Switzerland's best thermal spas - International Traveller

We check in to one of the Switzerland’s best thermal spas to discover its health-giving benefits – all in the name of research, of course.

St Moritz

As far back as the Bronze Age, people flocked to St. Moritz to soak in its mineral springs – the highest in Switzerland.

Combining the iron-rich waters, filtered through the alpine moors, with the invigorating mountain climate was said to be so beneficial that entire royal households came to take the waters.

Today St. Moritz is still a first-class health resort.

Mineral Bath & Spa Samedan

While active types head out to conquer the surrounding mountains, I’m heading eight kilometres along the floor of the Engadin Valley – via the famously efficient Swiss railway system – to Samedan, the village that’s home to the Mineral Bath & Spa Samedan.

Can you imagine a prettier setting for a spa?

I’m drawn to this spa in particular because it’s known as the country’s first vertical spa – but I’m not prepared for its striking location.

Attached to the rear of an historic church, it’s possible to lounge in the tiny rooftop bath directly under the Chapel of Saint Anthony’s landmark tower – considered the daintiest baroque tower in the country.

The spa is set in a truly beautiful location.

Unfortunately, a storm is brewing. As soon as the first forks of lightning flash across the sky, we’re ushered inside to explore the rest of the complex.

The baths

Each of the baths has a cosy, cave-like ambience, thanks to the clever use of richly coloured glazed mosaic tiles on the walls, floors and ceilings.

There’s dramatic up-lighting from the floors of the pools, and soft, barely-there down-lighting courtesy of centrepiece light fixtures that would look more at home in a mansion or art gallery.

Design

There are shafts of natural light, too, thanks to judiciously placed windows that allow bathers to contemplate Samedan’s main square while lounging in the warm waters (the spa’s waters come from a geothermal, mineral-rich vein that runs beneath the complex).

These windows are framed on the building’s exterior with the same glazed tiles that dominate the spa’s interiors – the only hint that the minimalist extension has nothing to do with religion.

The architects have thought of everything: built into the pools are dark alcoves and long underwater benches.

Much consideration also went into the colour scheme: the valley’s autumnal larch forests inspired the yellow hues of one bath, while a fiery red envelops the steam baths.

These aren’t your run of the mill spa rooms.

It’s a wrench to leave, but Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s own spa is waiting for me back in St. Moritz. It seems I’m spoilt for choice when it comes to spoiling myself.

Spa options in St Moritz

From beer to bathing

A spa on the roof of an old brewery (which is now the B2 Boutique Hotel in Zurich). Bliss.

A former brewery featuring century-old stone vaults, Thermal Bath & Spa Zurich is one of the country’s most stunning spas.

Fresh thermal water offers guests purest relaxation with valuable minerals in 35 to 41 degree warm water. Here you have the choice of a thermal bathing world or Irish-Roman spa ritual – both of which invite you to sink into a world of wellness inside the unique architecture and matchless building structure of a very special place to bathe.

Address: Brandschenkestrasse 150, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland

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Starry nights

Splash around under the stars at Les Bains de Lavey, 30 kilometres from Montreux. At night the largest outdoor pool is illuminated. The two outdoor pools and the indoor pool are open all year at a temperature of 33°C to 36°C.

Address: Route des Bains 48, 1892 Lavey-Morcles, Switzerland

Now and zen

The thermal baths are a magnificent, internationally acclaimed architectural masterpiece created by Peter Zumthor. Made from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite, the thermal baths were classified as a listed building shortly after completion. The unique atmosphere and the highly mineralised water that comes out of St. Peter’s spring at a pleasant 30° celsius makes the time you spend in the baths a deeply relaxing experience. You’ll find this spa at the 7132 Hotel.

Address: 7132 Vals, Switzerland

Liquid gold

Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz calls its thermal waters “36.5-degree blue gold". A modern sauna village on more than 1300 square meters well as a wide range of beauty and massage offers make your stay an unforgettable Tamina Therme sensory experience.

Bad Ragaz is located in Eastern Switzerland about an hour’s drive from Zurichand three hours by car from Munich. The railway station at Bad Ragaz is very close.

Address: Hans Albrecht-Strasse, 7310 Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

Peak bathing

The mountaintop setting of Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa offers an unbeatable view of the Alps. The Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa was designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. Its tranquil and contemplative ambience makes it the perfect place for rest and relaxation. The large indoor pool with its deep niches leads directly into the outdoor pool, where bathers are greeted by a sweeping Alpine panorama.

Address: 6356 Rigi Kaltbad, Switzerland

If a little R&R at a Swiss spa sounds just what the doctor ordered, check out our comprehensive Switzerland travel guide.

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 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.

Switzerland’s thermal spas