Thermal springs and pools in southern Poland
What does the Podhale have in common with Yellowstone...
For many of us, the arrival of September means a drop in temperatures and the end of the season for outdoor pool bathing. However, Poland and the Poles received a wonderful gift, not from Santa Claus, but from the geology of the region ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ especially the geology of southern part of the country.
Let's talk about thermal springs and thermal pools.
The history of the presence of thermal waters in this region dates back to processes that occurred millions of years ago. Geothermal sources of thermal waters in the Podhale region are associated with volcanic and tectonic activity. This water reaches depths where it is heated by volcanic activity, and then, under pressure, emerges to the surface as a hot spring.
It works on the same principle as the geysers in Yellowstone in the USA!
An example of a thermal spring in Yellowstone (apparently a woman stuck her head in it and said it was hot)
Source: https://www.insider.com/
People discovered thermal waters in Podhale many centuries ago. The history of their use dates back to the Middle Ages when people noticed the beneficial effects of hot springs on health. Initially, they were mainly used for medicinal and recreational purposes, with people bathing in them, believing in their healing properties. The first organized baths in these thermal waters took place in the 18th century when the first bathing facilities and health resorts were built, attracting patients seeking relief from various ailments.
Today, thermal waters in the Podhale region are used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. There are numerous thermal pool complexes and spa resorts offering the use of hot springs as a form of relaxation and support for both physical and mental health. If you are planning a visit to the Zakopane area, you must definitely visit these thermal pools.
Professor Michał Kleiber, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Polska Akademia Nauk), said the following about the thermal waters from Podhale:
Water gardens, thermal springs and therapeutic baths all contribute to a broadly defined culture of healthy living. Thermal waters are not only a pleasure, but also a therapy to help treat various ailments.
If the professor says so, let's have a look at some of the most popular thermal pools in the Zakopane area...
Click here to go to Zakopane and Thermal Pools with Discover Cracow.
Chocholowskie Termy
Location and surroundings
The Chocholowskie Thermal Baths are located in the picturesque village of Chocholów near Zakopane in the charming surroundings of the Tatra Mountains, which makes them an attractive destination for visitors who wish to combine relaxation in the thermal waters with the beauty of mountain nature.
Surface area and infrastructure
The water surface covers an area of approximately 3000m2, with several outdoor and indoor pools. Chochołowskie Termy are the biggest thermal pools in Podhale. The outdoor pools are surrounded by the natural landscape of the Tatra peaks, which gives an amazing view while swimming.
Very nice and well maintained facility, we were with friends on the occasion of being in Zakopane. Very large selection of pools, jacuzzis and other pools where you can have a nice time.
Wrote Jakub in his review on Google
Types of pools
In the Chocholow thermal facilities you will find a variety of thermal pools of different sizes and temperatures. The outdoor pools offer beautiful views of the mountain scenery and also provide the opportunity to relax outdoors, even on colder days.
Attractions and additional infrastructure
In addition to the pools, this complex offers saunas, jacuzzis and various water attractions for children and adults, such as slides and paddling pools. In addition, there are rest areas, relaxation areas and bars and restaurants.
Termy Chochołowskie - Google Link
Termy Bania
Location and surroundings
Located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, Termy Bania Thermal Baths offer not only relaxing baths in the hot springs, but also breathtaking views of the mountain peaks and the surrounding nature.
Surface area and infrastructure
The complex covers an area of around 1400m2, with a variety of outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, jacuzzis and relaxation areas.
Types of pools
The thermal pools at Termy Bania (just like Termy Chochołowskie) offer a variety of temperatures and sizes, allowing visitors to choose their preferred relaxation option. The outdoor pools not only allow you to bathe in the warm water, but also delight in the beautiful views of the mountain scenery.
Attractions and additional infrastructure
Termy Bania offer a wide range of attractions, including slides, children's paddling pools, relaxation areas and bars/restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local cuisine.
Termy Bukovina Tatrzańska
Location and surroundings
It is a vast complex covering an area of 1885m2, with a variety of outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, relaxation areas and water attractions.
Surface area and infrastructure
Variety of outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, jacuzzis and relaxation areas.
Types of pools
Termy Bukovina Tatrzanska present a variety in terms of both temperature and size. In addition to providing bathing in warm water, the outdoor pools also offer enchanting views of picturesque mountain landscapes.
Attractions and additional infrastructure
The facility offers a wide range of additional attractions such as slides, children's paddling pools, jacuzzis, saunas, as well as relaxation areas and bars/restaurants with local dishes.
Aqua Park Zakopne
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Can you see the sleeping knight in the picture? Zakopane -Town under the Polish Himalayas
Location and surroundings
It is a complex that includes a variety of pools, slides, saunas, whirlpools and various water attractions for children and adults. Despite the lack of natural hot springs, the Aqua Park provides entertainment and the opportunity to spend time in the water in varied conditions.
Surface area and infrastructure
The Aqua Park Zakopane features leisure pools, children's paddling pools, whirlpools and waterslides that are popular with visitors. In addition, there are saunas and relaxation areas for those wishing to rest and a bowling alley.
As you can see, in Podhale, we have a multitude of very interesting thermal pools. Now that you know the connection between Yellowstone Park and Zakopane, there's nothing left but to pack your swimsuit and flip-flops and head to the thermal pools to relax and delight in the view of the Tatra Mountains.
