Posavje has always been strongly connected with water. There are several rivers, lakes, ponds which makes this very biodiversity region. In addition to natural waters, Posavje is also a region of thermal waters. Here you can find the largest thermal baths in Slovenia. The history of hot springs dates to the 18th century. Today thermal tourism is one of the most important forms of tourism in Posavje region.
The main characteristic of thermal springs is constant warmth of the water – the temperature must never fall below 20 degrees Celsius. From the past it is well known that this kind of water has strong healing power. In the past people were well aware, how good thermal water affects psycho-physical well-being of people. Today many people decide to spend their holiday in thermal baths and lots of them choose Posavje region to do so.
Some people decide to visit spa because they want to strengthen their immune system and health, other help themselves to reduce or alleviate a chronic disease or pain, while some others spends their holidays in thermal baths because of relaxation and fun that they offer. Bathing in thermal waters accelerates blood circulation and emptying of peripheral veins, has an analgesic effect, eliminates muscle tension, accelerates the metabolism, stimulates the immune system, and has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system.
Hot springs in Čatež were first discovered back in 1797 but were then flooded by the Sava river. They were rediscovered in 1854. The counts of Attems form Brežice are the pioneers of thermal tourism. They Franciscan Edvard Zagorec form Brežice built first private wooden swimming pool with cabins under their permission. In 1925 the counts of Attems then built a hotel, which was the basis for later development of thermal tourism in this place.
The counts of Attems were not the only one who recognized the healing power of thermal water. The count Aleksander Ausperg (1770 – 1818), the owner of the castle Šrajbarski turn in Leskovec near Krško, bought a cave with hot spring in Bušeča vas in 1811, five years after his first child was born – Anastasius Grün (Anton Aleksander), later a famous German poet and politician. In 1816 he built there a swimming pool which still operates today and is very popular with the locals. The thermal spring has a constant temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and is rich in sulfur, carbonic and nitric acid, carbonates, and other organic substances. According to testimonies, Empress Maria Theresa herself was supposed to bathe in this thermal water. Some sources even claim that France Prešeren, our biggest poet, himself and his friend Andrej Smole also bathed there. Small, but quite “royal” spa, wouldn’t you say?
The popularity of thermal water pleasures in Posavje region has been growing strongly in recent decades. Thermal complexes here are well known both locally and more widely and abroad. Visiting one of them means not only enjoying in one of the pools with thermal water, but also rich animation program and relaxation options. So, if you visit Posavje, don’t miss a visit to at least one of them.