Sklené Teplice
Sklené Teplice belongs to the smallest and oldest Spas in Slovakia, dating its origing back to the end of the 15th century. Originally, the residents worked in a small local glass factory, which supplied glass for needs of a nearby mining town. Glass factory was closed at the end of the 18th century and Sklené Teplice became purely a Spa Resort with thermal mineral springs. The majority of the Spa buildings were built in the 18th and 19th century, the rest was added later in 1955.
Their small size and location in the centre of the village were of my special interest. Although the external spaces are relatively well maintained, the buildings are of a lower quality and would need plenty of reconstruction.
I visited Spa during the national holiday and therefore many visitors were people coming from nearby villages and towns.
“From time to time I come to Sklené Teplice to walk around the Spa Park and have a coffee. I enjoy the calmness of the place and beautiful nature around.”
I also asked some other visitors about their experience. They all enjoyed mostly the location in the forest, but pointed out some weak spots:
- The Spa does not achieve the standard of many other Spas in Slovakia, the quality of some buildings is relatively low- old tiles, doors, furniture…
- The deficiency of free-time activities and cultural facilities
- Small size of the Spa areal. This is, however, balanced by surrounding forests which provide plenty of space for walking
- The main road in passing by the Spa areal – This appeared to be the most criticized issue also by discussing the qualities of the other Slovak Spa towns
- The Spa is in the ownership of a private entrepreneur who does not provide sufficient funding for quality improvement. Dissatisfaction is enhanced by family connection between the owner and political leaders. (Although I was trying to avoid this topic, for some visitor it was a very important issue)
- Weak services
Situation
After 5 years of water and environment monitoring, The Ministry
of health of the Slovak Republic can declare the mineral springs as healing. They define the Spa area with certain rules and restrictions afterwards.“Spa Area: Strict prohibition of water and soil pollution, unreasonable waste treatment, chemical products used for plant growing, intensive animal breeding, walking with a dog without a muzzle and a dog-lead, building display stands and kiosks “
Mineral thermal springs flow freely to a local river and
create a cave-like scenery
Health centre
Info centre
Administration building
Buildings assigned to accommodation and healing procedures
are situated around the Spa park
Original lounge bar is used as a coffee place and creates the
most significant building of the whole areal
A bath in a cave with 42 °C hot water is the most unique part. The
internal spaces are very dark and I could see the patchwork of materials used
only after I saw the pictures I took.
Masage rooms and fitness centre are also part of 
The most impressive internal space is Maria
Theresia’s pool in Art Nouveau style. The pool is divided into two parts according
to water temperature- 37 and 39°C. Men enter the pool from different site than women.
Other interior spaces would need the complete reconstruction.
Thermal water is used also in the swimming pools for
wider audience. The swimming pool os not part of the healing baths. 
This ‘Spa Waffles’ became a symbol of Slovak Spas and are
very popular amongst the visitors + they are usually locally made and are
extremely tasty! I found them in the shop together with some souvenirs and
herbal tea from the Tatra Mountains
Many houses in the municipality are either abandoned, or
used as holiday homes
