Winter can be balmy, wet and cold not to mention inconvenient especially when you are caught on a storm but there’s a silver lining where this season is concerned, that is, a beautiful snow-covered landscape and as far as Northern Europe is concerned, awesome winter spas.
With the elaborate train system in Europe, a Eurail pass would be a convenient way to hop from one destination to another to enjoy the awesome contrast between the cold air and a hot bath without spending a lot of money.
If you are up for some adventure this winter without getting chilled to the bone, here are some of the best places to hang visit.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland.
Formed after Svertsengi power plant’s construction, this geothermal spa in Iceland became one of the country’s top attractions. Water temperature hovers between 98 and 102 degrees making it perfect for people who are looking for a warm haven while treating various skin ailments and revitalize your skin. The place itself looks something out of another planet and you can enjoy the silica mud and the massaging waterfalls free of charge.
Jurmala, Latvia.
In the middle of winter, snow in the country reaches up to the knees but that’s no excuse to miss the spa located on the edge of a pine forest in Jurmala, a resort town in the country. Spa hotels abound in the area but the traditional Russian sauna known as Amber Spa Boutique Hotel is a must try. Ice plunge pools, hot steam rooms and various treatments to improve circulation and treat various health problems are all available in the spa.
Bath, England.
Taking the water in Bath has long been a popular cure as far back as 8000 B.C. In historical and fictional works set in the Old World, Bath has often been referred to as the place to go for people who are suffering from illness as it has often been recommended by physicians. The Thermae Bath Spa which opened in original bath sites in 2006 was a great improvement. The water in Bath is a great treatment for gout, rheumatism, even psoriasis and infertility and with about 42 minerals, soaking is the perfect way to relax and relieve various skin issues and problems. The town is an attraction in itself and there are many places that you can visit around the area while enjoying the baths.
Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest is known as the City of Spas. Celtics were the first ones to make use of the therapeutic waters here which was followed by the Romans who constructed the official baths in the area. An interest on the benefits of the waters here led to the construction of more bathhouses. Due to the presence of various minerals including calcium, sulphate, fluoride and metabolic acid, the waters are known to relieve orthopedic and arthritic problems. The water from the well is potable and it is great in treating internal inflammation and gastric ulcers. There are several public baths in the area but the Szechenyi Bath is highly recommended.
Saturnia, Italy.
The spot where this thermal spring is located is said to be the place where the thunderbolt hoisted by Jupiter fell during a battle with Saturn. The first to use these thermal springs were the Etruscans during the Bronze age but it was the Romans who built what could be the world’s first public bath house. Waters from this spring come from a dormant volcano, Monte Amiata and the mineral content strengthens and calms skin and it is good for joints, muscles as well as respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
There are more thermal baths in Europe and these are just some of them. Despite the biting cold, soaking in the therapeutic waters in various thermal springs in the continent is definitely a great experience.
