Which Slovenian thermal health resort is the oldest?

Slovenia is known for many thermal spas, most of which have also become a place for good fun and relaxation. We investigated which is the oldest thermal spa.

Terme Dobrna is, according to all information, the oldest active Slovenian thermal spa with more than 620 years of tradition. A natural hot spring, but also fresh air, a mild climate, and a fertile landscape contributed to the development and foundation of the Dobrna health resort.

In prehistoric times, the Celts built a fortified settlement on the nearby Gradišče hill, and the finding of 500 Celtic coins in the depot is evidence of early settlement. The finds prove that Dobrna was known to the Romans as well. They probably already started using warm Dobran water then.

The first Slovenian settlers knew about it, as they named the upper settlement Toplice. The lower village was named Dobrna after the oak, which was a typical tree around. The Dobrna spa and the thermal spring were first mentioned in 1403.

Thermal water began to be systematically exploited at the beginning of the 17th century, when the first building, the germ of the later Zdraviliški dom, was erected. Important steps in the development of the spa were made by its owners – the Gačnik/Schlangenburg, Dienersperg, and Hoyos families.

In the middle of the 19th century, the spa was bought by the Styrian Land Government, and in 1908 it became state property. After the Second World War, the phenomenon of mass tourism was also reflected in the Dobrna health resort, which became available to wider segments of the population.