Is Bansko good for skiing beginners?
3rd October 2021
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Ski helmets, essential for learning! Conclusion Bansko is a great ski resort to learn how to ski. It’s a place where beginners can learn and
Top 6 Best Zakopane Thermal Baths and Hot Springs to Visit on Your Ski Holiday
What’s better than relaxing in a hot pool of mineral water after a long day of skiing? Nothing, really.
As Zakopane is quickly becoming one of the best ski holiday locations in Europe, many thermal baths have started to appear to scratch that exact itch. There are many Zakopane thermal baths and hot springs that offer a vast array of services – from nourishing hot springs to saunas, gyms, healing treatments, and in-built restaurants.
Based on our own experience and that of our eco-chalet visitors, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list to make your life easier. Here we go!
Best Zakopane Thermal Baths (and Vicinity)
Here are the best Zakopane Thermal baths in no particular order along with everything you need to know to get there and enjoy yourself.
1. Termy Zakopiańskie / Zakopane Thermal Baths
Jagiellońska 31, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland
Website | aquapark(@)polskietatry.pl | +48 18 200 11 22
09:00 – 22:00
Previously known as Zakopane Aquapark, this fun yet relaxing thermal spa is located right in the center of Zakopane, just a 6-minute drive from our Stardust ski chalets. It’s designed to entertain a big group of people, offering everything from waterslides to thermal pools and even bowling alleys. It includes:
Thermal Zone:
- 2 thermal bath pools
- Swimming pool with lanes
- 2 water slides
- Wild river
Mini-pool for children
Spa Zone:
- 4 saunas
- 6 jacuzzis
- Salt cave
Additional Amenities:
- Bowling
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Massage center
Pricing: £15 – £25/adult. Check out group discounts here.
Transport: 15-minute walk from our chalets and most other points in Zakopane.
Goracy Potok
Osiedle Nowe 45, 34-424 Szaflary, Poland
Website | info(@)goracypotok.pl | +48 727 52 52 52
09:00 – 22:00
Goracy Potok goes above and beyond to deliver a stunning thermal experience. They offer a wide array of 21 thermal baths. Some of them are located in authentically crafted interiors, while others allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains. Not to mention the stunning spa zone and talented masseurs, ready to rid you of any and all stress.
While it’s outside of Zakopane, Goracy Potok’s variety and top-notch quality make it worth the drive, and even turning it into a full day trip at the end of your ski vacation.
Thermal Zone:
- 12 indoor geothermal pools
- 9 outdoor geothermal pools.
Spa Zone:
- Sulfur water jacuzzi
- Dry & wood-heated sauna
- Mud baths
- Brine graduation tower
- Cooling basin
- Massage parlor
Additional Amenities:
- Water slides
- Football and volleyball pitches
- Dedicated water kindergarten
- Restaurant
Pricing: £23/adult (full-day thermal baths). Additional pricing info here.
Transport: 20-minute drive or a 40-minute bus ride (11 bus).
Termy Szaflary
Osiedle Nowe 20, 34-424 Szaflary, Poland
Website | biuro(@)termyszaflary.com | +48 605 344 589
Mon-Thu: 10 – 21 | Fri: 10 – 22 | Sat: 9 – 22 | Sun: 9 – 21
This cozy facility might seem humble at first glance, but it offers some of the best saunas and personalized treatments around Zakopane. Additionally, the thermal water swimming pools provide an even more in-depth experience because of the many hydro massage devices they come equipped with – water jets, massage benches, hedgehogs, geysers, and other neck & shoulder massage utilities. Once you’re done, you can enjoy a carefully prepared meal in one of the two restaurants on the grounds. Or both – we won’t judge you.
Thermal Zone:
- 4 highly mineralized thermal baths
- 55-meter-long slide
- Children’s wading pool
Spa Zone:
- Finnish sauna
- Infrared sauna
- Herbal and aromatherapy extras
- Steam saunas
- Massage
Additional Amenities:
- Cozy restaurant based on Italian cuisine
- Pool area restaurant, exclusive to visitors
Pricing: £23/adult (full-day thermal baths). Additional pricing info here.
