Daruvarske Toplice

Daruvarske Toplice is the spa quarter of Daruvar, a town in the Bjelovar-Bilogora region of continental Croatia, set among vine-covered hills in western Slavonia. The thermal springs here have been used since Roman times, when the settlement was known as Aquae Balissae, and the baths have been in continuous use, with interruptions, ever since. Today, the area is a combination of a modern wellness centre, historic bathhouses and one of the oldest landscaped parks in inland Croatia, which makes it a quieter and more elegant alternative to the better-known coastal resorts.

The centre of the area is Julius Park, Julijev Park in Croatian, laid out in the late eighteenth century by the family of the Counts Janković, who owned Daruvar and developed the spa. The park combines formal Baroque layout with a later English landscape style, and it is planted with a rich collection of trees, among them some very old specimens, so that walking through it feels like a stroll in an arboretum. Paths link the spa buildings, the pavilions and the open lawns, and the place is popular with local people for daily walks.

Several historic buildings can be seen in the park. Anton's Bath, Antunova Kupka, built in the 1760s on Roman foundations, is one of the oldest bath buildings in the region, and there are other bathhouses and villas from the nineteenth century, built in Central European spa architecture. The Janković family's castle, which is a short distance from the park and is listed in this guide, is a fine example of a Baroque manor and houses local museums and offices. The Roman past is represented by the foundations of the baths and by finds displayed in local collections.

The spa complex offers indoor and outdoor pools fed by thermal water, saunas, massage and physiotherapy, and wellness programmes. The water is naturally warm and mildly mineralised and is used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions and for recovery after injury. A modern thermal water park named Aquae Balissae, in reference to the Roman name, provides a leisure option for families. The spa's use as a hospital and as a holiday facility means that opening times, prices and available treatments vary, so check before you go.

Daruvar itself is an interesting small town with a significant Czech minority, which brought brewing and other customs, and its brewery is among the oldest in Croatia. The region has a wine route with family cellars, and the hills around Daruvar offer walking and cycling trails. A visit to the spa quarter fits well into a day trip or a weekend stay. It suits those who like gentle relaxation, history and parks, and travellers who want to see a different side of Croatia away from the sea.