Nestled in a valley near the Ardennes massif and the Hautes Fagnes plateau, the charming town of Spa has been a haven for those seeking wellness and relaxation for centuries.
As the world’s original spa resort, Spa has a rich history that dates back to the time when royalty like Charles II of England and Peter the Great visited to benefit from its supposed healing water properties.
Today, you can experience the perfect blend of wellness, culture, and outdoor activities that make Spa a must-visit destination. With its unique heritage and natural beauty, Spa offers an unforgettable journey through one of Belgium‘s most historic and rejuvenating destinations.
Discovering the Original Spa Town
Spa, a quaint town in the Ardennes region of Belgium, is where the concept of a spa originated, thanks to its mineral-rich spring water. The town‘s history dates back to the 16th century.
The natural springs have been visited for centuries for their supposed healing properties. Spa is the world’s first spa resort town, giving its name to wellness centers globally.
- Explore Spa’s fascinating history.
- Learn about the natural spring and its water.
- Discover its significance as a royal retreat.
Thermes de Spa: Ultimate Wellness Experience
Thermes de Spa is a haven of relaxation, combining traditional hydrotherapy with cutting-edge wellness treatments. Located in a striking cylindrical glass building atop a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the town below.
The Thermes de Spa experience is centered around its famous mineral-rich spring water, renowned for its healing properties. Visitors can indulge in a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, saunas, steam rooms, and meditation sessions, all designed to promote wellness and relaxation.
Some of the key experiences at Thermes de Spa include:
- Immersing yourself in the thermal baths filled with the mineral-rich spring water.
- Enjoying a comprehensive range of wellness treatments.
- Appreciating the striking architecture of the centre.
- Taking advantage of various packages for different needs.
By combining traditional hydrotherapy methods with contemporary spa practices, Thermes de Spa provides a unique and rejuvenating experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a full-day pampering session, Thermes de Spa is the perfect destination.
Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand: The Historic Spring
Step into the Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand, a Neoclassical pavilion housing a famous spring. This historic site is where Spa’s journey as a renowned resort began centuries ago. Named after Tsar Peter the Great, who visited in 1717, it’s a significant landmark in Spa. You can admire the ornate “Fontaine aux dauphins intérieure” and sample the spring water directly from its source. Today, it serves as the new home of Spa’s tourist office.
- Visit Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand, the most famous spring in Spa housed in an elegant Neoclassical pavilion from 1880.
- Learn about the historical significance of this spring, named after Tsar Peter the Great who visited in 1717.
- Admire the ornate “Fontaine aux dauphins intérieure,” the most decorative of all fountains in Spa.
- Discover how this spring source gave birth to Spa as a resort destination centuries ago.
- Explore the tourist office now housed in this historic building following its 2012 refurbishment.
- Appreciate the winter garden that has been transformed into an exhibition and event space.
- Sample the famous mineral water directly from its historic source, connecting you to centuries of wellness tradition.
Parc de Sept Heures: A Royal Promenade
The Parc de Sept Heures, or Seven O’clock Park, is a beautifully preserved example of an 18th-century promenade. Created for Spa’s aristocratic visitors, this park maintains an air of elegance with its tree-lined alleys and numerous monuments.
You can stroll through the park and admire its aristocratic atmosphere, featuring hornbeams, limes, and elms. The 130-meter Galerie Léopold II is a highlight, with its coffered wooden ceiling and elegant cast iron columns.
The park is also home to two regal pavilions: Pavillon Marie-Henriette and Pavillon des Petits Jeux, which bookend the covered promenade. You can appreciate the park’s historic significance and enjoy its perfectly preserved state.
Casino de Spa: Europe’s Oldest Gambling House
Established in 1763, Casino de Spa is not just a gambling venue but a piece of living history. Known as the Redoute, this grand Neoclassical building has been a hub for aristocrats and industrialists for centuries. You can try your luck at roulette, Texas hold’em poker, and blackjack, or play on slot machines imported from Las Vegas.
The casino has survived gambling prohibitions and devastating fires, showcasing its resilient history. With a minimum age of 21, you can visit from 11:00 until sunrise, experiencing the elegant atmosphere that has attracted visitors for over 250 years.
- Try your luck at Casino de Spa, established in 1763.
- Appreciate the grand Neoclassical architecture.
- Learn about the casino’s history and significance.
Musée de la Ville d’Eaux: Spa’s Cultural Heritage
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Spa at the Musée de la Ville d’Eaux, housed in the stunning Villa royale Marie-Henriette. The museum’s permanent exhibition showcases fine art and local craftsmanship, including exquisite Jolités de Spa wooden items.
The ground floor exhibition takes you through Spa’s history, highlighting its progress as a pioneering hydrotherapy resort using videos, artifacts, and historic documents.
Lac de Warfaaz: Outdoor Recreation
Just a couple of kilometers from the heart of Spa lies the serene Lac de Warfaaz, a haven for those seeking tranquility and outdoor recreation. This 6.5-hectare lake, created in 1892, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
You can take a leisurely walk along the paved banks lined with majestic horse chestnut trees, perfect for enjoying the fresh air. In summer, rent a pedalo from the small jetty and paddle across the peaceful waters for a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.
