Country Info | Towns and Places in Slovenija | Health resorts / spas in Slovenia

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Thermal bath cures are as old as mankind

In documents from 1147 the healing power of the spring in Dobrna is mentioned, but the richest tradition seems to belong to the springs in Rogaska Slatina.

1665 is considered as the official beginning of spa activity. According to historical sources, Peter Zrinjski, the Ban of Croatia, was hunting in this area; when the local people recommended drinking the water from the spring he was 'miraculously cured'. He told of his experience in higher circles and so the fame of this miraculous water quickly spread.

At the end of the 17th century the water from Rogaska was being sold in Vienna, for one florin per litre.

In 1721 the Association of Viennese chemists acquired the right to exploit the Rogaska water. Rogaska Slatina experienced its greatest flourishing after 1840 when it became a famous cosmopolitan spa for European high society. Napoleon's brother, the composer Franz Liszt, and the Rotschilds stayed there. In 1883 the Emperor Josef followed a treatment in Rogaska Slatina.

So much for history. But what of the present?

The rhythm of life has overtaken the natural rhythm of the human body. But the classical thermomineral cures offer a change to soften consequences of dynamic rhythms, stresses, as well as the stresses arising from modern life like car accidents, rheumatism and digestive troubles.

With the addition of medical facilities with modern equipment, fully qualified medical staff and excellent hotel facilities, we can say: 'Nature brings health!'.

The modern medical rehabilitation available covers treatment of cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, injuries to the musculoskeletal system, digestive and metabolic disorders, gynecological, rental and urological problems, neurological and neurotic ailments and respiratory diseases. But still more important is the prophylaxis of illnesses that are a consequence of a modern way of life. The spas and health resorts thus make every effort to help their guests find a healthy life style and to bring them to realize that health comes primarily from ascetic practice, experience and wisdom.

Beside the cures in the spas, there are also special recreation, beauty and other programmes such as slimming courses, antistress and beauty treatments and preventive cures.

Terme Catez

The spa offers its guests weight-reducing programmes that are also suitable for diabetics, medically supervised active recreation, and preventive medical examinations. Guest may enjoy the many offerings on the thermal riviera covering an area of 5500 m², along with riding on the grounds of the Mokrice castle and a golf course that will be opened this year.

Dobrna

The health resort in Dobrna emphasizes preventive treatment, individual programmes for beauty and vitality, herbal baths, healthy food, outings, nature walks to collect medicinal plants, visits to farms that welcome tourists, riding, tennis and cycling.

Dolenjske Toplice

Dolenjske is a spa that features all manners of healthy activities: outings in the lovely countryside, thermal baths, gymnastics, massage, sauna and social activities.

Smarjeske Toplice

Smarjeske toplice is a spa that provides its guest with complex preventive treatment covering anti-stress, fitness, health promotion, geriatric prophylaxis, weight reduction and medical cosmetic treatment.

Strunjan and Terme Talasoterapija Portoroz

The health resorts on the Adriatic in Strunjan and Terme Talasoterapija Portoroz specialize in beauty and rejuvenation treatments for the entire body, special revitalization treatments for men, reducing and anticellulite therapy, and treatments for insomnia, fatigue, neurological diseases and postrheumatic conditions.

Lasko

Lasko is a Spa that offer its guest effective and well organized treatments in accordance with their wishes and physical complaints. A stay there is certain to be interesting owing to the many cultural and historical sites in the town and the many interesting places to visit in the vicinity. And not to be forgotten -- the famous brewery is there too.

Atomske toplice

This reputed Slovenian natural spa is situated on the banks of the Sotla river, in the Podcetrtek municipality, 220 m above sea level, in a region with a continental climate and an average annual temperature of 9.8°C.

Rogaska Slatina

A major attraction in Rogaska Slatina is its mineral water, which has the highest magnesium content of all in Europe. There are also treatments for stress, beauty and weight reduction, as well as riding and tennis. A golf courses near the restored Jelsingrad castle should be opened this year.

Radenci

is one of few health resorts that has four natural sources of medicinal treatment at its disposal. There is its mineral water, Radenska tri srca -- tree hearts, thermal mineral water, mineral mud and a mild bioclimate. The wide variety of treatments offered includes strict medical treatments, regenerative, preventive beauty and family cures.

Terme Zrece

The thermal bath in Terme Zrece is located on the sunny slopes of the Rogla in the mountain country of Zresko Pohorje at an altitude of 1500 m and offers visitors relaxation in all seasons in an ideal climate that is enhanced by the presence of natural thermal water.

Moravske Toplice

At the foot of Goricko woods, surrounded by wide fields bordering the river Mura, there is an oasis of peace and health, the spa Moravske toplice with its newly opened 4-star hotel Ajda with its nine swimming pools.

Terme Lendava

The Terme Lendava spa features water with a high paraffin content, the traditional and healthy food of the Prekmurje region, and the special friendliness of the natives which combines the hospitality of the area with Hungarian temperament.

Ptujske Toplice and Medijske Toplice

The spas Ptujske Toplice, on the outskirts of the ancient town of Poetovio, today Ptuj, and Medijske Toplice may be the smallest spas in Slovenia, but their charming settings and the recognized value of their treatments make them attractive to the visitors.

Terme Topolsica

The Terme Topolsica features preventive and climatic cures as well as active leisure in the facilities, which are surrounded by the peaks of the Karavanke and Savinja Alps and the bright green of the woods and mountainsides.

Adapted by M. Martinec from the: Welcome to Slovenija, published by the Ministry of Tourism of Republic Slovenia, summer 1993.