Which Thermal Baths Are Worth Visiting During Your Autumn Stay in Zakopane?

Autumn, Zakopane, and You: Which Thermal Baths Are Worth Visiting During Your Autumn Stay in Zakopane?

Autumn has arrived. It's a special time in the Polish mountains for several reasons. Firstly, due to the vibrant colors displayed by Zakopane's flora during this period. Secondly, the temperatures are pleasant, perfect for strolls or high-altitude hikes. Thirdly, the mountains have become quieter, with tourist traffic slowing down after the end of summer vacations. All of this confidently suggests that autumn is an excellent time to visit the Capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains for solo travelers or adult groups. So, if the words "Zakopane," "autumn," and "relaxation" are on your mind, we have a few suggestions for you.

We've previously discussed autumn walks and their destinations in our previous blog. Today, we have a few suggestions for spending time after those aforementioned hikes - one of the options we propose is visiting one of the available thermal baths near Zakopane.

Thermal baths, although the oldest originated in Pompeii in the 2nd century BCE, weren't much different from those we have today. Just like nowadays, they were complexes situated on extensive grounds, accessible to all at specified hours. The main components of thermal baths were pools with warm, cold, and hot water, steam baths, as well as massage and relaxation rooms. They were supplied with spring water and served relaxation, social, and health purposes.

In southern Poland, there are several such complexes, all located near Zakopane. Therefore, our subjective overview will help you decide which ones to visit. So, if you choose Zakopane as your nearest destination for relaxation, you'll not only experience autumn's charms on the trails but also during evening relaxation at the thermal baths.

Chochołowskie Thermal Baths:

Let's start with Chochołowskie Thermal Baths. They are considered one of the largest in Poland, with nearly 3,000 m² of water! At Chochołowskie Thermal Baths, we have at our disposal geysers, a raging river, an artificial wave, hydro massage stations, and of course, indoor and outdoor pools with cocktail bars where you can enjoy drinks without leaving the water. Those who prefer active leisure can play water volleyball and basketball or swim in the sports pool. For those seeking strong sensations, there are slides with a chute and two pontoon slides. During relaxation time, a fascinating and state-of-the-art sauna zone, one of the most modern in Podhale, will help you unwind. Located on the second floor of the building, it offers an opportunity for undisturbed relaxation in an intimate atmosphere. We have at our disposal a BIO sauna with juniper, dry saunas, steam baths, infrared saunas, and a highlander's hut offering sessions with a view of the forest. Guests can cool off in the outdoor and indoor cold pools, cooling barrel, and icefall. Therefore, we recommend the main part of the complex to those who don't mind a large number of people and noise. Sauna enthusiasts will appreciate the sauna stress, as this part of the complex makes a really good impression. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths offer various ticket configurations, so you can choose exactly those parts of the complex that you intend to use.

Bania Thermal Baths:

The second most popular thermal baths in the vicinity of Zakopane are the Bania Thermal Baths located in Białka Tatrzańska, about 20 km from Zakopane. The baths are divided into three independent zones, allowing you to choose precisely the part of the complex that you're interested in. The first zone offered by Bania Thermal Baths is the fun zone. It is a zone accessible to everyone, with special consideration for children. So if you're looking for relaxation and unwind, we advise against this part, but the other two zones offered by Bania Thermal Baths will be perfect. The relaxation zone with indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and hydro massage. Although the zone is intended for persons over 16 years old, sometimes you can still encounter children there, but there are few of them and they don't disturb relaxation. The last zone is the extensive sauna zone. Time flows completely differently here. It is exclusively for adult spa guests and includes a pool and a unique outdoor highlander's sauna, steam bath, stone grotto, Finnish sauna, foot massage pool, a bar, and a relaxation area. One of the biggest attractions is the sauna rituals, which take place 7 days a week, according to the designated schedule at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:00 (session exclusively for ladies), 18:00 (smoke session), 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 (frost session with menthol crystals). The rituals are free and available as part of the sauna ticket. Tickets to Bania Thermal Baths can be purchased for several zones or for selected ones. So, there is a possibility to combine them or use the part most suitable for our preferences.

