumatism, weak immune system, etc. Its curative purpose has found also application in drinking, bathing and inhaling. The bathing and swimming pools are part of the spa complexes Heiltherme Bad Waltersdorf, the "Thermenhof Paierl", the "Quellenhotel", the "Steirerhof Hotel & Spa" and "Bio-Thermen-Resort Wilfinger".
Baden
Baden is a wonderful spa town, bearing traditions from medieval times and located in Lower Austria, some 26 km south of Vienna. Its picturesque position on the banks of the river Schwechat and thermal baths attract number of wealthy inhabitants of Vienna. The name of the town derives from the word “bath” because of the thermal springs in the area, which waters come out on the surface with a temperature of from 22°C to 36°C. Most of the thirteen warm baths rise at the foot of the Calvarienberg, which composition contains dolomitic limestone, and that is why the thermal water contains sulphate of lime. In Baden you will find a Kurhaus and fifteen bathing centres. Tourists can enjoy a visit to the parish church in Gothic style and taste the gorgeous wine in one of the 70 wine pubs. Baden is so popular that some members of the Austrian imperial family had chosen this destination for building their majestic villas and using them as a summer residence.
back to top
France
Barèges
This village is set at 1250m in the Pyrenees and boasts the highest place with thermal baths in France. Its spa purpose dates back to the 15th century when its thermal waters were discovered by a farmer. The legend tells that there was a sheep, fallen in a warm sulphurous pool, which wounds recovered very quickly and soon the people realized the healing qualities of the waters, formed a big basin and sheltered it by a roof. Barèges became a popular spa destination, visited frequently by the royal family and thus in 19th century under the order of Napoleon III a military hospital was constructed, together with a spa building for the treatment of war wounds, rheumatism and skin problems.
The thermal waters gush out on the surface in a geothermal area between two different rock types – a schist and granite. The waters are circulating deep in the granite and heated naturally by buried igneous rocks. The chemical composition is rich in sulphur and contains a natural gel called “Barégine”, which gives a unique richness to the water and has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effect, able even to reduce scars. The sulphur-bacteria complements to the healing properties of the waters and treats successfully injured bones and rheumatism. Those that suffer from respiratory diseases should go directly to the second spa, named Thermes de Barzun, which is specialised in treating ailments of the respiratory system.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains is a perfect opportunity for those that are looking for both a ski and spa vacation in the French Alps. This thermal ski resort is situated on the edge of the Vanoise Park and is directly linked to the famous 3 Vallées ski area with 160 km of ski trails, as well as to a high speed Olympic gondola, providing you access to over 600 km of runs. The thermal baths of Brides have healing qualities and soothe different problems of the limbs. Skiers and boarders use the chance to indulge into the spa world of the thermal baths, Jacuzzi, hamam, steam room and various massages, and pamper themselves in the end of the day. The non-skiers will have a great opportunity to use their full time and treat their body, mind and spirit with the numerous health and wellness services.
Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc
The spa resort of Saint Gervais is located at the foot of Mont Blanc and has traditions in tourism and wellness since 1806. The charming village is renowned predominantly for its healthy hot waters and its over 400 km of ski trails near the majestic peak. In this scenic area between Megève and Chamonix, the therapeutic power of the thermal waters was discovered long time ago. This is the only "Alti Forme" resort in the Alps and offers wide range of health and beauty spa treatments to ensure your good look and feeling well. Among the wellness and health services are hydrotherapy, mud therapies, various massages, skin and beauty treatments, hammam and sauna. Besides the thermal baths, you can take advantage of the vivid après-ski life, including many nightclubs and restaurants, as well as outdoor activities such as the Olympic skating rink or exciting snowshoe walks.
back to top
Italy
Abano Terme
Abano Terme is renowned as the best therapy centre in whole Europe, popular with its mud and radioactive waters with temperature of 87°C. It is located in the Euganean area, one of the most popular geothermal zones in Italy, which geothermal waters have temperature within the range from 60 to 86°, the aquifer is rocky and the production wells have a depth between 300 and 500 m. It is interesting to know that the healing waters in Abano Terme are supposed to rise from rainfall in the Alps, which flows under the ground picking on its way down salso-bromo-iodic elements and heat to add to the healing power of the water. Gushing out to the earth surface in Abano Terme, the water comes steamy to 87°C and must be cooled down for use in the wellness centres. The unique combination of curative soil and thermal waters allow various treatments, such as thermal and mud baths, grottoes and heat rooms, physiotherapy, inhalation, hydromassage and different beauty treatments.
