Superlatives are supposed to be a unique thing. But that has never stopped a heroic proclamation of being the best, first or fastest by some that yearn to stand out among the ordinary: thermal springs in this case.
The first time I came across this “Europe’s hottest thermal spring” claim on a signboard in Polichnitos. Then again more recently on our visit to Chaudes Aigues. This sparked my interest who else might assume this title?
England
Retired Mathematician Constantinos Ragazas of the Lawrenceville School, New Jersey claims that the town of Bath (UK) is known to have the warmest hot springs in all of Europe while the water surfaces at 46 °C.
Germany
At least a historical claim to fame according to the University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, these days they are topping out at 72°C.
France
If you believe Researchers of the Geological and Mining Research Bureau of Orléans than it’s Source du Par in Chaudes Aigues at 82ºC
Greece
The current spa operator of the Polychnitos springs in Lesbos still considers their water not only Europe’s warmest at 87.6°C but also the best in terms of therapeutic ingredients! Double win!
Italy
The company “Thermal Valley” touts Abano Terme and compares it even to Chaudes Aigues but “the water of Abano Terme stands out for its rapid action”, whatever that means. The source temperatures is ranging from 85 to 88°C. For some reason they advertise with pictures form Chae Son, Thailand… must be legit!
Iceland
Deildartunguhver is close to boiling and has a massive flow rate, which gives claim to be the most powerful (not hottest!) spring in Europe at 97ºC by according to the Icelandic Tourist Board.
Austria
The Austrian National Tourism Board mentioned the thermal spring in Geinberg in their 2008 Wellness booklet. And the water source has a hard to beat 100ºC according to the spa.
Bulgaria
The Ministry of Tourism claims Separeva Banya to be Europe’s hottest spring at 103ºC, bringing us right into geyser territory. Is it possible that the water has an higher than 100ºC boiling point due to mineral composition?
Any other steaming hot contenders out there?
2 replies on “Europe’s Hottest Thermal Spring”
Hi, it could well be a never ending list. If you drill deep enough, temperatures will get ever hotter (in theory). But there are also underwater hot springs (naturally occuring, but Termas de Ferraria gets up to 60C+. But many unknown (too deep). There’s also natural variation. And ultimately those near a volcanic eruption …
Hi Rick, happy to hear from you!
Yeah, underground temperatures are a whole different can of worms, without additional pressure liquid water will always top out at 100ºC.
For our soaking pleasures, who needs this sort of temperatures anyways? In my opinion there is nothing more disappointing than a hot spring that is too hot to bathe in.