The secret to an extra-relaxing stay in Vienna: between sightseeing and visiting museums, eating out and shopping, visitors should remember to schedule in a spa break to bring body and soul into balance. The Austrian capital offers a number of wellness retreats, including the nation’s largest spa.

Therme Wien

One of Europe’s biggest and most modern city spas can be found in Kurpark Oberlaa in the south of Vienna. Therme Wien, Vienna’s thermal baths is set at the site of a thermal spring that has enjoyed popularity since Roman times. It offers an unforgettable wellness experience over 75,000m², with 26 pools, 24 sauna and steam rooms, 2,500 lounges and a 6,000m² health centre.

The spacious bathing areas are connected by themed spaces that promise fun and relaxation for all ages, with large outdoor and indoor pools, warming benches and sun loungers. The spa also offers massages and relaxation therapies, cosmetic facial and body treatments, children’s entertainment, and it even has its own cinema and library.

Opened in September 2017, the new extension to the U1 underground line provides a quick, direct connection from the city centre to Therme Wien.

Therme Wien, Kurbadstrasse 14, 1100 Vienna

Aux Gazelles

Anyone looking for relaxation and beauty treatments in the heart of the city cannot go wrong at the Aux Gazelles Turkish baths. This 500m² hammam is close to shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse, and offers a range of variations on the Turkish bath, as well as traditional steam rooms with infusions, complemented by cleansing treatments, scrubs and ointments.

There is also a Salon de Beauté and a restaurant that serves Moroccan-French cuisine. The attached club is open on Fridays and Saturdays for late-night partygoers.

Aux Gazelles, Rahlgasse 5, 1060 Vienna

Salzquelle – Oceaneum- Salzpalast

A visit to one of Vienna’s numerous sea salt grottos also promises rest and recuperation. The unique healing properties of Dead Sea salts can be experienced at Salzquelle, Oceaneum and Salzpalast.

Designed like caves, these relaxation rooms recreate the unique microclimate of the sea, and over the course of a 45-minute treatment session work wonders for the respiratory system and the skin. Guided relaxation sessions, breathing courses and high-quality beauty products are also offered.

Salzquelle, Seilerstätte 15, 1010 Vienna

Oceaneum, Salzgrotte Wien Untere Viaduktgasse 6, 1030 Vienna

Salzpalast, Albertgasse 26/3-4, 1080 Vienna