Transport: 20-minute drive or a 35-minute bus ride (Zakopane-Nowy Targ bus).
Termy Bukovina (Bukowinie Tatrzańskiej)
Sportowa 22, 34-530 Bukowina Tatrzańska, Poland
Website | termy(@)bukovina.pl | +48 18 20 20 070
09:00 – 22:00
Looking for a healing and nourishing dip? Bukovina Thermal Baths sources its thermal water from 2,4km underground, below the Wysoki Wierch Mountain, as many Zakopane hot springs do.
Here, you’re bound to happen upon some of the planned group activities, including the infamous Highlander Sauna.
The location is just 15 km from Zakopane, on the way to Slovakia.
Thermal Zone:
- 13 thermal pools
- Hydromassage thermal bath
- A unique internal pool shaped like a bass, with multiple massage nozzles and geysers
- 2 jacuzzis
- 3 water slides
- Dedicated children’s pools
Spa Zone:
- 8 saunas in total
- Steam bath
- Infrared sauna
- Laconium (dry sweating room)
- Highlander sauna w/ traditional regional interior (daily sessions at 12 pm, 2 pm and 7 pm)
Additional Amenities:
- Burger and fast food joint with a regional touch
- Restaurant with a mouth-watering buffet selection
- Cafe with a broad selection of pastries and sweets
- All-you-need swimwear store
Pricing: £20/adult/3.5hrs. Full-day and group prices here.
Transport: 20-minute drive or a 25-minute bus ride (Zakopane-Groń bus).
Terma Bania Bialka
Środkowa 181, 34-405 Białka Tatrzańska, Poland
Website | bok(@)termabania.pl | +48 18 26 12 540
09:00 – 22:00
Bialka Tatrzanska is a small but busy village just 22 km away from Zakopane. It also houses Terma Bania – a top-quality thermal establishment with an impressive selection of pools at the bottom of a ski slope, there’s space to leave your ski equipment so you can relax right after skiing. With an equally impressive choice of saunas, families are bound to have a good time, as there are also plenty of attractions and areas for children.
Besides the beautiful mountain views, what makes Terma Bania special is its social nature. You might visit on a day when a bubble party is happening. Of course, if you’re looking for a relaxing and laid-back experience, you can always look at the itinerary for the day.
Thermal Zone:
- 14 thermal baths
- Great thermal pool variety for children
- Slides
Spa Zone:
- Russian banya
- Highlander sauna
- 2 Finnish saunas
- Salt rock cave
- Steam bath
- Infrared sauna
- Brine pool
- Personalized massage with a variety of physiotherapy treatments
- Solarium
Additional Amenities:
- Children’s playground
- 2 restaurants
- Bar
Pricing: £30/adult/4.5hrs. More pricing options here.
Transport: 30-minute drive or a 40-minute bus ride (Zakopane-Groń bus).
Chochołowskie Termy
Chochołów 400, 34-513 Witów, Poland
Website | bok(@)chocholowskietermy.pl | +48 78 13 00 301
09:00 – 22:00
For many, Chochołowskie Termy takes the cake for the best thermal bath in Poland. It has the largest thermal bath selection with just under 3,000 square meters of water and a vast repertoire of novel and healing spa treatments. The list below speaks for itself.
Chochołów itself is a small but beautifully constructed village with a lot to take in, making this trip incredibly rewarding.
Thermal Zone:
- 30 thermal pools (The largest choice of hot springs Poland offers)
- Geysers
- Artificial waves
- Hydromassage stands
- Water jets
- Wild river
Spa Zone:
- Multiple jacuzzis, incl. brine jacuzzi
- Normobaric therapy
- Numerous sauna options (incl. highlander, panorama, bio juniper, and more)
- Salt cave
- Steam / aromatic bath houses
- Mud & milk baths
- Clay treatments & more
Additional Amenities:
- 3 water slides
- Volleyball & basketball courts
- Climbing net
- Sauna bar
- Gym & fitness center
- Restaurant
Pricing: £28/adult/4hrs. More pricing options here.
