Making a splash: Indoor water parks in Romania

From the lush surroundings of the large thermal complex close to Bucharest to venues making use of thermal spring waters, there are many options available to those looking to take a dip and have some water fun during the cold season.

Therme Bucharest

Located north of Bucharest, Therme (opening photo) is the largest thermal spa center in Romania. Launched in 2016, it stands on a 250,000 sqm area, with an indoor area of 35,000 sqm, hosting a large botanical garden, with over 800,000 plants, of which over 1,500 palm trees. Last year, the complex expanded with two thematic urban parks, with over 10,000 sqm of green space. This January, it added a “fusion restaurant” following an investment of EUR 3.5 million. Visitors will find here 9 pools, both outdoor and indoor, 6 saunas, 4 wet saunas, and 16 water slides. The indoor temperature stays at 29 – 30 degrees Celsius year round, while the water has a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. More here.

Paradisul Acvatic, Brașov

Opened in 2007, this complex spreads on 12,000 sqm representing the indoor part, and another 12,000 sqm for facilities open during the summer season. It offers visitors 6 indoor pools and 2 outdoor pools, various slides, Finnish, bio and wet saunas, a relaxation cave, a fitness room, an indoor football court, a volleyball court as well as a restaurant and terraces. Children will find here a dedicated pool, slides and a playground. More about the venue here.

Aqua Park Arsenal, Orăştie

This water park is part of the larger Arsenal Park project started in Orăştie, in Hunedoara county, on a land that used to belong to a former ammunition plant. The adventure park was inaugurated in 2009 and the aqua park followed in 2016. It has both outdoor and indoor areas, the latter called Inner Bliss. Here, visitors can find several pools, including one for children and one for relaxation, with a lazy river and a hydro-massage area. Several saunas are open, including a dry sauna, an infrared sauna and a wet sauna, each addressing different needs. Various slides and a snack & slide bar round up the indoor offer. More about it here.