The lake is also a popular spot for local anglers looking to catch some freshwater species. Relax at one of the charming restaurants, cafes, or bars clustered along the south shore with views over the water.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: Racing Thrills
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is not just any racing track; it’s a historic venue that hosts the Belgian Grand Prix and is considered one of the most beautiful circuits in the world.
Built in the early 1920s, this circuit is just a 10-minute drive from Spa via the N62. Its unique rippling topography and coniferous backdrop make it a standout, with the famous Eau Rouge and Raidillon combination being a thrilling sequence that challenges even the best drivers.
Experience the thrill of visiting Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, widely regarded as the most beautiful racing circuit in the world. You can plan your visit around the Belgian Grand Prix, typically held in late August or early September. There’s activity at the track almost daily between mid-March and mid-November, not just during the Grand Prix weekend.
Take a guided tour at 14:00 on most days to see behind-the-scenes areas, including the press room, commentators’ booths, podium, and race control. Appreciate the stunning natural setting that makes this circuit unique.
SpaForest: Adventure in the Trees
Tucked away in Spa’s wooded surroundings, SpaForest is a haven for adventure seekers. You’ll find a high ropes center where you can shimmy from treetop to treetop via fun and challenging transitions, all while clipped onto a safety line.
SpaForest offers three courses to try out, featuring rope ladders, ziplines, and precarious bridges that require coordination and a sense of balance to conquer. You can also enjoy a range of other activities, including Nordic walking, archery, and survival workshops, making for a great day out.
While there isn’t a train in the traditional sense, you can explore the area on newly added all-mountain electric scooters, enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. SpaForest is perfect for training your body and mind through engaging physical activities with friends or family.
Spa, Belgium: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Nature Lovers
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Spa, Belgium. The region offers a mix of unique landscapes and outdoor activities that cater to different interests.
Domaine de Bérinzenne
The Domaine de Bérinzenne is a must-visit, with its misty moorlands and forests typical of the Hautes Fagnes region. You can walk along a boardwalk that takes you over peat bogs, experiencing the unique ecosystem.
Key attractions include the Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux, which showcases the region’s biodiversity, and an observation tower with panoramic views.
RAVeL Spa-Stavelot Cycling Path
The RAVeL Spa-Stavelot cycling path is part of Wallonia’s extensive network of flat, accessible trails. This 22-kilometer route offers stunning views of upland forests and passes directly above the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Unique Museums to Visit
Discover the lesser-known side of Spa, Belgium, through its intriguing museums. The city offers a blend of cultural, historical, and scientific experiences that are sure to captivate any visitor.
Musée de la Lessive
Located in the Parc de Sept Heures, the Musée de la Lessive (Laundry Museum) is a fascinating destination. It showcases the evolution of laundry practices over thousands of years, featuring antique appliances and reproductions. Visitors can witness demonstrations of 19th and early 20th-century hand-operated washing machines.
Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux
The Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux (Forest and Waters Museum), situated in the Domaine de Bérinzenne, offers insights into the rich biodiversity of the Fagnes region. Through creative exhibits, visitors can understand the delicate ecosystem and learn about the local fauna and flora.
Spa Eaudyssée: Behind the Famous Water
At Spa Eaudyssée, you can explore the fascinating process of how Spa water is made. Located within walking distance of the Spa town center, the Spa Eaudyssée visitor centre is open Monday to Friday, offering an insight into the epic underground journey of Spa’s water.
The centre features experiential galleries equipped with tablet computers and tactile displays, explaining the transformation of rainwater into the pure, naturally filtered product. You’ll discover the importance of the water cycle, the origin of the Spa brand, and the significance of the leapfrogging Pierrot on its logo.
At the end of your visit, you can select a complimentary bottle of still, carbonated, or fruit-infused water from Spa’s range to take with you.
Église Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Remacle: Architectural Beauty
You’ll be captivated by the Église Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Remacle, a breathtaking neo-Romanesque church in Spa. This solemn church, completed in 1885, is the third religious building on its site, established after Spa’s waters gained international fame in the 16th century.
The church boasts impressive reliefs on the tympanums above the portals, depicting the risen Christ and Mary on her throne. Inside, you’ll find 17th-century Baroque sculptures of Remaclus, Mary, Joseph with Baby Jesus, and Saint Roch, as well as a striking Byzantine-style Christ Pantocrator.
Day Trips from Spa
When you’re not indulging in the luxurious spas, consider taking a day trip to discover the hidden gems around Spa, Belgium. The region is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a variety of exciting excursions.
Château de Franchimont
Visit the ruined Medieval and Renaissance Château de Franchimont, just 15 minutes from Spa. This historic castle was built in the 11th century and features impressive adaptations for gunpowder warfare.
Ninglinspo River Walk
Enjoy the scenic Ninglinspo River Walk, a 6.4-kilometer route that follows a picturesque branch of the Amblève River. This family-friendly trail is perfect for a refreshing day out in nature.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Visit to Spa
Spa, Belgium, is more than just a wellness town; it’s a gateway to exploring the Ardennes region’s unique cultural and natural heritage. To experience the best of Spa, plan your visit strategically, starting with Thermes de Spa for ultimate wellness. Explore historical landmarks like Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand and Casino de Spa, Europe’s oldest casino. Enjoy outdoor activities at Lac de Warfaaz and SpaForest, and consider a day trip to Château de Franchimont. With its rich heritage and natural beauty, Spa is a year-round destination.
