On Shoulders, Belts, in Hands or on the Back - The bag
Nestling in the picturesque region of Zahorie, Slovakia’s natural spa Smrdaky is a story of healing water. Many thousands of years ago, a prehistorical sea left a precious heritage in the form of mineral water and mineral mud. These unique natural resources are now used to treat, regenerate and relax human body and soul.
Much of the history of the Smrdaky land goes back to the distant past. One of the oldest finds is the skeleton of mammoth hunter of 4,000 years old. And the written records of the Zmerdeche (Smrdaky) estate come from years 1423–1435.
A tale of a shepherd curing his legs in a miraculous spring established Smrdaky as a place for healing. Until the first half of 19th century Smrdaky was used by by mostly local people as a natural healing place and had no infrastructure or facilities for visitors. The first spa house with 11 bath tubs was built by Jozef Vietoris, who was the deputy lieutenant for the Nitra district in the years between 1832 and 1833. However, the spa was only fully developed in the in 20th century, when several spa hotels and rehabilitation centers were built over the years.
Nowadays, the spa consists of 3 spa hotels (Hotel Central**, Hotel Vietoris**, Hotel Morava***), a tourist accommodation facility Zahorie, the Balneotherapeutic Centre, Rehabilitation Centre, the Regeneration Centre, and a Children Treatment Facility, all nestling in a relaxing country setting surrounded by a park and green fields.
Known as the most effective spa resort in the world for treating non-infectuous skin diseases, Spa Smrdaky also offers locomotor apparatus treatment and opportunities for skin regeneration, and relaxation. Clients suffering from psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, eczemas and many other conditions can find relief through treatments offered in Smrdaky. Its unique natural mineral waters, rich in hydrogen sulfide, is used in combination with curative sulfuric mud, and modern therapeutic equipment and methods. A wide range of treatments ranging from mud packs, hydrotherapy, phototherapy, electrotherapy, magneto therapy to different kinds of massages are available to clients in Smrdaky. Also catering for visitors are relaxation facilities such as fitness amenities, a gymnasium, whirlpool and sauna are also at the disposition.
Also available in the spa are a beauty salon, hairdresser salon, cinema, and sports equipment rental.
Highly popular are the dance parties organized several times a week and al fresco music parties organized in summer.
Healing and regenerative properties of precious natural resources together with good food, a peaceful and relaxing setting make Smrdaky the perfect getaway for people looking to escape from urban stress and tension.
How to get there
By car the spa can be reached from the D2 higway (Bratislava-Prague) or from the D1 higway (Bratislava-Kosice). Smrdaky is also accessible by bus and train through Bratislava, Piestany and Senica terminals. The international airports of Bratislava and Vienna are 60 and 90 minutes driving distance.
Sightseeing Tips and Excursions
The region around Smrdaky is celebrated for beautiful landscape, rich history, culture, friendly people, good wine and food.
Zahorie Wine Path
This connects 42 villages including Smrdaky. Viticvulture goes back as far as the 3rd century, when the Roman legions started to grow wine grapes in the region. Several village wine cellars offer the opportunity for visitors to taste and buy regional wines.
The historical Royal Town of Skalica
23 km from Smrdaky
This historical city was awarded the privileges of free royal town in 1372. Several historical buildings including six large and nine small churches, four monasteries, several historical secular buildings and sections of old city walls draw tourists. Skalica is also known for wines, the best known being Skalicka Frankovka. Another local product, the pastry Skalicky Trdelnik is an EU-protected product. One of the best Slovak ice-hockey teams comes from Skalica. Throughout the whole year many cultural events including music festivals, festivals of traditional folklore music take place in this city.
Bata canal
26 km from Smrdaky
A 55 km long artificial water-way connecting the Czech town of Otrokovice and the Slovak town of Skalica, built in the 1930s. A marina (built in 2006) offers boat rentals, restaurant, fishing, and other activities in the middle of beautiful natural setting.
National Monument in Bradlo
30 km from Smrdaky
Here is found the tomb of one of the most famous Slovak national leaders, General Milan Rastislav Stefanik, sited on the hill over the village of Bradlo and one of the most important national Slovak monuments. The area offers beautiful views on the White Carpathian Mountains. Stefanik’s museum in the village of Bradlo is devoted to the life and career of this famous son of Slvakia.
Smolenice Castle
32 km from Smrdaky
The medieval castle was built in 14th century as one of the last castles protecting the Carpathian foothills. Although burnt down in 19th century, it was fully restored in the 20th. The reconstruction was modeled on the chateaux of France. Its romantic aspect is completed by a park with meadows and forests that stretch as far as the Small Carpathian Mountains. It is presently used by the Slovak Academy of Sciences but parts of it are open to visitors.
Driny Cave
33 km from Smrdaky
This cave was discovered in 1930 and boasts a fantastic array of dripstone formations. It is 680 m long. Visitors use a path of 450 m to view it. The visit to this cave takes 35 minutes. The formation called “the sinter curtains” deserves special attention. The most beautiful formation in the cave is probably the Elephants Ears, whose name tells all.
