Tried and tested

karrrrrmnsita simply in "Greece":

HotSprings.Agustitoooooooo

As the continent has simultaneously gone on a retraite (the only question is for how long?), let's do some stock keeping.

Let's start off with continent-wide news.

The Guardian (Mar. 2; from before the crisis) entertains us with 

'The 10 European wellbeing traditions everyone should try'.

Siesta, eating fish, fangotherapy, mediterranean diet, sauna, sophrology, Hygge, uitwaaien, fika and kur, a truly European mix
Huge amount of interesting comments; some examples:

'Sauna is very much part of Dutch wellness culture. I go once or twice a week. It is mixed gender and totally naked in a wellness centre open to the public. The idea it is something very Finnish is quite amazing. It has been in Northern Europe for centuries and not just in Finland.
...
I apologize for my polemical attitude, but I cannot think of fangotherapy as part of the Italian tradition, but maybe it's me. Fangotherapy implies nudity, which hasn't been tolerated by the Catholic moral for centuries and centuries - only in Roman times nudity was normal, at least in their spas, and I guess our modern fangotherapy has been rediscovered in the late XIX century or so, I bet with the development of the sanatorium. My guess is that only in recent time fangotherapy has become popular here; nothing to do with, say, saunas in north Europe, which are really traditional and popular.
...
Icelanders are also big into outdoor swimming pools with geothermally heated water. Everywhere has them from the smallest village. There’s usually an open air cool pool for swimming lengths, indoor pool for lengths, hot tubs, steam room and sometimes a sauna. All the generations go. Icelanders gather at the pools in the evening to chat, families and children to play and teenagers in groups. We’re on holiday in Iceland at present and have been every evening after touring which is the perfect way to relax'.

manaramm at Petriolo (Tuscany):

Went the hot springs today and loved seeing these two Italian women sunning in the spring with mud all over them.
This will be @mamacastrogiovanni and me in a few years.
#iloveitaly🇮🇹 #hotsprings #bekind #chooselove #lovelife

Dutch website blootgewoon (#5, 2019) looks at hot springs where naked = normal on our globe. Or were, who knows.

Top of the list are 4 European soaks: 1. Prats Balaguer (France), 2. Baden-Baden (Germany), 3. Sončni Gaj (Slovenia) and at 4. Rekjadalur (Iceland). The rest are from outer-Europe: the US, NZ and Japan.

meli_panigoni feeling at the top at Prats Balaguer:

Termas salvajes... agua termal de lluvias y nevadas de hace 12 mil años 💫  #magic #banysdebosc #termes #pratsbalaguer #fontpedrouse #catalanpyrenees #francia

Eared
Italy gets a lot of attraction in this post, though it's mostly concerning Viterbo.

Viterbo's soaker-promoter Giovanni Faperdue has been using his alter-ego as journalist to keep the fire burning. Lamiacittia (Feb. 10):

'Mentre i viterbesi sono distratti dal carnevale, noi un occhio ai problemi che durano da anni, lo gettiamo ogni giorno. E uno dei problemi che ancora ci trasciniamo è la chiusura del San Valentino per ripristinare i livelli della “callara” del Bulicame, ancora sofferente'.

On the eve of Carnival, attention is sought to bring a solution to the disappearance of spring water from the hot well at the public park of Bullicame. A day later, Lamiacittia (Feb. 11) it's followed up by this (translated):

'My article on Bullicame still suffering, from 25 November 2014, was a stone thrown into the pond, practices that perhaps no one in the Municipality carries out, with the necessary and also due diligence. Today a reader on Facebook commented on my article, in which I complained about the suffering of the "callara", which has lasted for five and a half years: "The problem of Bullicame is very serious, but strangely only Faperdue reports it".
...
But in my opinion the way to go for the development of Viterbo is only this. Viterbo must live on thermalism and also on tourism. There are no more excuses. He who has ears to understand means'.

Then the good news, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic situation and consequential closing of private facilities. Lamiacittia (Feb. 28) with assistance (?) of google translate:

'The stream comes out again to the Bullicame, with a cerulean water at a temperature of about 55°C and vapors containing hydrogen sulphide. After 5 years of agony, the callara of the Bullicame Park has returned to being full, pending the closure of the Zitelle well'.

