Stretching across the Western Alps, Switzerland is home to numerous thermal springs and bathhouses, where locals and tourists alike go for the ultimate relaxation. If you’re in the mood to unwind, you should consider treating yourself to a great time at one of Switzerland’s many thermal baths.
The country has been home to several healing springs since the Middle Ages, and some of their spas were once high-end luxuries that were out of reach. Now, however, anyone can enjoy the soothing and rejuvenating effects of these thermal baths. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 most beautiful thermal baths in Switzerland that’ll take your breath away!
But before that what are the benefits of thermal baths?
Health Benefits of Thermal Baths
Thermal baths have existed for millennia. They may be especially beneficial for persons with inflammatory disorders like arthritis. Research indicates they can have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antioxidant benefits.
In particular, if you have inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, thermal water can moisturize skin, repair UV damage, and balance the microbiome because it is derived from natural springs and contains a variety of minerals including selenium and magnesium.
Although thermal water may have a number of remarkable advantages, keep in mind that it is not a panacea for all of your health problems.
Why Should You Choose Switzerland Thermal Baths?
There are fantastic spas with thermal baths around the world and Switzerland isn’t even among the top 10 countries with the highest number of spas in the world, according to Statista. However, the few ones they have are popular tourist destinations. There’s more to the hot springs Switzerland offers.
- In Switzerland, you can also find baths that cater to specific needs, such as those with healing waters or special treatments for conditions like arthritis.
- The country is home to a number of well-known thermal baths, which are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after a long day of exploring.
- Many of the baths are located in picturesque settings, such as mountainside villages or next to beautiful lakes.
- Swiss thermal baths offer a variety of experiences, from simple pools to luxurious spas with all the amenities.
- You can find some of the world’s most stunning scenery.
Top 10 Best Spas in Switzerland with Thermal Baths
Switzerland has always had hundreds of spas, but in recent years, the country has seen a rise in its number of spas. There are a lot of spa options to choose from in Switzerland. And while they have a culture of maintaining a certain level of standard as a travel destination, some spas are by far better than others. Here are the top 10 thermal baths (in no particular order) in Switzerland:
Baden Thermal Springs
Baden is home to some of the best thermal baths in Switzerland. The water is drawn from a natural hot spring and is said to have therapeutic properties. You can enjoy a variety of pools, saunas, and steam rooms, as well as massages and other treatments. There is also a restaurant on-site, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. If you’re traveling with children, they will love the slides and jungle gym.
Baden has a long history of hot springs that date back to Roman times. It’s located near Zurich and is therefore often used as an escape from city life. The natural hot springs offer a multitude of treatments including massage, therapy sessions, and full-body steam baths.
Leukerbad-Therme
Leukerbad-Therme has remained one of the best thermal baths in Switzerland for years. It is located in Leukerbad, a small village in the Valais region of Switzerland. The therme has several pools with different temperatures, as well as a sauna and steam room. There are also massage and beauty treatments available. The views from the therme are stunning, and it is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
The resort has ten hot pools with temperatures ranging from 28 to 43C. A cold water pool, whirlpool tubs, and a Japanese-style steam bath are other amenities to enjoy in the spa. The spa has its own private springs that produce mineral-rich water, which is used in the spa’s water supply.
Leukerbad-Therme was built with families in mind. The resort is home to a wide variety of hotels and apartments that may accommodate any budget. Hotel Viktoria, Hotel Heilquelle, Hotel Alfa, Hotel Alpenblick, and Hotel Paradis are some of the resort’s partner hotels.
Zurich’s Thermalbad & Spa
Zurich’s Thermalbad & Spa is one of the most popular natural hot springs in Switzerland. The natural hot springs are heated to a comfortable temperature, making it a great place to relax and rejuvenate. There are also several pools and saunas to choose from, as well as a variety of massage and beauty treatments.
You can reserve unique services like a Roman bath, a Roman-Irish Circuit, and a flowery steam bath. The rooftop bathing space with stunning views of the mountains and Zurich is the most impressive of all. If you’re in the mood for something to drink or eat, the spa lounge provides a warm, cozy setting for reclining while enjoying your food and drinks.
Thermalbad & Spa also offers a couple of unique events, such as a special Christmas meal and a New Year’s Eve celebration that includes fireworks, a buffet supper, and unwinding in the rooftop pool. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, the Thermalbad & Spa is definitely worth a visit.
Mineralbad & Spa, Mt. Rigi
Nestled in the mountains, Rigi Kaltbad is one of the best thermal spas Switzerland has to offer. Their thermal bath is surrounded by breathtaking views and the water is said to have healing properties. There are several pools to choose from, as well as a sauna and steam room. You can also get massages and beauty treatments.
There are indoor and outdoor pools at the spa, which also feature whirlpools, neck massages, massage jets, an herbal steam room, an outdoor seating area, and a sun terrace. The spa section has a crystal spa, a lounge area, a famous herbal spa, and a separate relaxation room. You enjoy the warm water while gazing up through the skylights in the flooded space known as the crystal spa.
Although Mineralbad at Mt. Rigi is not a hotel, it collaborates with the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad for those who want to stay for a day or more. There are spa packages available that come with hotel stays. These include the Candlelight Night Bathing package. The package comes with a Prosecco happy hour, a salt skin treatment, a steam bath, and a herbal infusion.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel – Arosa
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a 5-star resort in Arosa, that offers stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and – best of all – access to natural hot springs in Switzerland. The hotel’s outdoor pool is fed by these springs, and you can also relax in the on-site spa.
Other amenities include multiple restaurants, a casino, and a shopping center. If you’re looking for a truly special experience, the Tschuggen Grand Hotel is definitely worth considering.
