11 best thermal baths & Spas in Switzerland

Craving a little getaway? Let us inspire you! Here are some stunning Swiss spas that can help you recharge during the cold season. There are plenty of great options to choose from!

Best spas in Switzerland

When the weather is grey and you’re tired after work, it can sometimes be super relaxing to head to a spa and blow off some steam. Switzerland has its fair share of wonderful and relaxing day spas, thermal baths and spa hotels for you to enjoy. Here are some of the highest-rated!

Thermal baths & Hot springs in Switzerland

If you’re wanting to have a spa and relaxation experience while immersed in nature, then thermal baths and hot springs are great options. Thanks to Switzerland’s unique geology - the Swiss mountains and the abundance of clean spring water - there are many wonderful outdoor hot springs. 

Leukerbad-Therme

Situated in Canton Valais, Leukerbad-Therme is the largest spa in the Swiss Alps. Nestled between the mountains, this incredible thermal bath has 10 pools, three saunas and a wonderful on-site restaurant.

Mineralbad & Spa, Rigi Kaltbad

Located on Mount Rigi near Lake Lucerne, Mineralbad & Spa has both indoor and outdoor pools as well as an outdoor lounging area and sundeck. Best of all, because of its location, this spa boasts stunning views over the lake. The resort is also home to a famous crystal spa. 

Solbad & Spa, Schönbühl

For those living in Bern, the Solbad & Spa in Schönbühl is home to the largest natural brine spa in Switzerland. The spa has three “worlds” - sauna, bathing and spa - and there are plenty of great treatments available such as massages and salt scrubs. 

Thermal bath in Zurich

Hürlimannbad & Spa in Zurich is a great option for those living in the city who want to just sit back and relax. Alongside the incredible opportunity to relax in a pool on one of Zurich's rooftops, the Hürlimannbad & Spa has a spa bath, a massaging pool, whirlpools, bubble seats and a shallow water zone. 

Day spas in Switzerland

If you don’t want to make a weekend of it, there are several options for those wanting to spend just a day in the spa. These are some of the highest-rated day spas in Switzerland. 

Holmes Place, Zurich

Founded in London in 1980, Holmes Place is a great day spa brand which includes wellness, health and fitness. Since launching in the alpine nation in 1999, the spa brand has branched out and opened several clubs across Switzerland, but our favourite can be found in Zurich - offering a spa, gym, classes and nutritionists.

LABO Spa, Zurich

Also located in Zurich is LABO Spa, the first day spa in Zurich. The spa's management have more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry and describes themselves as “wellness freaks”, demonstrating their commitment to the spa experience. The spa offers packages including a treatment with tea and fruit and relaxation rooms where you can rest throughout your day. 

Six Senses Spa, Gstaad

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious day spa experience, the Six Senses Spa in Gstaad is the right place for you. Inspired by Asian traditions and its Alpine landscape, this spa blends wellness with the indulgence of the five senses as well as using both indoor and outdoor pools to give guests a truly immersive experience.

Sole Uno spa,  Rheinfelden

Though not located in Basel itself, the Sole Uno spa in Rheinfelden is just a 25-minute drive from Basel’s city centre and is definitely worth a trip out! Visitors can also use public transportation to reach the spa in just 26 minutes and can expect to find salt pools, saunas and stunning outdoor pools surrounded by nature.

Best spa hotels in Switzerland

For those looking for a luxurious weekend getaway, Switzerland is home to many world-class hotels that also offer spa treatments. Luxury spa hotels in Switzerland are known for their top-quality service and attention to detail, so you can be sure that when you visit not only your spa experience but also your hotel, dining and hospitality will be of the highest standard. 

Bürgenstock Alpine Spa

The Bürgenstock Alpine Spa offers guests an incredible view over Lake Lucerne thanks to its stunning outdoor infinity pool. Here visitors can watch the sunset before heading inside to enjoy the 10.000 square metre site which includes five pools as well as saunas and relaxation rooms. Beauty and wellness treatments are also available, with the spa catering to each individual’s needs. 

Dolder Grand

You may already recognise the name of this super-famous Swiss luxury hotel, but what many people don’t realise is that Dolder Grand also offers spa day packages as well as longer stays with some time in the spa included. If you’re feeling really fancy you can also rent your own private spa room with its own treatment couches, steam bath, whirlpool, snail shower, reclining area, balcony, fireplace and TV.

Image: Shutterstock.com / Oscity

Hotel Villa Honegg

This five-star hotel is located in the heart of Switzerland and looks especially dramatic during the winter when the weather is snowy, as the heated outdoor pool steams in the cold winter sun. The boutique hotel has just 23 rooms and the Hotel Villa Honegg spa is equipped with a relaxing Finnish sauna, steam bath, gym and private rooms for massages and beauty treatments carried out by qualified personnel. 

Spa in mountains

Thanks to Switzerland’s natural geography, there are plenty of spas located in the Swiss mountains overlooking some of the country’s most beautiful lakes. For mountain lovers, some of the best picks from our list are the Hotel Villa Honegg, the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, Solbad & Spa, Mineralbad & Spa and Leukerbad-Therme.

Saunas in Switzerland

Saunas are popular in spas in Switzerland, as well as steam baths. In Switzerland, like in many other European countries, it is customary to use the sauna while naked, without wearing any bathing suit in mixed-gender rooms.

Though this may seem daunting for some people, you are usually welcome to cover yourself with a towel and you can rest assured that since it is quite normal in Switzerland, people are respectful of one another and hold high regard for sauna etiquette. If you’re unsure, you can always refer to your local sauna’s house rules or ask a staff member for clarification. 

Going to the spa in Switzerland: Rules & Etiquette

First things first: people who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions should be cautious when visiting any spa and should make sure to discuss their situation with spa staff before any treatment. Swiss spas often have a minimum age of 16 so it is also important to check with the spa beforehand if children are welcome. 

Be sure to read up on the spa’s house rules for tips on what to wear and whether or not you need to bring your own towel and bathrobe with you, as well as what footwear to bring. Make sure to always use your towel to sit on in spaces where you aren’t clothed, such as in saunas or steam rooms, and be sure to wear flip-flops in areas around swimming pools.

It’s time to visit your nearest Swiss spa

Now that you know what you need to do and have plenty of options for where to go, it’s time to book yourself into one of Switzerland’s many great spas or thermal baths. Sit back, relax and enjoy your “me time”!