Bormio
Bormio boasts one of the few hot mineral springs, located to the south of the Alps. The hot waters derive from 9 places situated in the rocks of the Mount Reit and belonging to the Monumental Park of Bagni di Bormio, at different altitudes ranging from 1280 to 1420 metres above sea level. The waters spring up at a temperature from 36° to 43°C, according to the season: hotter in winter, because there is a ground ice that obstructs the percolation of rainwater and with varying degrees in summer, depending on the atmospheric rainfall. The chemical composition of the waters includes sulphate, alkaline and some radioactive elements which contribute to the regenerating, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effect on the person. The healing sulphur-bacteria contained in the water is the reason of forming natural mud baths, which have peeling effect on the skin and leave it smoother and silk-like after the treatments. Other beneficiary of the Bagni di Bormio is that in respect of the natural curative techniques, the healthy qualities of the hot waters are not spoiled by chlorine or other chemicals.
Merano
Merano is located in a picturesque area, part of the region Trentino-Alto Adige and surrounded by the majestic Alpine peaks. The town is an important therapeutic centre and historical town with gothic churches and cathedrals, castles and hotels designed in art nouveau and neoclassical styles. Tourists are coming here to enjoy the beautiful nature and to benefit from the healing effect of the thermal baths and wellness services.
The mineral waters of the resort originate from Monte San Vigilio near Merano and contain radioactive elements with high concentration of radon, which make them suitable for various therapeutic applications. In 2005 a new well was discovered to produce thermal waters at a depth of 2,350 meters, which are used for the new Merano thermal baths. The water temperature is 33°C with composition containing sulfur, as well as brine and some other valuable elements. The radioactive mineral water is used for various therapies, such as radon inhalations and radon baths. It has number of healing qualities with positive influence on different parts of the human body and various diseases. Thus, it has a soothing effect and relieves pains in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as osteoarthrosis and disorders of the joints, bones and muscles. The thermal water is recommended especially to women with chronic disorders of the veins, among which are varicose veins, pathologically dilated capillaries and others. It is a relief also for people with respiratory problems, because the main effect of the water is to strengthen the immune system of the respiratory tract.
back to top
Switzerland
Bad Schinznach
Bad Schinznach is situated in a magnificent region in Northern Switzerland, crossed by the Aare River and being a part of the Jura Mountains. The thermal waters of the area have been known for years but only at the beginning of the 20th century an improvement in capturing the thermal waters was achieved and wells were discovered to derive the water directly from the underground karst aquifer. Studies were conducted to reveal that the thermal water has a mixed origin – a flow coming from the Molasse Basin, another one along with the Permocarboniferous and some surface inflow from the Jura Mountains. Currently, the thermal waters are used for balneological purposes and also as a heating source due to a reinjection scheme. Aquarena is the name of the complex with thermal pools: an indoor and outdoor one, which waters are at temperature of 35°C and a soaking pool at 37°C. There is a health centre for physical therapy and a Kurhotel for healing treatments of rheumatism. In addition, the visitors can take advantage of the wellness and health services such as sauna, solarium and various massages.
Leukerbad, Valais
Leukerbad boasts the largest thermal spa resort in Switzerland, set against the breathtaking 4 000m summits of Valais and ideally combining wellness services with winter sports. Its history dates back to the Roman times when the health-giving properties of its thermal springs were first known. Nowadays the resort has been modernized offering an improved outlook and attractive facilities. The hot thermal waters gush out from the rocks and ridges of the Valais mountain at the temperature of 51°C. The water debit is impressive - 3.9 million litres per day are flowing to fill the thermal baths. 22 thermal pools (indoor and outdoor), 151 wellness facilities as well as the Roman-Irish baths offer you unforgettable experience, relaxation and number of curative treatments. Those that are curious to discover the path the thermal spring goes through, may follow the way of the thermal water from the end of the village to its core source in the outstanding Dala Gorge.
