Thermal baths in Belgium
The English word spa comes from Spa, a town in the Ardennes visited for its mineral springs since the 16th century. Around Brussels, Flemish sauna resorts follow the Dutch and German custom, with nude areas and, at some, separate sections where swimwear is worn.
- Baths4
- Cities and towns4
- Water32 to 33°
- Hot rooms80 to 90°
City pages: Dilbeek · Grimbergen · Melsbroek · Spa
Baths in Belgium compared
Entry, swimwear rules, age limits and ticket type, side by side.
| Bath | Entry | Swimwear and rules | Age | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermae BoetfortMelsbroek |
| Two separate sections on one ticket, every day: Moenia is the nude area, where "bathing clothing is strictly forbidden"; Curia is the swimwear area, where swimwear is compulsory. The operator says the two sections and their terraces are completely separate; only the changing area is shared, with a private cubicle in every row of lockers. Men in the swimwear area wear short, fitted trunks only (no loose or long shorts); women wear a swimsuit or bikini. Sit on a full body-length towel in the saunas. Mixed throughout; no single-sex sessions published. | 10+ | Day ticket |
| Thermae GrimbergenGrimbergen |
| Two separate sections on one ticket, every day: Aquarius is the nude area, where "swimwear is strictly forbidden"; Sabai is the swimwear area. Only the changing area is shared, with a private cubicle in every row of lockers. Men in the swimwear area wear short, fitted trunks only; women wear a bikini or swimsuit. Sit on a full body-length towel in the saunas. Mixed throughout; no single-sex sessions published. | 10+ | Day ticket |
| Thermen DilbeekDilbeek |
| Textile-free throughout, every day: "Badpak, bikini of zwembroek zijn niet toegelaten" (swimsuit, bikini or trunks are not allowed). Bathrobe and towel only in the baths area; a towel under the whole body in the sauna; bathrobe compulsory in the bar, restaurant and on the terrace. Mixed, no single-sex sessions published. The house rules say first-time visitors may be asked to come as a couple and must tell reception it is their first visit. | none stated | Day ticket |
| Les Thermes de SpaSpa |
| Swimwear in the baths and the textile sauna area: short trunks or swim shorts for men (at least 10 cm above the knee); swimsuit or bikini for women, above the knee, sleeves no longer than mid-arm. Banned: Bermuda shorts, T-shirts, thongs, trousers, underwear, skirts, burkinis and veils. Swimwear is banned in the naturist area (panoramic sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and hot and cold baths), open from 16. Own flip-flops are not allowed anywhere; walk barefoot. | 15+ | Day ticket |
Every bath in Belgium
Open all year unless the hours say otherwise.
Thermae Boetfort
Spa bath, Melsbroek · No wheelchair access to the baths (historic estate). Phones and cameras not allowed in the baths.
A sauna and spa complex on the 400-year-old Boetfort castle estate, split into a nude section with five saunas, including the Ice Cave Sauna in the castle's former ice cellar, and a separate swimwear section with a 32°C pool.
Thermae Grimbergen
Spa bath, Grimbergen · Phones and cameras not allowed in the baths.
A family-run sauna and spa complex on the edge of Grimbergen, with nine saunas split between a nude section (Aquarius) and a separate swimwear section (Sabai).
ATL Location, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SAThermen Dilbeek
Spa bath, Dilbeek · Phones stay in the changing room; photos and filming forbidden.
A textile-free sauna complex in Dilbeek on the western edge of Brussels, with an outdoor pool heated to 32°C all year, a 19°C indoor cooling pool and cooling tubs set in the garden's ornamental pond.
Txllxt TxllxT, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SALes Thermes de Spa
Thermal bath, Spa · No under-15s. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside
The town's thermal centre on the Annette et Lubin hill opened in March 2004, with 800 m² of indoor and outdoor pools at 33 °C fed by mineral water from the Clémentine spring, warmed to temperature.
Nothing here for that filter.
Questions about Belgium
What can you wear at the Thermes de Spa?
Men need short trunks or swim shorts at least 10 cm above the knee, women a swimsuit or bikini above the knee. Bermuda shorts, T-shirts, thongs, underwear, burkinis and your own flip-flops are not allowed; you walk barefoot. The naturist area is swimwear-free, from 16.
How old do you have to be for the Thermes de Spa?
15 or over, and 16 for the naturist area. ID may be asked for, and phones and cameras are not allowed inside.
Are the sauna resorts around Brussels nude?
It depends on the resort. Thermae Boetfort and Thermae Grimbergen each have a nude section and a separate swimwear section, open every day on one ticket, and both admit guests from 10. Thermen Dilbeek is textile-free throughout, every day.