Thermal, brine, mineral: thermal water explained simply

Warm water from deep below

Switzerland is a land of thermal baths. From Leukerbad in Valais via Bad Ragaz in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley to Baden in Aargau, warm water rises from the ground, and around many of these springs baths have grown up that now draw day visitors from all over the country. But not every warm pool is a thermal bath. On the baths’ websites you read about thermal water, natural brine or mineral water — and you might think it is all the same.

This article explains the differences, shows typical temperatures and gives you tips for a relaxed day at the baths.

The three types of water at a glance

Thermal water

Thermal water usually means spring water that already comes out of the ground warm — a temperature of over 20 degrees at the source is the common benchmark. The water has often travelled a long way through deep rock layers, picking up heat and minerals. Well-known examples are Leukerbad, Bad Ragaz with the Tamina spring, Vals and Baden in Aargau.

Depending on the spring, the water is cooled or heated further for the pools. So the pool temperature says little about how warm the spring itself is.

Brine

Brine is salt water. In Switzerland, brine baths often use natural brine from the salt deposits along the Rhine, for example in Rheinfelden. The salt content varies widely: a normal brine pool often has around three percent salt, so-called intensive brine pools considerably more. At sole uno in Rheinfelden, for example, there is an intensive brine pool with around 12 percent salt, and at Therme Zurzach one with 8 to 10 percent.

The special thing: the saltier the water, the more it carries you. In an intensive brine pool you float almost by yourself — a feeling many find very relaxing.

Mineral water

Mineral baths use water with a high content of dissolved minerals. One well-known example is Bogn Engiadina in Scuol, another the Mineralbad Samedan. The Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad also carries mineral water in its name. Mineral water does not have to come out of the ground warm; it is often heated for the pools.

How warm is the water?

Most pools in thermal, brine and mineral baths are between 32 and 36 degrees. That is warm enough to stay in the water for a long time without putting much strain on your circulation. Many baths also have individual hotter pools:

At the same time, many baths play with contrast: cold-water pools or ice baths at 14 to 18 degrees can be found in Vals, Bad Ragaz, Scuol and Rheinfelden, for example. Switching between warm and cold gives you a kind of hot-and-cold ritual in the water.

You will find the pool temperatures of each bath on the detail pages under Thermal baths.

Switzerland’s thermal regions

Valais

Leukerbad is Switzerland’s best-known thermal resort, with pools beneath towering rock faces. Further along the Rhône Valley are the Bains de Saillon and the Bains d’Ovronnaz, and on the border with Vaud Les Bains de Lavey.

Graubünden

In Vals stands Peter Zumthor’s thermal bath, a building of Vals quartzite known far beyond Switzerland. In the Lower Engadine you will find Bogn Engiadina in Scuol, in the Upper Engadine the Mineralbad Samedan.

Eastern Switzerland

The Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz uses water from the Tamina Gorge, which has been used for bathing for centuries.

Aargau and north-western Switzerland

Baden was already a spa town in Roman times. Today it is home to FORTYSEVEN, named after the temperature of the thermal water at the source. There is also the Therme Zurzach and the brine bath sole uno in Rheinfelden.

Western Switzerland and Ticino

In Vaud you will find the Centre Thermal in Yverdon-les-Bains, in the Gruyère region Les Bains de la Gruyère in Charmey. In Ticino, Termali Salini & Spa Locarno combines warm pools with views of Lake Maggiore.

How to enjoy your day at the baths

Not too long at a stretch

Warm water relaxes you, but it also works your circulation. Plan a break after about 20 minutes in the warm pool. In very warm pools of 38 degrees and above, it is worth staying in only briefly.

Drink plenty

You sweat in the water too. Bring a water bottle or plan breaks at the bistro.

Combining thermal baths and sauna

Many thermal baths have their own sauna area, often for a surcharge and usually textile-free. If you want to combine both, the subcategory Thermal baths with sauna helps. Mind the rules: swimwear in the pools, usually none in the sauna.

Weekdays are quieter

At weekends and on public holidays, the well-known thermal baths are often busy. If you are flexible, go on a weekday or in the early evening.

Frequently asked questions

Is thermal water healthy?

Many people find warm water soothing for muscles and joints and good for switching off. Medical effects depend on the spring and on your personal situation. If you have complaints or pre-existing conditions, talk to your doctor first.

Can I go to a thermal bath with children?

That depends on the bath. Some have family areas, others only admit children from a certain age, and sauna or relaxation areas are almost always only open to over-16s or over-18s. The age rules are on the detail pages.

What is the difference between a thermal bath and a spa?

“Thermal bath” means a bath with warm spring water, brine or mineral water. “Spa” is a broader term for wellness offers with saunas, treatments and relaxation areas — with or without thermal water.

Conclusion

Thermal water rises warm from the depths, brine carries you thanks to its salt, mineral water brings dissolved minerals with it. What they all share is warm water between 32 and 36 degrees in which you can switch off for a few hours. In the Thermal baths overview you will find Switzerland’s baths with their pool temperatures.