Floating in a thermal spa, being bounced around, warming yourself with hot water from the depths of the earth, enjoying massages, wraps or other pastimes – for many, this is what the dream of a perfect holiday looks like. And it is actually not difficult to make such a dream come true. There are a huge number of great thermal spas in our country and in the surrounding area. Central Europe is certainly not poor in these natural achievements. And if you want to spice up your relaxing or healing stay in a spa by exploring foreign lands, it is worth looking beyond the borders of the Czech Republic when choosing a thermal spa. For example, to the east, where the Chocholowskie Termy thermal spa is located…
As the name probably suggests, this is a Polish spa. However, it is located just over a kilometer as the crow flies from the Slovak border. What does this interesting and huge spa offer, what is the quality of services here, what can you find in the surroundings? We will answer all of this in today’s article, where we will discuss this corner of peace and convience in great detail.
Contents
Where is it?
The Chocholowskie Termy thermal spa is located in the south of Poland near the village of Chocholów. The nearest major city is Zakopane, about 10 km away – well known to most of our people. The Polish part of the Tatras is also located here.
Chocholowskie Termy will be closer to the residents of Moravia and Silesia. The journey by car from Ostrava takes about 2 and a quarter hours (170 km). From Prague, you will drive for about 6 hours. From the village of Chocholów, you can reach the spa by road 958 towards the south. But it is worth undertaking such a journey at all? Well, the information that you will learn later in our review will certainly help you decide.
It must be said right from the start that Chocholowskie Termy is a very attractive tourist destination. It is one of the most important facilities of its type not only in Poland, but also in Central Europe. In addition, it is necessary to add the truly exceptionally charming surrounding landscape and numerous possibilities for other activities.
What is it like there?
Chocholowskie Termy Spa is one of the largest thermal spas in Poland and the largest in the region. In total, it offers 3,000 m2 of water areas spread over thirty pools. Chocholowskie Termy is not just a spa. It is also an aquapark promising a lot of fun, of course you will find an extensive wellness center or sauna world, but also a sports center or a restaurant. So it is a place that the whole family can visit and everyone will have their own fun.
It is also worth noting that the spa is located in a beautiful landscape and looks really great. The building is modern, but it fits perfectly into the rugged and picturesque hilly landscape, it is not flashy – it does not stand out. Moreover, you can enjoy really beautiful views from the spa thanks to the wonderful terraces. The concept of two terraced main outdoor pools above each other is definitely interesting and attractive. The glazed inner atrium made of wood also looks great.
The possibilities for entertainment, relaxation or other activities are really extraordinary here. You can for example enjoy the outdoor bar. It is also necessary to appreciate the overall cleanliness and “newness” of the area. After all, it is a relatively young complex.
From a practical point of view, it is also worth mentioning the very well-organized parking and the really large parking areas. These can accommodate a significant number of visitors, which is the norm here, especially during the season. We could consider this a disadvantage, but it cannot be said that the population density is catastrophically higher than the average for more popular thermal baths. However, if you do not enjoy crowds, it is worth going outside the busiest time.
What does Chocholowskie Termy offer?
What does the Chocholowskie Termy thermal spa offer? Let’s take a closer look at the facilities and services…
Swimming pools, attractions and hot tubs
There are 30 swimming pools and other water areas in these thermal baths, which is quite an abundance. The largest pool is 855 m2 and 1.25 meters deep. It includes attractions such as a wild river, artificial waves, massage water jets and a climbing net, and there is also the already mentioned very pleasant water bar. So both, children and adults will have fun in the pool. Also worth mentioning is the wonderful sandy beach with sun loungers.
The second largest and again outdoor pool has an area of 638 m2 and a depth of 1.2 m. You can take advantage of water sports here (water basketball or volleyball), and it is again equipped with jets or artificial waves.
Inside the complex there are thermal pools. Two pools with massage systems with an area of 99 m2. Furthermore, seven smaller private pools with a jacuzzi, a large pool with a jacuzzi or a 16m2 pool again with a jacuzzi and salt water. In the healing zone you can enjoy a bath in thermal tubs. They have a temperature of 32 to 36°C and have a beneficial effect on skin diseases, rheumatic problems, atherosclerosis or even diabetes and other diseases and ailments.
For small children there is an indoor water playground and a paddling pool with an area of 35 m2 and a depth of up to 30 cm. For children there is also an indoor playground “aquarium”, a number of smaller slides or an outdoor play pool. Of the attractions, the dominant feature of the area is certainly the system of three large water slides. Their total length is 318 meters. The longest (164 m) is the blue slide. The wildest is the gray one (74 m).
The complex also includes a sports pool area. There are two pools, a 16-meter and a 25-meter one. Here you can indulge in some fitness swimming.
