I love taking baths, yet I come from the UK where such practices aren't widely embraced. There’s an old Victorian bathhouse close to my home that has been left unused, public swimming pools around the nation have shut down, and our rivers are not for swimmers.
Therefore, during my vacations, I look for locations where I can relax by soaking or steaming: such as Istanbul’s traditional hamams, Budapest’s historical thermal baths, and Finland’s sauna facilities.
Upscale spa culture doesn't appeal to me, nor does the enjoyment of being alone—I prefer scenes with people exercising and conversing. I am interested in diving into social histories, such as 19th-century patients seeking treatments in German spas and 21st-century influencers reviving this trend. wild swimming and cold-water therapy.
There may not be a more enjoyable way to experience a location than by taking a plunge into its waters—here are some swimming spots you should check out.
Explore Budapest as you swim around
It didn't seem like missing out on sightseeing when I decided to dedicate each afternoon during my stay to Budapest in a different bathhouse.
Hungary boasts 1,300 thermal water springs, including 123 within Budapest. These wells feed into various bathhouses reflecting distinct eras of the city's past. Among these are the 16th-century Ottoman-influenced Rudas Baths, the Art Nouveau-decorated Gellért Baths featuring intricate tile work and mosaics, as well as the grandiose Neo-Baroque Széchényi Spa, which ranks among the continent's largest bathing complexes.
Certainly, appreciate the architectural beauty, yet observing people truly steals the show – these are vast, communal areas perfect for relaxing and conversing.
Go hiking, visit spas, and discover Europe’s most popular thermal springs.
"Bulgaria ranks among the European nations most abundant in mineral water," states Lyubomir Aleksandrov from the Sofia-based tour operator Green Valleys.
The nation boasts numerous hot springs, with several being the hottest on the continent, attaining temperatures as high as 100°C.
The Romans delighted in taking baths in areas that today constitute modern-day Sofia Today, it's quite common for Bulgarians to utilize springs, according to Lyubo, either for enhancing their physical well-being or simply to boost their spirits.
In the countryside, the combination of mineral richness and mountain breezes creates a delightful experience: those who hike through the Pirin or Rhodope Mountains can unwind at day’s end by soothing their weary muscles with these natural benefits. spa hotels.
Glimpse into Finland's sauna tradition
I believe it's challenging for outsiders arriving in Finland to grasp just how integral this aspect is. Finnish culture ," says Petri Leinonen, a guide with the Finnish nature tour company Upitrek.
Beyond cleanliness, comfort, and health advantages, "The sauna serves as a space where you can be truthful and express your innermost emotions freely without worrying about social hierarchy. In the saunas' benches, everyone is considered equal."
Petri’s father was born in a smoke sauna - a practice that has all but vanished now. Traditionally, sauna is a spiritual place, too. “The steam - the löyly - that’s the spirit of the sauna, and you can connect in this way in the sauna to the spiritual part of your life.”
Cover yourself with bubbles in a Turkish bath
Everything is progressing wonderfully at the hammam . You've reclined on the massive marble table in the heated chamber (sıcaklık) and unclosed your pores. After being scrubbed clean, you're prepared for a layer of frothy suds to be drizzled across your skin.
However, when this occurs, the idea of relaxing beneath a whole foot of foam becomes so ludicrous that you end up bursting into laughter instead. This is the classic kese-köpük massage – an exfoliating treatment using a coarse cloth, succeeded by rubbing with frothy soap.
In the 18th century, Istanbul boasted approximately 180 hammams, yet due to our fast-paced contemporary lifestyle, they have lost much of their appeal among locals—except as an attraction for visitors. You may still come across a bridal shower or bachelor party making use of these traditional bathhouses.
From icy lakes to hot springs in Slovakia
Boasting landscapes reminiscent of Switzerland yet more untamed and off-the-beaten-path, Slovakia’s High Tatras features numerous icy lakes and steep mountains. However, the region also offers a gentler experience through its inviting hot springs, perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.
“ Slovakia Boasting ancient wellness traditions," states Alena Dulakova, the founder of Tatra Escapes, "it is renowned for its thermal springs and spa facilities.
Alena mentions that soaking is highly popular in the country and cherished by Slovaks. She explains, "The bathing culture provides a distinctive means of connecting with the nation's heritage and scenic landscapes."
Relax and soap up as you gaze for Aurora Borealis
Iceland's land of ice and fire—plus mud and algae: The country harnesses its geothermal activity for over a quarter of its energy needs, creating more than 600 hot springs. Many offer breathtaking mountain vistas during the day and mesmerizing scenes at night. Aurora Borealis at night.
Sites include the popular Blue Lagoon One of the top tourist destinations in the nation, attracting many visitors who can cover themselves with white clay while relaxing in waters abundant with algae.
Even though numerous swimming areas attract mostly tourists, there are still many serene spots for swimming.
Geothermal pools served as shared bathing areas for Icelanders who lacked such amenities at home, and numerous towns across the country continue to feature these warm public pools even today.
Eloise Barker serves as a writer for the activist travel firm Responsible Travel.