And the good news is that you may skip the part of skiing that nobody likes—waiting in line for the ski lift—if, like many people, you’d rather take advantage of the upscale skiing alternatives nearby while staying at Tschuggen Grand Hotel. This is made possible by the Tschuggen Express, a luxurious mountain railway that takes passengers in secured, private carriages right to the slopes.
Les Bains d’Ovronnaz
Ovronnaz is a beautiful mountain town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. The town is home to a number of thermal baths, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking or skiing. And one of the best thermal baths in the town is Les Bains D’ovronnaz.
This large thermal bath complex features four different pools, including two outdoor pools with views of the mountains.
The spa is the ideal place to unwind in the winter thanks to its one indoor pool, two outdoor thermal swimming pools, and a variety of other amenities like soundproof restrooms and a Finnish sauna. The outdoor swimming pools have whirlpools, massage jets, and even a waterfall in addition to offering a stunning view of the mountains.
Les Bains Du Val D’illizez
Les Bains Du Val D’illizez is one of the top thermal baths in Switzerland. It is located in the beautiful Val d’Illiez, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The water is naturally hot and rich in minerals, making it perfect for a relaxing soak.
There are also a variety of treatments available, such as massages and facials. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, Les Bains Du Val D’illizez is the place for you.
With indoor pools and outdoor pools set in the gorgeous Swiss Alps, this is the ultimate daycation destination. After getting your fill of relaxation, head over to Hostellerie De La Chapelle to enjoy a hearty dinner before heading back to your room to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Panoramic Resort & Spa – Feusisberg
As the name implies, Panoramic Resort, close to Zurich and Luverne, gives a feeling of the panorama at night. The night view is completely special and relaxing. The resort has a large outdoor pool with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Alps, as well as an indoor pool, saunas, and steam rooms. Guests can also enjoy treatments at the spa, which offers a variety of massages, facials, and body wraps.
The Panoramic Resort & Spa is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular thermal baths in Switzerland. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, this is the place for you.
Panoramic Resort spa also features a hot outdoor infinity pool with jacuzzi beds. The infinity pool transforms into the ideal date area after sundown thanks to romantic lighting and a cozy atmosphere. This two-story spa, in addition to the infinity pool, has amenities like a Kneipp bath and double-wicker comfy chairs for unwinding.
Bains De La Gruyère
Bains De La Gruyère is a beautifully designed bath complex located in the picturesque town of Gruyères. With its Roman-style architecture and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder this spot is one of the most popular thermal baths in Switzerland.
The facilities include a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and pool, and there are also massage services available. From October to March, the outdoor pool can be heated up to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) if you’re looking for an invigorating swim during colder months. The charming town of Charmey is home to a tranquil spa that is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful winter getaway.
You can take a dip in the outdoor pool while taking in the expansive views of the la Gruyère mountains from the 900m high observation deck. The outdoor pool is heated to 34° and has massage beds, bubble jets, and other amenities. In addition to the pools, the spa has a café, an Oriental Pavilion, and a Nordic Pavilion, and each offers a unique set of amenities.
Solbad & Spa Schönbühl
The largest natural brine spa in Switzerland sits in Solbad Schönbühl, which is less than 30 minutes from Bern. If you need a pick-me-up, you’ll find plenty of water available in all its forms. The salt pools’ temperatures may reach 35°C, while the adjacent sauna area features a classic Finnish sauna, a bio-sauna, and a sizable herbal steam bath.
Depending on how much energy boost you need, you can also choose the “Experience Spa” and its detoxifying salt scrubs. Alternatives include a variety of sports and relaxation massages, which can be purchased singly or as part of a 10-ticket package.
More Spa Towns in Switzerland
Yverdon-les-Bains
The small town of Yverdon-les-Bains belongs to the most important spa resort in the western Switzerland. The town has a complex spa facility center, with a luxury, 4- star spa hotel. Due to the region’s magnesium rich sources, the town has a tradition in thermal water and its healing benefits. The town is a treasure trove for the art lovers as well: it hosts numerous museums; Yverdon is also home for the first science museum in Europe.
Located at the heart of the Jura Mountains, Yverdon is a perfect location for an active holiday spent mostly outdoors. Since Roman times, Yverdon was known for its sulfurous thermal springs, and by the 18th century it was one of the most flourishing spa towns in Switzerland. The spa is extremely popular, and it is visited by over a thousand people per day.
Vals
Vals is a very pleasant little town where one could very well spend a nice holiday even without a spa, but the Therme Vals spa complex (one of the most interesting modern architecture designs in the country) makes Vals even better for tourists. The thermal hot springs have been known for a long time and their health benefits are famous. The town is also known for its excellent sparkling mineral water, the Valser.
Bad Ragaz
Bad Ragaz is without a doubt one of the best of Switzerland’s spa towns, and a very popular resort holiday destination. The town is charming and surrounded by typically Swiss natural scenery, and there are several spas where you can pamper yourself with treatments and mineral pools. Many travelers come for the health resorts, but there are more than enough ‘beauty’ spas in town too.
Situated in Eastern part of Switzerland, less than an hour from Zurich lies Bad Ragaz, the luxury thermal resort which offers a host of fitness, health, beauty and wellness. The town has a long tradition as a health spa center. Its thermal hot spring complex has luxury hotels, thermal bats with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. It is the best flourishing health center in the area.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a day spent relaxing in a thermal bath. The warm water and beautiful scenery are the perfect combinations for a stress-free day. If you’re looking for the best thermal baths in Switzerland, look no further than this list. From the picturesque mountain views at Mt. Rigi to stunning lakeside settings, these baths will take your breath away.