Saunarium
The sauna area of the spa is also superbly rated. It is not only the selection of saunas, but also their design or, for example, the beautiful view of the Tatras peaks, which is offered by the “panoramic” Finnish sauna. There is also a dry sauna with a temperature of 100°C or the Góralska chata sauna, in which various special events are held. Milder temperatures are offered by the juniper BIO sauna (70°C) or the infrared sauna (60°C). Also worth mentioning is the steam sauna (100% humidity and 50°C) or the aromatic sauna. However, you can also visit the salt cave.
In front of the saunarium there is a viewing terrace for relaxation and a pool for cooling off. You can then refresh yourself in the sauna bar. The equipment is of an excellent standard and even the most demanding visitors will enjoy great relaxation here.
Normobarium or pressure therapy
Chocholowskie Termy also offers special therapies in a modern pressure chamber, where the pressure reaches 1500 hPa and there is a high oxygen content of up to 40%, but also a higher content of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This therapy is supposed to have complex effects that slow down the aging of the body.
Spa zone
The spa part of the thermal baths offers a great selection of procedures and services. It is not lagging behind in terms of equipment either. You can indulge in a variety of baths, wraps and massages, as well as cosmetic services. There is also balneotherapy and numerous other rehabilitation and treatment methods, including laser therapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound, visceral therapy and many more. You can also enjoy spa ceremonies and rituals.
The treatments last from about 20 to 70 minutes. The price for shorter massages, for example, starts at a fairly reasonable 130 PLN.
Accommodation in Chocholowskie Termy spa
There are also many accommodation options for spa visitors. The spa itself does not offer accommodation, but in the nearby (and further) surroundings you will find countless beautiful accommodation facilities. Mountain chalets or stylish apartments or guesthouses and hotels are common here. You really have a lot to choose from.
Entrance fee to Chocholowskie Termy spa
The basic off the season entrance fee, which mainly includes entry to the pool areas, costs from PLN 75 for 3 hours, children from 3 to 16 years old pay PLN 55, and seniors over 60 pay PLN 59.
For PLN 85, adult visitors can fully enjoy the saunarium for 3 hours. A comprehensive ticket for 4 hours still costs a nice PLN 115.
During the high season (June 16 – August 31), expect prices to be on average PLN 10 higher, for unlimited entry, the price is however PLN 30 higher. You can also buy various discounted season tickets or family tickets. In the off-season it costs (2+1 for 4 hours) PLN 169, during the season PLN 209.
Note: 1PLN = approximately 0,24 EUR
Opening hours – Chocholowskie Termy thermal baths
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
What to see or experience in the area?
If you already make a trip to these thermal baths, you may want to stay longer and get to know, try or see something more. Maybe you will decide to stay for a longer vacation. The location is definitely inclined to this. As mentioned, this is a touristically attractive region at the foot of the Polish Tatras.
The Tatra National Park is located about 12 minutes by car (9 km) from the spa. The entire region offers interesting hiking trails (although you can find more of them on the Slovak side) and, above all, beautiful nature and views. After all, the spa is also surrounded by the Krowiarki and Cyrlica hills, which are a decent 900 m. above sea level.
A major European tourist route (European long-distance path E3) runs directly over the latter hill, starting in Portugal and ending in Turkey (almost 7,000 km in total). Even if you only walk a short distance, it’s worth it.
The location is of course not only suitable for hiking or cycling, but also for other outdoor activities, skiing and other winter sports. If you are mainly attracted by thermal baths, then you will be in the right place here. In fact, right in paradise. Within a 20-30 minute drive there are also the Goracy potok spa, as well as Termy Szaflary, Bukowina spa or Bialka Tatrzanská thermal baths. They are all really nice, but the beautiful Goracy potok spa, which we have already reviewed, deserves special attention.
The nearby town of Zakopane is also worth a visit. Once a paradise for Czech tourists heading for the famous local markets, this picturesque, historic and mountain town offers much, much more.
Summary
Chocholowskie Termy spa is located in an extremely attractive area at the foot of the Polish Tatras. The place is great for lovers of nature, hiking, winter sports, but also thermal baths, of which there are plenty in the region. Moreover, they are of an excellent standard. This also applies to the Chocholowskie Termy spa itself, which belongs to the largest in Poland.
They can boast of modern style and equipment, a great environment and beautiful views, a number of pools and attractions, an exceptionally well done sauna area and a wide range of procedures. In short, this spa is definitely worth a visit. However, a relatively high number of visitors can be considered a disadvantage, especially during the season the spa can be quite crowded.
Reviews on Google.com: 4.6 out of 5 – excellent (from over 45,160 visitors)
Photo gallery
Photo source: www.chocholowskietermy.pl
