Water! Something many, or rather most, of us probably take forgranted. We turn on the tap and there it is. We bathe in it, swim in it, gaze in wonder at its magnificence in the form of waterfalls, lakes and rivers, and enjoy recreation in, and on, it.

In Slovenia we are very lucky to live in such a water-rich country where there is such a pure and readily available source of drinking water. The most well-known bodies of water in Slovenia are the two biggest Alpine lakes in Bled and Bohinj, whilst health spa tourism is another major element. Slovenia is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of water. It has almost 27,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and other watercourses. It also has numerous thermal and mineral springs and many subterranean waters.

In this blog I’ve provided some suggestions on how, and where, to experience Slovenian waters.

DRINK IT!

Just turn on the tap! It’s a simple as that! Tap water in Slovenia, unless marked to the contrary, is safe and drinkable.

In addition, there are bottled Slovenian waters with proven added benefits, that are widely available such as Radenska mineral water – naturally carbonated and still natural mineral water, and Donat Mg mineral water – with over 1000mg of magnesium per litre.

You can also drink water direct from springs in other locations, such as this one in Jezersko, the Jezerska slatina spring, reputed to have one of the highest magnesium contents of all mineral waters in Slovenia. It’s freely available so take a water bottle and try it for yourself!

BATHE IN IT!

Indoors or outdoors, take your pick!

You could brave it in one of the crystal-clear lakes or rivers, or instead choose one of the many indoor pools at Slovenia’s thermal spas, many of which are fed directly by thermal waters, such as at Dolenjske Toplice. More here – https://spasinslovenia.com/2016/03/29/dolenjske-toplice-wellbeing-in-the-embrace-of-nature/

BALNEOTHERAPY – REAP ITS BENEFITS!

At each of Slovenia’s 14 state-verified thermal spas the water has been proven to have beneficial and curative effects on the body.

After the sluggish days of winter which, for me and probably countless others, involve eating comfort food and too many hours spent cooped up indoors, spring is time for rejuvenation of both body and mind, it can also be the time to address any niggling health issues. A visit to one of Slovenia’s spas is a great way to kick-start the process, be it for pampering, relaxation, a wellness or medical programme, or just a break away and a chance to explore some of the wonderful countryside surrounding the spas.

Balneotherapy is a natural approach for the treatment of diseases or illness through the use of water. Balneotherapy treatments are available at all of the state-verified thermal spas and, even if you don’t book any actual course of treatment, you can still reap the benefits of the water by drinking it direct from the spas’ springs. This one below is at the Thermana Laško spa. More here – https://spasinslovenia.com/2016/04/11/i-love-lasko/

MARVEL AT IT!

Slovenia is blessed with a remarkable amount of waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and other watercourses.

Among the favourite well-known waterfalls there are those such as Savica, Kozjak and Boka. However, I prefer to seek out some of the lesser-known ones, such as this one, the Grmecica waterfall, located near Nomenj, off the road from Bled to Bohinj.

And without doubt my favourite lake is the mesmerising Bohinj Lake, even if the water is damn cold!

FISH IN IT!

This spot at the entrance to the Radovna valley is a paradise for fishermen, and the 16km, largely traffic-free, cycle route through the valley is also one of my favourite places to cycle.

MORE INFORMATION

Since there is so much to write about Slovenia’s spas, I have now created a new blog entirely dedicated to the subject – ‘Spas in Slovenia’. I hope you will join me on my journey of discovery of each of the spas. You can read the blog here – http://spasinslovenia.com/

You can also read more here – http://www.slovenia.info/en/Healthy-touch-of-the-Slovenian-waters.htm?zdravilni_dotik_slovenskih_voda=0&lng=2

© AdeleinSlovenia 2016