The 3 Best Thermal Spas in Switzerland
The 3 Best Thermal Spas in Switzerland (According to Our Badii Bathing Framework)
Switzerland is known for many things—chocolate, watches, the Alps—but did you know it’s also home to some of the most extraordinary thermal spas in the world?
After living in Switzerland for two years, I fell deeply in love with its bathing culture. I lived in Baden, a historic spa town famous for having the most mineral-rich thermal waters in the entire country. When I left my corporate job to bring Badii to the U.S., I spent several months traveling across Switzerland and Europe, experiencing the very best spas and saunas.
Now, I’m excited to share our top three recommended thermal spas in Switzerland—destinations that stand out not just for their waters, but for their full sensory, cultural, and emotional experience. Each spa has been reviewed using the Badii Bathing Framework. In the podcast episode on Badii Talk where we share our recommendations, you’ll also hear reviews from other members of the Badii community.
Let’s dive in.
Our Evaluation Framework: The Badii Bathing Criteria
At Badii, we assess spas and saunas based on a thoughtful framework designed to reflect what makes a bathing experience truly special. To evaluate the spaces, we ask ourselves the following questions. Each of the Swiss spas on our list scored highly across the following:
Cleanliness: Did you feel comfortable in the space? Would you walk around without shoes?
Value: Would you pay the same price for this experience again? Would you recommend it to your friends?
Design: Did you feel comfortable moving throughout the space? Is the design inspiring? Intentional?
Details: What little things made the experience special?
Community: Did you feel a connection with anyone else in the space?
Joy: Did you have fun? Did you laugh?
Nature: Was nature a part of the experience? How?
Culture: Did the experience engage with or express a specific culture and/or history?
#3: 7132 Thermal Baths – Vals
7132 Press Images / Photographer Julien Balmer
Nestled in the small alpine village of Vals, 7132 Thermal Baths are considered the architectural crown jewel of Swiss spas. The mineral water here emerges from the Valser spring at a soothing 30°C (86°F), and the spa itself was designed by acclaimed architect Peter Zumthor using 60,000 slabs of local quartzite.
Walking into 7132 feels like entering a sacred space. Every pool, every wall, every beam of light is thoughtfully placed. The baths flow seamlessly with the surrounding mountain environment, creating a grounding, serene experience.
Why we love it:
✨ Design: Iconic, minimalist, and deeply intentional.
🌿 Nature: Perfect harmony with the Alps.
🧘♂️ Details: The sensory transitions between pools, the tactile beauty of the stone.
A note: This spa is less about laughter and socializing, and more about quiet reflection. If you’re seeking solitude and sublime design, 7132 is for you.
#2: Therme Zurzach – Bad Zurzach
Switzerland Tourism / Creator André Meier
Located near the German border, Therme Zurzach may not be on every luxury traveler’s radar—but it should be. A favorite among locals, it blends big family-friendly pools with a more premium, textile-free sauna experience (that means nude, as is tradition in German and Swiss spas). There’s a women-only sauna zone, for those who prefer that experience.
The thermal waters here have been flowing since 1914 from the Zurzach sodium sulfate spring, and they’re rich in minerals.
Why we love it:
🤝 Community: We were welcomed with open arms by locals.
🎉 Joy: Salt scrubs, honey steam rituals, and genuine connection.
🏛️ Culture: A example of traditional Swiss-German bathing rituals done with care and fun.
This spa is an unexpected gem—and a total blast.
#1: Forty-Seven Thermal Baths – Baden
Switzerland Tourism / Creator André Meier
And now for our top choice: Forty-Seven Thermal Baths, located in my beloved spa town of Baden.
Designed by architect Mario Botta and opened in 2021, Forty-Seven is the full package. Here, Switzerland’s most mineral-rich waters bubble up at a calming 47°C (116°F). The spa offers a wide variety of experiences: hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, saltwater baths, and beautiful relaxation zones. There’s even a fantastic vegetarian-friendly food menu—don’t miss the vegan Caesar salad.
Situated along the River Limmat, the integration of nature is breathtaking. Steam rises from the outdoor pools as you gaze out over the water and up into the distant hillside.
Why we love it:
💧 Cleanliness: Immaculate and modern.
🍽️ Value: Exceptional facilities and food at a great price.
👯 Joy + Community: Great for a solo visit or a day with friends.
🌿 Nature: River views, mountain air, and outdoor pools.
🎨 Design: Beautiful without being overwhelming.
This is the spa we’d recommend to almost anyone—especially if it’s your first time trying thermal bathing in Switzerland.
Final Thoughts
To recap, our top three thermal spas in Switzerland are:
Forty-Seven Thermal Baths – Baden
Therme Zurzach – Bad Zurzach
7132 Thermal Baths – Vals
Each one offers a unique experience, and each one has something truly magical to offer. Whether you're seeking design inspiration, deep cultural rituals, or just a day of relaxation with friends, there’s a perfect spa for you.
So, which one is going on your spa bucket list?
Let us know in the comments—or better yet, come bathe with us.
Badii Talk Podcast
Join Badii founder, Sarah Spoto, as she dives deep into the global bathing world on Badii Talk. The podcast features expert interviews, spa and travel recommendations, bathing history and education, and science-backed tips on sauna and bathing. New episodes are released every-other-Sunday. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Top 3 Best Thermal Spas in Switzerland: Apple & Spotify
Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. We share all this across many platforms, including:
Website: www.badii.life
Instagram @badii.life