Szaflary Thermal Baths:

Another place on the map of Podhale thermal baths is Szaflary Thermal Baths. Despite being less popular than the others described by us, these baths offer guests four pools with highly mineralized thermal water with the best mineralization among waters used for recreational purposes in Podhale. The water temperature is maintained in the range of 30 - 38 degrees Celsius. The total water surface area is 970 m². The baths offer four pools: two outdoor and two indoor, a three-lane family slide, and a paddling pool for children with a slide. The pools are equipped with many hydro massage devices such as water whips, massage benches, hedgehogs, geysers, neck and shoulder massage devices with wide and narrow water streams. Those craving for excitement will find here a slide over 55 meters long. As with other places, there is also a sauna area at Szaflary Thermal Baths. The offer includes a Finnish sauna, infrared, herbal, aromatherapy, and steam saunas. Szaflary Thermal Baths are much smaller and offer far fewer possibilities than other thermal baths available in Podhale. However, if you're bored with visits to the most popular places and find something for yourself at Szaflary Thermal Baths for the most affordable price compared to other places.

Gorący Potok:

Gorący Potok is a complex of several outdoor pools with natural, raw sulfur water. Guests have access to 21 pool basins with various features - fountains, water massages, geysers, slides, rope park, climbing wall, and a children's area. The pools are filled with sulfur thermal water at a temperature of 34-40°C, so even on winter days, you can experience unique relaxation. Gorący Potok also offers a sauna zone. As a complement to thermal relaxation, the SPA zone offers a rich offer of unusual baths in pools with increased sulfur content, mud baths, massages, and cosmetic treatments. On the premises of Gorący Potok, there is a restaurant called Beef Master, specializing in beef steaks from different regions of the world. The baths are characterized primarily by the fact that virtually the entire facility, including changing rooms, is located outdoors, which can be a plus but sometimes also a minus, especially at lower temperatures. Although there are many attractions, we walk to all of them by strolling around the open area. It's quite loud and youthful on-site, so if you're looking for such an atmosphere to spend time, we recommend Gorący Potok. However, if you prefer relaxation and tranquility, we suggest using other thermal baths available in Podhale.

Bukovina Thermal Baths:

At Bukovina Thermal Baths, you will find recreational and swimming pools – both indoors and outdoors. They are located away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by Podhale forests, which you can admire from the outdoor pools. On the premises of Bukovina Thermal Baths, there are 8 saunas (including Finnish saunas, steam baths, infrared cabin) and a comfort and relaxation zone, steam baths, as well as jacuzzis and several interesting water slides! Cyclical Pool Nights are organized here, providing good fun in the water, to the sounds of club music, with the participation of the best DJs from all over Poland. In addition to pools and jacuzzis with thermal water, Bukovina Thermal Baths offer a therapeutic zone with sulfur and brine water, as well as a large pool with hydromassage available on the upper floor of the building. During the day, the baths are recommended for older people who appreciate the therapeutic zone offered by the baths and their calm and soothing atmosphere. Evening Pool Nights, offered by this place, will be ideal for younger people eager to spend club time in the water.

In conclusion, Podhale is a real gem on the map of thermal baths in Poland. They offer many places where everyone will find something for themselves. For sauna lovers, we recommend visiting Chochołowskie Thermal Baths or Bania Thermal Baths – these are also excellent places for those who appreciate relaxation and a cozy atmosphere. For those who like active leisure, we suggest the play zone at Bania Thermal Baths or Chochołowskie Thermal Baths. For those who enjoy a more youthful and disco-like atmosphere at the baths, Gorący Potok or Pool Nights at Bukovina Thermal Baths are recommended. For those looking for something new, there are Szaflary Thermal Baths.

It's worth remembering that all these places are often visited and located from several to several dozen kilometers from the center of Zakopane, so we recommend planning your stay in Zakopane in such a way as to not only enjoy the charms of the thermal baths but also other worthwhile places or attractions in Podhale. An ideal option would be a stay in the atmospheric ApartArt Zakopane apartments! Autumn is the perfect time for a stay that will not only complement your trip but also allow you to spend your time more interestingly and diversely. We offer several fully equipped apartments, and we are convinced that each of you will find the perfect apartment for yourselves, and our staff will gladly suggest what else you can see during your stay in Zakopane and how to make the most of your time! We hope that if you think about the words "Zakopane," "autumn," or "relaxation" again, you will associate them with our suggestions.