Did you know that Slovakia is extremely rich in water resources? Our country can boast nearly 1600 springs of mineral and thermal waters. These are ideal conditions for the emergence of spas, aquaparks, and therapeutic bathing tourism.
In Slovakia, we have about 45 thermal baths and almost ten large aquaparks. But what is the difference between them? And where to go if you prefer water fun or, conversely, you are primarily interested in health benefits?
Aquapark or Thermal Spa: What’s the Difference? Before you pack your swimsuit and towel, it’s good to understand the difference between a thermal spa and an aquapark. Thermal spas are based on the use of naturally warm water from geothermal springs, which is known for its healing effects. The water in thermal spas often contains various minerals that can help treat skin conditions, rheumatic problems, and other health issues.
We visit thermal spas for relaxation, but mainly for the health benefits of thermal water. Among such thermal spas, we recommend, for example, the thermal spa in Podhájska, Veľký Meder, Vrbové, or Bešeňová. Among the larger aquaparks, Thermal Park Vadaš-Štúrovo, Thermal Park Bešeňová, Thermal Park Meander Oravice, and Spa & Aquapark Turčianske Teplice utilize thermal water.
On the other hand, aquaparks are more oriented towards entertainment and recreation. They usually offer a wide range of attractions such as water slides, wave pools, stream pools, children’s pools, and various water games. The water in aquaparks doesn’t necessarily have to be thermal or mineral, and although some aquaparks may also contain thermal sections, the main goal is to provide entertainment and adrenaline experiences for all age groups. The largest aquapark in Slovakia focused on entertainment is the popular Tatralandia in Liptov.
Top 5 Aquaparks and SPAs utilizing mineral thermal water
So you don’t have to search the internet for long, we’ve selected the top 5 places with pools where you can enjoy plenty of water fun and health benefits. These are tips that both adults and children will appreciate:
- Bešeňová Gino Paradise
In the Bešeňová water park, you’ll find 18 pools, including 7 with thermal water and 9 year-round pools. Thanks to this, Bešeňová rightfully boasts the title of “the largest thermal aquapark in Slovakia.” You can enjoy fun on water slides and tubes, as well as SPA procedures, massages, and sauna rituals. The thermal water in Bešeňová has beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. It also has positive effects on a person’s psyche and helps in the treatment of urological problems.
- Thermal Spa Podhájska
This extensive thermal spa uses water with a unique composition compared to water from the Dead Sea. The water in Podhájska comes from a geothermal spring and is rich in minerals such as iodine, bromine, and magnesium. This combination of minerals makes the water particularly beneficial for the skin and musculoskeletal system, as well as for overall regeneration and strengthening of the body. The water in Podhájska also has a high salt content, which contributes to its healing properties, especially in the treatment of respiratory problems.
- Oravice Meander
The Oravice water park is located in the foothills village of Oravice – fittingly in Orava. As one of the few, it offers 100% geothermal water in all pools. The geothermal water from the spring is rich in minerals and trace elements with scientifically proven positive effects on the body and meets the parameters of medicinal waters. It contains manganese, calcium, magnesium, lithium, iron, sulfates, and hydrogen carbonates. Additional services such as saunas, massages, or whirlpools ensure a comprehensive dose of relaxation and regeneration.
- Spa & Aquapark Turčianske Teplice
The SPA & AQUAPARK complex is located on the edge of the beautiful spa park in Turčianske Teplice. It uses thermal mineral water, which is known for its healing and therapeutic effects. The water is obtained directly from local geothermal springs and is rich in various minerals. This water is particularly valued for its positive effects on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, as well as skin conditions. Two pools (Ľudový and Červený kúpeľ) stand directly on mineral springs.
- Aphrodite Spa House Rajecké Teplice
Aphrodite Spa is one of the most luxurious spas in Slovakia. At first glance, it stands out with its architecture in an ancient style. Here you’ll find 2 indoor pools, 4 outdoor pools, a sauna world, and the luxurious Aphrodite Beauty cosmetic-aesthetic studio. The thermal water in Rajecké Teplice is classified as natural healing, moderately mineralized, hypotonic, calcium-magnesium, with a temperature of 38 degrees. It treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system, inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, neuro-muscular degenerative diseases, and occupational diseases – bone, joint, muscle, and tendon diseases. It is also suitable for drinking cures. The surroundings offer pleasant options for a walk around the Swan Lake or sitting in the park.
Where is water classified as natural healing? Would you like to bathe in healing water, but the previous thermal baths and aquaparks are too far away? Don’t despair. There are several other spas in Slovakia where the water is officially classified as natural healing water. These include:
Piešťany Spa – These spas are known for their thermal-mineral water, which is particularly effective in treating rheumatic diseases and is officially classified as natural healing water.
Trenčianske Teplice Spa – The water in these spas is known for its therapeutic effects, especially on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Here, too, the water is classified as natural healing.
Bardejov Spa – The classified healing mineral water in these spas is used for its therapeutic effects, especially in the treatment of the digestive system and other internal diseases.
Sliač and Kováčová Spas – The water from these spas is also officially classified as healing and is known for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
Exceptional Slovak Spas with Healing Water Other spas known for using natural healing waters with various mineral compositions and therapeutic properties include: Bardejovské Kúpele, Bojnice, Brusno, Číž, Dudince, Kováčová, Liptovský Ján, Lučivná, Lúčky, Nimnica, Piešťany, Rajecké Teplice, Sklené Teplice, Sliač, Trenčianske Teplice, and Turčianske Teplice. They offer waters with various mineral and therapeutic ingredient contents, which are suitable primarily for the treatment of skin diseases, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, respiratory tract, and other health conditions.
These spas and aquaparks provide not only therapeutic but also relaxation and wellness stays, making them suitable for a wide range of visitors. Whether you prefer health benefits or just want to relax and have fun with your children, you will certainly find your choice in Slovakia. You can then combine bathing with one of the trips, for which you will also find tips in our blog.
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