Spas

History

Throughout centuries, people used the healing and relaxing powers of these springs, and later started to build towns around them. First written mention dates back to the 9th century, first spa town - Turcianske Teplice - begun building in 1533. At first the springs were exclusively used by the nobility, the serfs and vassals could only use the hard-reachable springs.
The big spa boom came in the 18-19. century, when "going to a spa" was more a cultural and social event than something done for the sake of health. Sadly, in the 20th century many spas bankrupted or closed, leaving only the biggest and most well-known.

Slovak spas nowadays

Spas in Slovakia divide into two general cathegories: balneological and climatic spas, some are also mixed.
Balneological spas are built around a hot mineral spring. A majority of slovak spas belong within this, from the most famous Piestany on the west to Bardejov in the Eastern part of the country.

• Piestany - largest and most famous spa in Slovakia, with hot summers and mild winters.
• Sliac - small spa near Banska Bystrica
• Bardejovske Kupele - spa near the Tatras in the eastern portion of the country
• Rajecke Teplice - small spa-town near Zilina

Climatic spas aim mostly on respiratory problems - alergies, asthmas and other chronical maladies and postoperative recuperation. These spas are located higher in the mountains, around mountain lakes.

• Strbske pleso - mountain lake in the High Tatras, 1350 m above sea level
• Novy Smokovec - village on the centre of the High Tatras

Wellness - Many hotels also adopted Wellness programs to draw in more guests, some really did a good job on this (see bottom of the page for list). Many hot spring lidos were founded in the past years, and are currently enjoying a rise in popularity.