A day later (Lamiacittia, Feb. 29) there's an interview with the Councilor for Thermalism, Enrico Maria Contardo; translated:

'We have developed an ambitious redevelopment project for the whole Bullicame Park. A copy has been sent to the Superintendency. Next March 3 we are planning a visit to the Superintendency, to listen to any remarks. This project, on which the Municipality will invest 120,000 euros, includes masonry bathrooms with running water, changing rooms, showers, caretaker's house, sheds and benches, a drinking water fountain, lighting system and video surveillance system. The resizing of the large tank is also foreseen in order to fill it with hot water. In short, if the Superintendency will give us the ok, we will have a really nice Park'.

Lamiacitta (Mar. 3) notes that there's ongoing research being done on re-opening Bullicame.

Lamiacitta (Mar. 16) mentions that after self-isolation became law, the Carletti pools (public hot springs near Bullicame) actually saw more attendants. But not for long, as authorities were quick to close the site.

alexklandrav at Tuscany's Bagni San Filippo:

😭🔫WTF????

Elsewhere, the Escapidious website which has many good pieces on US hot springs, heads over to Tuscany's Saturnia hot springs (May 10, 2019). The verdict:

'So, is it as magical of a place as the videos on the internet have made it seem? Overall, I’d have to say no. We were there during the slowest hours, during the off season hoping to have some peace and quiet. However, even then it was difficult to find a pool to yourself that wasn’t extremely shallow or too cold to be in for long. The temperature outside was a bit chilly, which might have impacted the water temperature. I was expecting very warm water but found myself sitting there cold even when I was closest to the source. There is also a strong sulfurous odor that will stay in your towel and swim suit, and will oxidize any silver jewelry it comes in contact with. Navigating your way around the pools and fellow soakers can be difficult. The travertine walls are slippery and the floor consists of small pebbles that are hard to maintain traction. Some water shoes with tread are necessary, and possibly even a mat to sit or lay on in the pool'.

Another website (traveladdicts) also headed over to Saturnia (date stamped Apr. 5, though comments start in 2016 ...). Amongst the tips:

'Moderate your expectations
The springs are free, so it is helpful to think of them a bit like your public swimming pool. You’re likely to encounter kids splashing and playing, obnoxious tourists, people hogging the waterfall baths, and other inconsiderate behavior. Just roll with it.
If you really care about privacy and relaxing there are a few options. The springs are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Come early or come late for fewer people. The further you go downstream into the stream bed, you’ll encounter fewer people – and cooler water temperatures'.

Tender

juliaheinamaa at Landbrotalaug

🇮🇸

Over to Iceland, one of the few countries where you can still visit wild soaks, though note that public bathing pools are closed and the government is contemplating tourist quarantine.

Reykjavik Grapevine (Mar. 27) notes:

'164 Blue Lagoon workers have been laid off as the company deals with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iceland, reports Morgunblaðið.
These firings come following the recent decision to close the Blue Lagoon until at least April 30th'.

unchartedsunsets 

How free do you let yourself be?For us travel is about freedom. We love to go somewhere not having to stick to a plan or a routine. These unplanned moments usually give us the best memories!This picture was taken the day we got lost in Iceland with no fuel left in the car. We happend to stumble upon this natural hot spring and decided to make the best out of this moment - unforgettable!.....#icelandtrip #roadtrip #freedomtravel #lostiniceland #travelphotography #naturephotography @whatsoniceland @inspiredbyiceland #travelgoals #wanderlust #hotsprings #hotspringoficeland #adventuretime #adventurelife #doyoutravel #bucketlistideas #beautifuldestinations #instadaily #unchartedsunsets #traveliceland #travelbloggers #travelcouple #viewgoals #goldenmorning

Anyway all I could delve up was from Acanela (Feb. 3): must see hot springs in Iceland. The usual suspects.

Forest on Fire from near Seljavallalaug?

Heyiceland (Apr. 15) looks at it's nation's soaking possibilities:

'There are many places celebrating the bathing culture, that are not the Blue Lagoon. Mývatn Nature Baths, The Secret Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, Krauma, or the recently opened temples of relaxation Vök Baths and GeoSea, not to mention the countless swimming complexes found in every town.
Many Icelanders even have their own artificial hot tub, if not a natural hot pool, at home'.

