When a guest enters a Swiss thermal bath, they slip out of the everyday and into a soothing, luxurious spa environment that meets all health needs. As well as conventional bathing and drinking cures, the baths also offer various steam baths, sauna infusions and Kneipp zones. They are tastefully incorporated into the beautiful scenery and captivate visitors with their blend of modern architecture and outstandingly indulgent service. The concept of the traditional bathing cure has been expanded continuously over the past few decades and is now complemented by medical massage, physiotherapy and other preventive measures such as aqua aerobics and fitness programmes. Some thermal baths have even evolved into centres of competence with outstanding medical expertise. From check-ups to diagnostic investigations, sports medicine and rehabilitation, they offer a wide range of specialist medical services. Guests now visit Swiss thermal baths not only for rest and relaxation but also in search of holistic medical care.

The effectiveness of thermal water depends on the temperature and mineral content of the water. Bathing cures are relaxing, invigorating and help to stimulate the circulation. The warmth and soothing buoyancy of the thermal water boosts mobility in people with musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients with rheumatic, degenerative or inflammatory diseases of the joints or muscles. The warm vapours released improve the humidification and circulation of the airways, providing relief for chronic lung diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. Thermal water is also good for the skin – certain dermatological disorders such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis respond very positively to its healing properties. The relaxing waters also lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, thereby reducing the effects of negative pressure in day-to-day life.

The effectiveness of the popular bathing cures is not confined to the power of the healing waters, however. The change of scenery, different climate and beautiful countryside amplify the restorative effect and can successfully trigger a change of lifestyle. Modern medicine also takes advantage of this fact: convalescent cures are indispensable after major surgery or long-term illness. Withdrawing from one’s usual surroundings to a place of calm and tranquility can also help with lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, diabetes or burnout. Switzerland’s thermal baths have specialised in precisely these patient needs, which is what makes them so successful.

The water from natural thermal springs is at least 20°C and bubbles up to the earth’s surface by itself. Where they run underground, they are tapped with boreholes. The water in Switzerland heats up as it passes through deep, warm layers of the earth. The thermal water is particularly mineral-rich, as it seeps slowly through the rock over decades, absorbing the health-promoting substances along the way. Every thermal spring contains a unique composition of minerals, which may include calcium, iodine, magnesium, sulphates, or strong-smelling sulphur.

Beginnings
The Romans established Switzerland’s first spa in Baden in 84 AD. What initially started out as wooden barracks became a showpiece of classical bathing culture, complete with an oven for warming water and heating rooms.

First heyday
In the early modern period, thermal baths were the ideal place to look after one’s health and hygiene, and were also a venue for social interaction and political debate.

The Reformation brought with it a greater focus on modesty, while the spread of syphilis also dampened enthusiasm for public bathing.

Second heyday
The 19th century was the Golden Age for baths: chic spa resorts with communal baths, beautiful hotels and pump rooms brought visitors to Switzerland from all over the world.

The outbreak of the First World War brought the heyday to an end, with thermal baths temporarily repurposed as troop accommodation or internment camps for prisoners of war. Interest in the thermal springs and their medicinal properties was awakened again after the Second World War.

Present day
Today’s thermal baths are a combination of relaxing wellness oases and modern, medical treatment and rehabilitation centres.