Therme Bucharest

Not every trip from the Dracula Land area means mountains or castles. Just 40 kilometres from Gherghita, on the northern edge of Bucharest, lies Therme Bucharest, a huge relaxation centre with pools, saunas and tropical plants. It is the closest major attraction to Dracula Land and an excellent choice for rainy days, for winter or for a rest day between two long excursions.

A short history

Therme Bucharest opened in 2016 in the commune of Balotesti, in Ilfov county, close to Henri Coanda Airport. The project is part of an international network of wellness centres and was conceived as a "tropical holiday" a few minutes from the capital: a large glass building with a pleasant temperature all year round, thermal water and an indoor garden full of palm trees and other exotic plants.

Since it opened, the centre has become one of the most visited leisure destinations around Bucharest. It is presented as one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe and has been extended several times, with new areas and outdoor spaces for the warm season.

What you can do here

The centre is divided into several areas, each with its own atmosphere:

• The fun area, with water slides and wave pools, a favourite with families and children
• The palm area, with warm-water pools, swim-up bars and sun loungers among tropical plants
• The sauna area, with several types of sauna, steam baths and rituals, designed for peace and relaxation
• The outdoor spaces, used mainly in summer, with pools and landscaped beaches

Some areas have special rules, for example age restrictions or specific dress codes in the sauna area. Opening hours, prices and rules change with the season, so check them beforehand on the centre's official website.

When to go and how much time to allow

Therme is open all year, and its main advantage is that the weather outside does not matter. It is a particularly good idea:

• on rainy days, when the mountains are not an option
• in winter, when the contrast between the cold outside and the warmth inside makes the experience even more pleasant
• at the end of a stay, as a relaxing day before the journey home

Weekends and school holidays are the busiest. If you can, choose a weekday and arrive in the morning. To really enjoy the pools and saunas, allow at least half a day; many visitors stay until the evening.

One-day itinerary

• 09:00 – leave Gherghita on the A3 towards Bucharest
• 09:45 – arrive at Therme; the car park is in front of the building
• 10:00 – the pools in the palm area, while there are fewer visitors
• 12:30 – lunch on site, at one of the restaurants
• 14:00 – water slides with the children or saunas, depending on your group
• 17:00 – leave and drive back to Gherghita, before the evening rush

With children

Therme is one of the best family outings in the area: children have their own slides and pools, and parents can alternate keeping an eye on them with moments of relaxation. Bring pool slippers, extra towels and snacks for breaks. For small children, check the rules on swim nappies and the areas they can access in advance.

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to Therme Bucharest is about 40 km, around 35 minutes without traffic:

• leave Gherghita on the DJ100B and join the A3 motorway towards Bucharest
• towards the end of the route follow the signs to Balotesti and Otopeni
• Therme has its own large car park, but it fills up quickly at weekends

Because it is so close, you can easily combine Therme with a visit to Bucharest or with your arrival or departure day at the airport.

Practical tips

• Bring a swimsuit, slippers and a bottle of water; some items can be rented on site, but at extra cost.
• Leave valuables at your accommodation: you will get a wristband for a locker, but it is easier to carry as little as possible.
• Drink water often: the heat and the saunas dehydrate you faster than you might think.
• If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, ask your doctor before using the saunas.

Why it is worth combining with a stay in Gherghita

Therme is a welcome break in a stay full of drives to the mountains and the castles. You could plan, for example, two days of excursions in the Prahova Valley followed by a quiet day at Therme. That way you go home rested, not tired from the road.

Where to stay

Gherghita is less than an hour from Therme, Bucharest and the airport, and two hours from the mountains. Choose accommodation near Dracula Land and combine relaxation with excursions around Prahova.