Tuhelj Spa and Thermal Springs

Tuhelj Spa and Thermal Springs is the thermal spa of Tuheljske Toplice, a small village in the hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje, near the town of Zabok and not far from Krapina. The region is a landscape of low, vine-covered hills, small villages and castles, only about an hour from Zagreb, and the spa is among the most popular places in northern Croatia for a day of swimming and relaxation.

The water comes from natural springs and is warm, in the range of low thirties degrees Celsius at the source, and rich in sulphur compounds. The sulphur gives it a distinctive smell, the sort that people either love or notice immediately, and it has long been valued as a remedy. Thermal springs have been used in Zagorje for centuries, and Tuhelj's waters were developed for bathing and treatment in the 20th century, when the first pool was built. Over the years the spa has grown into a modern complex, with indoor and outdoor pools, water slides for children, sauna areas, wellness treatments and a hotel.

Because the water is naturally warm, the pools can be used in all seasons, and many visitors enjoy a soak in winter, with steam rising from the surface and the hills around covered in frost or snow. In summer the outdoor pools and sunbathing lawns are popular with families from Zagreb and the surrounding region. Sulphur water is associated with benefits for muscles and joints, and the spa offers programmes for rehabilitation and relaxation, though anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor first.

The surroundings add to the appeal. Hrvatsko Zagorje is full of castles and manor houses, including Veliki Tabor and Trakošćan, and the Krapina Neanderthal Museum is a short drive away. Wine roads wind through the vineyards, and local restaurants serve štrukli, turkey with mlinci and other regional dishes. The village of Tuhelj also has its own historic buildings, and the spa can be combined with a day of sightseeing in the area.

Opening hours, prices and facilities vary by season, so check before you set out. The spa suits families, couples and anyone who wants a restful day, and it makes a good complement to the cultural sights of Zagorje, especially in cool or wet weather.