There are some holiday packages for Leukerbad, such as that of Lindner Alpentherme wellness centre – the ski pass includes also access to the public spas and some other privileges. Besides wellness and healing treatments, the majority of pistes for all skiing abilities and cultural events make Leukerbad the ideal place for vacation in the Swiss Alps.
Vals
Therme Vals is a remote alpine village and a top wellness destination, popular with the impressive architecture of its thermal bath, created by the architect Peter Zumthor. Set at a magnificent area of the Swiss Alps, the spa centre of Vals is included in the list of protected buildings. Its hot thermal springs provide relief to various diseases and relaxation, with panorama towards the outstanding snow-covered mountains. The spa centre building is made of Valser quartzite and concrete, with attractive design. Series of tunnels will lead you to the different thermal pools (some of them lit from below): ice pool, fire pool and one with flower scents. The wellness centre offers a great choice of pampering services such as various types of massages, thalassotherapy and aromatherapy.
Endagine / Scuol
This is a gorgeous spa destination, blending wellness with sport activities and untouched nature of the Swiss Alps. The thermal waters of the area are used for various spa services, the most traditional among which is the Roman-Irish bath, combining Roman rituals and ancient Irish traditions for relaxation in hot and dry air. The bathing ceremony includes alternating of steam bath with plunge in cold water and massages. A full programme of relaxation, sports, fresh Alpine air and nutrition will make you recuperate completely from the stress. There are outdoor thermal baths in Scuol that provide you pampering and curative procedures in the panorama of the majestic Engadine mountain scenery. After a day spend on hiking, biking or skiing at the mountain a sauna or tasting the regional cuisine will accomplish your healthy regime.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a synonym of unforgettable skiing experience and wonderful spa services in a splendid alpine environment. The hot springs in the area boast the highest-altitude mineral springs in whole Switzerland and are the first thing St. Moritz has been famous for. The name of the village is connected to the oldest wooden spa water pipe from the 15 century BC. In the next years the spa church of Saint Mauritius has become one of the most frequently visited places by pilgrims in the whole Europe. Coming to the most recent period, in the 19th and 20th centuries St. Moritz and the Endagin region appealed entire households of kings and princes to come and treat their diseases.
The curative properties of the waters are gain by the high consistence of iron and carbon which makes the water a natural healing method, relieving series of physical and psychological disorders. The alpine moor mud and refreshing alpine climate contribute to the attractiveness of St. Moritz and make it a unique place for treating your body and replenishing your energy. 350 km of perfectly groomed ski runs and 60 modern lifts will make the skier find himself in the skiing paradise. Walks to the gorgeous lakes in Endagin and the meals in the panoramic restaurants, ski huts and snow bars will turn your vacation into a memorable experience.
Baden
Baden is a small historic town, as well as a popular health and spa centre bearing traditions from the ancient times. Already 2 centuries ago Roman legionaries visited the place to find relief in the hot thermal springs and recuperation in the invigorating Alpine climate. The waters gush out of 18 springs in the mountain area at the temperature of 47°C and their composition is the richest in minerals among the other thermal waters in whole Switzerland. Baden thermal waters have a healing effect on different disorders, such as rheumatic diseases, heart and cardiovascular problems, neurological, respiratory and other kind of diseases. The wellness treatments bring positive influence on the whole organism – physical, mental and spiritual relaxation.
There are various wellness centres with rejuvenating treatments. In the Novum spa centre of Baden you can indulge into the world of wellness facilities; in the Thermalbad Schweizerhof you will refresh and relax with the Roman baths. There are also open-air thermal baths at ThermalBaden, as well as in some of the hotels. Among the other spa attractions in Baden is the Zentrum Trafo, which boasts the largest and most modern hammam in Switzerland. Number of cultural events and walks in the verdant park areas will contribute to your marvelous stay.
back to top
|