It then lists a number of hot springs at off-hand accomodations (farm-stays) where they can book you. Overall an interesting article.

davidfinescape

🇮🇸Just Like a Woman #iceland #island #womanbath #naturalbath #hotsprings #seaside #icelandic #icelandcoast #betsabe #suzanne #beautyofnature #naked #eve #nakedwoman #icelandbath #landscape #landscapephotography #seascape #silhouette #womansilhouette #landscapephoto #somewheremagazine #somewhere #summersunselection #tendermag #lovemetender

Escape

lena.muehl at Thermopylae (central Greece):

4/2018von @kittyrusse .#bwportrait #hotsprings #greece

Then some miscellaneous topics of possible interest.

The Guardian (Feb. 29) has a look at the new Therme Bucharest (Romania):

'No ordinary spa, the Therme Bucharest is a vast temple offering pools, scented saunas and great-value wellness for all.

...

Therme opened its first spas in Germany in the 2010s but I am trying its most recent addition, Therme Bucharest in Romania. The country has a long history of mineral springs and thermal bathing, but nothing quite like Therme, which also has two spas under development in Asia, one in North America and, excitingly for Brits, one at Trafford City, Manchester, opening in 2022.

What’s so exciting about a spa? First, the sheer scale: Therme Bucharest is a 4,000-capacity, 37,000 sq m glass-and-steel temple to wellbeing, with 10 pools, Romania’s biggest sauna complex and Europe’s biggest urban beach. Therme Manchester will be even larger.

...
The trip was provided by Therme Bucharest'.

rudapaskuda_07 at Gruzja (Georgia):

#hotsprings#collectmomentsnotthings#gruzja#georgia#georgiatravel#wildlife#wilderness#globetrotter#natgeotravel#mytinyatlas#passportready#polskadziewczyna#backpacking#optoutside#naturelovers#aroundtheworld#exploringtheglobe#mylife#outsideisfree#goexplore#exploreeverything#traveltheworld#worldtraveler#traveladdict#neverstopexploring#exploregeorgia#backpacker

Worldthermalsprings has been off to Armenia and posts a series of photo's on their instagram account describing this recent (?) visit. Cocerning Hankavan (translated):

'Armenia March 7, the snow lies in the mountains. From Dilijan to Lake Sevan, the road goes through the Sevan Pass, then 2.3 km in the tunnel and emerges almost from the Lake. Here is the same famous food zone with barbecue and pastries, past which no one will slip without stopping. Then I go to Hankavan with hot pools. The 420 m well, with carbon dioxide, is partially released into the atmosphere, and water with gas residues flows into 6 pools in separate well-ventilated rooms. Each room has a dressing room and a table. Here you can order tea or food from the restaurant. Prices and mint tea are great! Travertines are deposited on the walls of the pools. Water pipes are made of non-woven material so that they are easy to change, since travertine is also deposited in them. An employee Sergei, who has been working here for 18 years, He showed everything and, by his own example, proved the healing properties of water: he came here crooked, and now he is moving very well. With his permission, I took a bath. I didn’t want to go out. The water temperature in the well is 41.7 degrees. A ticket for 5000 drams allows you to use the pool for 1 hour, regardless of the number of people. There is also a small hotel. The owner has big plans for the arrangement of the complex. There are about 30 wells in Ankavan, but almost all of them do not work or the water is cold. Downstream the river, water outcrops and travertine deposits are visible, but swimming is difficult. I liked Hankavan. regardless of the number of people. There is also a small hotel. The owner has big plans for the arrangement of the complex. There are about 30 wells in Ankavan, but almost all of them do not work or the water is cold. Downstream the river, water outcrops and travertine deposits are visible, but swimming is difficult. I liked Hankavan. regardless of the number of people. There is also a small hotel. The owner has big plans for the arrangement of the complex. There are about 30 wells in Ankavan, but almost all of them do not work or the water is cold. Downstream the river, water outcrops and travertine deposits are visible, but swimming is difficult. I liked Hankavan'.

They also head to the hot springs in Azrakan:

'The village of Arzakan itself is incredibly dirty, the Hrazdan lane on which the Village stands is cluttered, even the car body is in line with. Manure is being piled next to the bed, everywhere there are mountains of garbage. I don’t even recommend stopping by there!'

More stops at the delightful Jermuk, Bjni and Vorotan.

