A thermal bath, also known as a spa, is a bathing facility that uses natural mineral-rich spring or groundwater with an outlet temperature of over 20°C. These thermal waters may originate from a natural spring, as in Bad Ragaz, or be sourced from deep drilling, as in Bad Zurzach. However, the water in most Swiss spas is heated artificially. In contrast, a water park is a bathing facility that is more akin to an amusement park. It combines bathing with fun features such as tube slides, wide flumes, white-water rapids, wave pools and adventure pools. Water parks therefore focus on providing on a unique bathing experience, often combined with dining options and other leisure activities.

History

In ancient times, hot springs were believed to have mythical powers, such as healing properties, and were associated with local deities. In ancient Greece, wealthy individuals would visit renowned hot springs to experience the therapeutic effects of warm water through specialised treatments and rituals. The Romans adopted the Greeks’ expertise in constructing bathing facilities. They built large thermal baths in numerous Roman cities, some of which remain standing today. However, with the decline of the Roman Empire, many of these baths were destroyed, and the knowledge of their benefits and construction methods was lost for centuries. It was only in the Byzantine Empire that the baths were preserved and developed further into 'Hammams' following the Arab conquest. From the 13th century onwards, knowledge of bathing culture returned to Europe with the returning Crusaders. At the same time, outbreaks of illness and epidemic disease led to renewed in interest in the healing properties of baths, resulting in the opening of many bathhouses. However, the spread of the venereal disease syphilis in the 15th century contributed to a decline in the bathing culture.

Educating people about the therapeutic applications of natural healing springs — known as balneology — quickly became popular, and bathing culture regained its importance. The first scientific research and experiments into the healing properties of minerals and trace elements were conducted. Alongside thermal baths, other infrastructure was built to attract and entertain guests, marking a resurgence of bathing culture. The baths were very popular, and the warm waters became a haunt for many high-ranking politicians and famous artists. The construction of railways made many of the baths more accessible to the general public.

Thermal baths in Switzerland

A 3,000-year-old spring dating back to the Bronze Age was discovered in St. Moritz. It is considered to be the oldest mineral spring in the Alps. Around 20 AD, the Aquae Helveticae ("Helvetic Baths") region was built on the Limmat River. This later evolved into the modern-day town of Baden in Aargau. Some of the thermal baths built by the Romans were extremely opulent. Following the Romans' departure at the beginning of the 5th century, many bath facilities declined; however, some baths continued to operate and were later restored. The importance of baths in Switzerland increased again in the Middle Ages, when the mineral spring in the Tamina Gorge was discovered and used in the Pfäfers bathhouse, for example. Today, there are around 50 thermal baths or spas in Switzerland, many of which are architecturally interesting and operate in conjunction with a hotel. Additionally, more than 20 of these baths also offer water parks or adventure pools for children and young swimmers.