The 11 Official Great Spa Towns of Europe 🏛️💧
In 2021, UNESCO designated 11 spa towns across Europe as the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, recognizing their historic significance, healing waters, and cultural heritage.
Here is the full list of the 11 UNESCO-listed spa towns:
🇦🇹 Austria
1️⃣ Baden bei Wien – Known for sulfur-rich thermal springs and a famous imperial spa tradition.
🇧🇪 Belgium
2️⃣ Spa – The town that gave the world the word “spa”, famous for its iron-rich mineral waters.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
3️⃣ Karlovy Vary – The largest Czech spa town, known for its hot springs and famous Becherovka herbal liqueur.
4️⃣ Mariánské Lázně – Features over 40 mineral springs, stunning neoclassical architecture, and a history of royal visitors.
5️⃣ Františkovy Lázně – A charming spa town with carbon dioxide-rich waters, known for its peaceful atmosphere.
🇫🇷 France
6️⃣ Vichy – Famous for its thermal waters, used in Vichy skincare products, and historic bathhouses.
🇩🇪 Germany
7️⃣ Baden-Baden – One of the most luxurious and famous spa towns, known for thermal baths and elegant casinos.
8️⃣ Bad Ems – A picturesque spa town with historic bathhouses and a rich European royal history.
9️⃣ Bad Kissingen – Offers a mix of salt springs, beautiful gardens, and grand 19th-century spa architecture.
🇮🇹 Italy
🔟 Montecatini Terme – A Tuscan spa retreat with beautiful thermal baths, Art Nouveau architecture, and lush gardens.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
1️⃣1️⃣ Bath – England’s most famous Roman and Georgian spa city, home to the iconic Roman Baths and thermal waters.
What Makes These Towns Special?
✅ Rich history – These towns have been spa destinations for centuries, some since Roman times.
✅ Natural healing waters – Known for thermal and mineral springs believed to have healing properties.
✅ Grand architecture – Many feature opulent bathhouses, pump rooms, and historic hotels.
✅ Cultural significance – These towns attracted royals, artists, and scientists throughout history.