Ever taken a bath so posh it deserves UNESCO status?
No?
Then hold on to your shower cap because these Great Spa Towns of Europe are calling your name!
Theater in Baden bei Wien, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, Vienna Slide / STOCK4B-RF
Baden bei Wien, Austria
Nearest train station: Baden bei Wien Bahnhof
Just a short hop south of Vienna, Baden bei Wien is Austria’s official claim to fame in the UNESCO Great Spa Towns list. This little gem has been luring visitors for centuries with its natural thermal springs — even Beethoven and Mozart were regulars here. The train from Wien Meidling is super quick (about 15 minutes), and once you step off and wander through the lush parks and grand old bathhouses, you can totally see why Vienna’s elite flocked to this spot.
Spa, Belgium
Nearest train station: Spa
Yep, this is the OG spa — the place that lent its name to every other spa on the planet. Spa, Belgium has been the go-to chill spot for Europe’s elite since the 14th century. If the history doesn’t lure you in, the scenic ride through the Ardennes will. Hop on a train from Brussels, and in about two hours, you’ll be relaxing in waters that have been revered for centuries. Rubber ducks optional.
Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, Fati Dzarajeva / 500px
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic (Czechia)
Nearest train station: Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is basically the A-list celebrity of spa towns. The town is so glamorous it’s like one long red carpet lined with hot springs. This is the place to see and be seen — while bathing in some of the world’s most famous mineral waters. The train ride here is an event in itself, winding through lush forests that will make you wish your daily commute was this beautiful.
Františkovy Lázně, Czech Republic (Czechia)
Nearest train station: Františkovy Lázně
Think of Františkovy Lázně as the laid-back little sibling of Karlovy Vary. It’s smaller, less crowded, and perfect if you prefer your relaxation with a side of charming coziness. The train from Prague is a breeze, winding through picturesque Czech countryside before landing you in this adorable spa town that feels like a well-kept secret.
Read also: Czechia digital nomad visa: everything you need to know
Spa square in Mariánské Lázně in the Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, Jiri Vanicek
Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic (Czechia)
Nearest train station: Mariánské Lázně
Ever wanted to soak in the same waters that soothed Goethe, Chopin, and King Edward VII? Mariánské Lázně is your spot. This spa town is pure elegance, with parks, fountains, and colonnades that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 19th-century postcard. The train from Prague is as smooth as the waters you’ll be dipping into.
Vichy, France
Nearest train station: Vichy
Vichy isn’t just famous for its mineral water; it practically invented wellness. From Paris, you can catch a train and be there in under three hours. Once you arrive, it’s all about indulging in the town’s iconic spas, sipping the local water, and maybe spending the day lounging around in a fluffy robe. Vive la relaxation!
Buildings in Bad Ems, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, stefanbernsmann2 / 500px
Bad Ems, Germany
Nearest train station: Bad Ems
Bad Ems is like stepping into a spa-themed time machine. This German town has been a favorite since Roman times, and it’s easy to see why. The train ride from Frankfurt is quick and sweet, and once you’re there, you’ll want to linger in the historic baths, stroll along the Lahn River, and pretend you’re a 19th-century noble with nothing to do but relax.
Baden-Baden, Germany
Nearest train station: Baden-Baden
Double the Baden, double the fun. Baden-Baden is Germany’s most famous spa town, and there are many reasons for that. With grand baths, luxurious hotels, and a casino that even James Bond would envy, this town is European elegance at its finest. The train ride from Frankfurt or Stuttgart is quick, so you’ll be soaking in style in no time.
Mineral spring in Bad Kissingen, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Igor11105
Bad Kissingen, Germany
Nearest train station: Bad Kissingen
Bad Kissingen is where you go for a spa experience served with a side of serenity. This town is quieter, more laid-back, and perfect if you like your relaxation in a more intimate setting. The train from Frankfurt will get you there in a couple of hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the therapeutic waters and the town’s charming atmosphere.
Montecatini Terme, Italy
Nearest train station: Montecatini Terme
The train from Florence is a short hop, and once you’re in Montecatini Terme, it’s all about enjoying the elegant spa buildings, beautiful parks, and indulging in some world-class Italian cuisine. Because nothing says relaxation like a soak followed by spaghetti.
Bath, UK
Nearest train station: Bath Spa
Last but definitely not least, Bath in the UK is where spa culture and history collide. The Romans knew a good thing when they saw it, and the town’s baths are still a major draw. The train ride from London is a breeze, making it easy to swap city stress for some serious pampering. Plus, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’re basically getting two for the price of one.
Read also: Best preserved Roman ruins in Europe: top sites to see outside of Rome
Roman Baths in Bath, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Edward Haylan
UNESCO’s Great Spa Towns of Europe: all you need to know
What are UNESCO’s Great Spa Towns of Europe?
UNESCO’s Great Spa Towns of Europe include 11 historic towns spread across seven countries, recognized for their unique blend of natural mineral springs, stunning architecture, and cultural significance. They were the go-to places for health and relaxation from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
Which spa towns are included in the UNESCO list?
The full list of UNESCO’s Great Spa Towns includes:
- Baden-Baden (Germany)
- Baden-Bei Wien (Austria)
- Bad Ems (Germany)
- Bad Kissingen (Germany)
- Bath (United Kingdom)
- Františkovy Lázně (Czech Republic)
- Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic)
- Mariánské Lázně (Czech Republic)
- Vichy (France)
- Montecatini Terme (Italy)
- Spa (Belgium)
Thermal spa in Montecatini Terme, Italy. Image Credit: Getty Images, FrankvandenBergh
What makes these towns so special?
These towns aren’t just famous for their natural thermal springs — they’re also architectural gems with beautiful bathhouses, grand hotels, and lush parks. Back in the day, they were the ultimate spots for wellness, attracting Europe’s elite for treatments and socializing.
Can I visit these spa towns today, and what can I do there?
Definitely! Each town is still a great destination for relaxation and culture. You can soak in the historic thermal baths, explore beautiful gardens and historic sites, and enjoy the local food and culture. Whether you’re into spa treatments or just want to wander around charming streets, these towns have something for everyone.
How do I get to these spa towns?
Most of these towns are well-connected by train or car from major European cities. For example, Baden-Baden is just an hour from Stuttgart, while Bath is a quick train ride from London. Check local travel options for the best routes.
So, whether you’re craving a Roman-style soak or just need a good excuse to wear a fluffy robe in public, Europe’s Great Spa Towns have got you covered. Download the Trainline app for your next relaxing journey!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Anastasiia Krivenok