From Rust to Roadtrip (Mar. 9) has another hot spring encounter, this time in Permet, Albania:

'Pushing out into the milky blue waters, letting the warm liquid take my weight and making those first few strokes across the pool toward those snowy mountains in the distance; that was how this morning began.⁣

Few things are more refreshing than an early morning swim, a chance to wake up and stretch, enjoy an hour of open headspace before the rest of the world rises. Not that there were many people around; the waters weren’t exceptionally hot but neither was the weather, and this was enough to put most off. The main appeal for us was that this pool was just the right size and depth for swimming in.⁣

The steam swirled upwards in the thin winter sunshine, a herd of goats crossed the old Ottoman bridge with a tinkling of bells, and we swam. Back and forth, round and round, algae tickling our feet and the constant crashing of water falling from the pool into the river, staining it too that surreal milky blue as it filtered down through the valley.⁣

More on spa's. The Meandering Naturist (Feb. 29) heads over to visit Bussloo Thermen, one of Hollands saunacomplex frontrunners.

'I should note, at least for the sake of those unfamiliar with the European spa culture, that there is quite a wide variance in the opinion as what defines a proper and refined spa experience. Some reviewers are appalled by the “mega-spa” places like Therme Erding and much prefer the historic edifices where architecture and calmness override amenities and entertainment. To that end, it seems Thermen Bussloo lies somewhere on the middle of the spectrum, as there is no swim-up bar or evening entertainment (that I know of), but the amenities are plentiful and interesting. And is it just me, or are spa-goers in Holland simply more comfortable with naked?
...
Final verdict? Addie was right! If you’re looking for a naked escape that is essentially weather-proof from the variable climate of northern Europe, Thermen Bussloo should be on your short list. In fact, I’ve added it to my port of entry destination list – as I think the best way to start any European vacation is with a day of snoozing, soaking, and sweating at the spa'.

Natural thermal springs in Spain, notably in the south of Andalucia (Malagaweb), an overview: Zujar, Alhama, Periana, Almargen, Las Majadas and Hedionda.

sb.claaau at Termas de Santa Fé (near Granada, also Andalucia):

Do you know the plan that never fails?-no plan 🐉

Vintagetravel (Mar. 31) looks at Spain's northeastern Costa Brava and its possible soaks. Intro:

'Since as far back as the Roman times, the people of the Costa Brava have been exploiting the relaxing and healing qualities of the region’s many medicinal mineral waters and hot springs.

Today the thermal baths of the area pride themselves on offering clients the most modern and avant-garde of facilities and excellent professional services, in a therapeutic practise which dates back centuries.

We explore three of the best thermal baths on the Costa Brava'.

The three are

- Balneari Termes Orion
- Peralada Spa
- Balneari Vichy Catalan

I think all three are more geared to the top end of the market.

From Turkey, goturkey (Feb. 25) give you an overview of the Turkish hot springs, all developed?

'When we look back through the humanity’s search of healing sources for centuries, Turkey being on a geothermal zone defines the country as 'A Thermal Paradise'. With close to 1300 thermal springs, each one full of a variety of minerals that are important for health, make the country a great place to visit when in search of healing sources.
...
The history of thermal pools in Turkey dates back many years. The Hittites thought to be the first civilization to discover the benefits of thermal water resources in Anatolia. Many baths have been built by the Hittites in regions with mineral hot spring. In the ancient Greek and Roman periods, hot springs were also given great importance. In the period of the Ottoman Empire, hot water springs combined with the Turkish Bath culture gained worldwide fame. The thermal springs in Bursa and Yalova thermal springs were modernized and opened for use during the Republican period'.

More on Turkey from Thinkgeoenergy (Feb. 20):

'In an article a while ago, the impact of geothermal hot springs on the tourism industry in Turkey was described.
There are around 1,500 thermal springs in western Anatolia in Western Turkey, that have generated around $1 billion in tourism revenue in 2019.
...
In 2019, Pamukkale, dating back more than 2,000 years, was the fourth most visited site in Turkey by foreign tourists who sought cures in thermal waters, according to official data from the Turkish Tourism Ministry'.

sustainabledreaming finishing off in Fask (southern Morocco):

Our second visit at a hot spring on this journey! (And it was magical!)-Sitting somewhere in the nowhere in a hot bathtub. This pipe coming out of the ground and hot water is running into two pools.And at once your surrounded by a lot of dromedaries, drinking out of the pool your sitting in.. how can a day be better, starting like this and and end with another hot bath watching the stars before sleep?!-——————————————-#vanlife#hotspring#hotsprings#dromedary#photography#traveling#travel#explore#vanconversion#vanproject#vanbuild#vantravel#nature#earth#morocco#moroccotravel#sunset#sunsetphotography