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

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
‘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?

Aerial view of the city of Bad Ems Germany, 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).

person drinking from fountain with famous porcelain sippy cup in Karlovy Vary czech
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

Montecatini terme in Tuscany, Great Spa Towns of Europe
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.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.