The UNESCO Great Spa Towns of Europe are all hosting unmissable summer events

‘Take the cure’ this Euro summer at special events across the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

There are few things more enjoyable than a spa day of bathing. The older I get, the more I will factor a good hot spring or bathhouse into my travel plans wherever possible. And where better to indulge than the UNESCO-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe, where your bathing comes with a side of history. Especially in 2026, as they all celebrate their fifth birthdays.

What are the Great Spa Towns of Europe?

Check into the Great Spa Towns of Europe for summer celebrations. (Credit: Getty/ Leesle)

Five years ago, UNESCO designated a single transnational World Heritage Site comprising 11 historic spa towns across seven European countries, all developed around natural mineral springs.

In Europe, thermal spa towns were popping up in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The idea was grand health resorts, and these towns were an influence on medicine and wellness at the time. But this ‘European spa phenomenon’ extended its reach beyond health. ‘Spa architecture’ became a thing, and the towns pioneered a new style of urban design (and the first to ever centre around wellness). They also influenced art, culture, politics and society (everybody loves to bathe, after all).

Take a drink from Karlovy Vary’s famous waters. (Credit: Getty/ Victoria Romarniuc)

These towns are spread across Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK. The full list includes:

• Bath, United Kingdom
• Baden bei Wien, Austria
• Spa, Belgium
• Karlovy Vary, Czech
• Mariánské Lázně, Czech
• Františkovy Lázně, Czech
• Vichy, France
• Baden-Baden, Germany
• Bad Ems, Germany
• Bad Kissingen, Germany
• Montecatini Terme, Italy

Fifth birthday celebrations

Relax in Montecatini Terme. (Credit: Getty/ Karzof Pleine)

And how will these Great Spa Towns celebrate their fifth year of being recognised by UNESCO? A range of events will be held across these continents, from film screenings and concerts to guided tours.

The word ‘spa’ all began in Belgium’s town of Spa. For the anniversary, enjoy curated historical walks alongside the thermal cures (a combination of historic hydrotherapy traditions with modern wellness) at Les Thermes de Spa.

Bad Ems, Germany, will be holding a series of events during the summer months named A Summer in World Heritage (Ein Sommer im Welterbe). Think exhibitions, photography, dance, film, flea markets and so much more.

Karlovy Vary, the Czech town known for its famous sippy cups to drink the mineral water flowing from public fountains (it doesn’t taste great, but the locals swear by its healing properties), will be turning its already rather fairytale-esque town into a Festival of Lights. Each light display will embody six attributes of all the Great Spa Towns of Europe: architecture, infrastructure, urban ensemble, a therapeutic spa landscape and continuing spa function.

And who could say no to a jaunt in Tuscany? Montecatini Terme is currently planning a full week of celebrations to mark the anniversary, including a range of performances celebrating the arts.

Find the full list of Great Spa Towns of Europe on the official website.