Transport: 30-minute drive or a 50-minute bus ride (Take the 11 bus, and then the Zakopane-Chochołów bus from Zakopane Targowic)
Where to Stay For Your Ski Holiday
If you want to visit the thermal baths in and around Zakopane, you’ll need accommodation that is conveniently located. If you also plan on skiing, having the option to rent equipment nearby will also save you a lot of trouble.
Zakopane is becoming increasingly attractive as a European ski holiday destination, so options might be scarce if you wait too long, especially in the middle of the season.
The best accommodation option for groups of 8-13: Snomads’ Eco Ski Chalets
Snomads Chalet Stardust, Droga Oswalda Balzera 23, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland
Website | hello(@)snomads.co.uk | (UK) +447716024170
00:00 – 24:00
Our chalets are a 5-minute drive away from Zakopane Thermal Baths and a 2-minute walk away from the nearest bus stop, making trips to local thermal baths and hot springs very convenient. Our private guest shuttle service can also take you straight to the nearby geothermal baths.
Poland’s first-ever eco chalet, Stardust is the perfect place to enjoy a hassle-free skiing trip while setting up a temporary home for your group.
The cozy and spacious chalets come with, retro consoles, board games, sky sports, a movie library, fast internet, a central location, and total privacy. Moreover, there’s the use of a chalet kitchen and the possibility of joining a comprehensive buffet breakfast at next door’s hotel. Last but not least, there’s nearby ski rental and fitting, so you don’t even have to bring a single piece of gear which saves money on flight baggage.
Check out the Stardust & Stardust II chalets and reserve your healing retreat in the heart of Tatras Mountains now.
Bonus: Tips for Visiting Thermal Baths
A visit to a thermal/spa facility can be extremely nourishing and relaxing, especially after skiing for multiple days on end. However, being well-prepared is just as important, since you’ll likely spend the better part of a whole day there.
Here are some tips to help you out:
- Pack the essentials. While most of the thermal baths can provide you with most of what you need, you can save some money by bringing your own towel, flip flops, swimwear and a water bottle (ideally a reusable one).
- Arrive early. Beat the crows and secure a good spot. Consider arriving in the morning to enjoy the attractions at your own leisure. Besides, it’s a great way to start the day.
- Hydrate. Seriously. Spending time in the water is… dehydrating. That’s especially true if you plan on exploring the different types of saunas. Drink plenty of water and either mix in some salt or eat a salty meal to help you retain the water.
- Take Breaks. While the point of a thermal experience is to relax, it can put a strain on your body, as it’s constantly shifting its temperature and feeling new sensations. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
- Stay safe. Walking around a water-focused facility comes with its slippery risks. Stay alert, respect the rules, and look out for signs.
- Try them all! Finally, make sure to try out as many pools and facilities as you can. Different mineral compositions and temperatures work best for different bodies. If you take a short while to try them out at the beginning you’ll know which ones you want to spend the most time at throughout the day.
Already planning for your next ski trip?
Here’s a bookmark for your browser! Next time you’re planning a budget skiing trip in Europe, make sure to visit Bansko, Bulgaria. Our Snomads eco chalets in Bansko offer a cozy, comfortable, and convenient escape for ski amateurs and pros alike.
A wide variety of slopes and a bustling nightlife scene, along with a curated catered accommodation for bigger groups if waiting for you. Check out our catered eco ski chalets in Bansko – Diana-Ross, Supreme, and Chico.
In this article:
We love Zakopane, and we want you to love it too.
Our award-winning eco chalets are designed to make you feel right at home. Trained staff will take care of all your needs from the moment you arrive so you can enjoy a fully catered, care-free ski trip.