Slovakia spa

Curative waters abound in Slovakia: water heavy in therapeutic minerals, thermal springs and delicious mountain sources.

Each spa location features water specific to one or more health conditions, but each tends to draw the general public as well. Hotels in the area welcome those who wish to stay longer, and to take advantage of complete treatments, but day visitors also enjoy coming to bathe, to drink the waters and just to relax in the lovely surroundings.

Among the most popular are the following:

Piestany: Slovakia’s best-known spa town, with a large number of hotels, restaurants and gardens, in western Slovakia. Hot springs and sulphurous mud are among the main therapeutic features, for rheumatic and other physical complaints, skin treatments, and nervous disorders.

Bardejov: a throwback to empire days, with numerous buildings of grand style, in an eastern Slovak valley. Patients with many conditions (including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, diabetes mellitus and cancer therapy) come to Bardejov. However, many more come simply to relax and recharge.

Strbske Pleso: in the spectacular High Tatras National Park of eastern-central Slovakia, ashore a picturesque alpine lake, with many winter and summer sports on offer. Medically, it is the excellent air, not the water, that draws patients, particularly those with respiratory difficulties – but the mountain-spring tap water is also remarkable in its own right.

Vysne Ruzbachy: with a huge swimming pool of thermal water, and 14 different springs. Specialising in treatment of internal disorders as well as physical therapy.

Brusno: in the restful, forested hills of central Slovakia. Therapy focuses on liver and related regeneration, and physical rehabilitation.

Bojnice: adjacent to one of Slovakia’s favourite and tourist-friendly castles, the spa in Bojnice nestles in the scenic western central Slovak hills. Health benefits lie mostly in rejuvenation of motor system, nerves and post-burn skin treatment.