What Have We Learned at the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025?

The European Spas & Balneology Congress, held in Haapsalu, Estonia from 8 – 10 October 2025 brought together health experts, policymakers, innovators, and spa professionals to explore how Europe’s spa destinations can shape the future of preventive health and wellbeing. The event opened with a strong message: spas are no longer just leisure spaces — they are emerging as important partners in public health systems, especially in prevention and long-term wellbeing. Sessions on governance and health policy highlighted how medical spas can integrate more closely with national and EU-level healthcare frameworks, and how investments in prevention deliver measurable returns for society.

Digital transformation was another major thread running throughout the congress. Speakers examined how tools such as digital health platforms, VR applications, and even robotics can support both spa treatments and the broader preventive-health ecosystem. Representatives from international organizations, including WHO, discussed how digitalization can strengthen cooperation between medical spas and public health institutions.

According to our post-congress survey, the main motivations for attending were:
-Gaining new knowledge from industry experts (60%)
-Meeting colleagues from the spa and health resort sector (50%)
Expanding professional networks (44%)
More results from the post-congress survey can be found bellow

The congress also confronted the growing challenges of climate change. Experts shared strategies for improving the climate resilience of spa towns, with emphasis on geothermal resources, energy-efficient solutions, and the creation of nature-based environments that support both ecological sustainability and human wellbeing. The “Blue Health” concept – exploring how coastal and water-rich environments contribute to mental and physical health – added an inspiring environmental dimension.

Balneology remained at the heart of the programme, with scientific presentations on natural healing resources such as mineral waters and therapeutic muds. Researchers shared new findings on the composition, quality, and sustainable use of these resources, including studies on clinical applications for stress, burnout, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. Traditional practices like Estonia’s UNESCO-recognized smoke sauna were also showcased as living examples of cultural and therapeutic heritage.

A strong focus on people – both patients and professionals – shaped many discussions. Sessions on skills development examined how the spa sector must adapt to new expectations, technologies, and population needs, including active ageing and workplace wellbeing. Medical and scientific working groups met alongside local leaders and spa-town mayors, strengthening the network of stakeholders who collectively support Europe’s health destinations.

Complete programme is available at the website

Innovation received a spotlight during the dedicated innovation sessions and the ESPA Innovation Awards, celebrating forward-looking ideas in wellness, health tourism, and spa medicine. Between the scientific sessions, participants also enjoyed cultural events — including a reception in Haapsalu Castle and a gala evening – reinforcing the importance of culture and place in the identity of spa destinations.

The congress concluded with a visit to the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, grounding the discussions in real-world practice and reminding participants of the essential role spas can play in rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Results of the satisfaction survey among participants

The most appreciated sessions included:

–Dr. Malina Müller’s keynote – “The Return on Investment of Better Health”
-The panel “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power” with Alina Huseynli, Claudia Wagner, Meglena Plugtschieva, Claude-Eugene Bouvier; Patrick H. Carpentier, MD
-Sessions on health, Trigger Points, Strategies & Priorities in Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention

Overall satisfaction with the congress reached 7.9/10, with 60% of participants reporting that their expectations were fully met.

Hosting destination, Visit Haapsalu in beautiful #Estonia, and the local organizing team both received over 90% top-level ratings for their hospitality and professionalism.

Networking opportunities (92.9%) and programme content were also rated as very good by nearly all respondents.

A special mention goes to the “We Trust in #mud” activity and the visit to the Haapsalu Rehabilitation Centre, both of which are described by many as inspiring and insightful.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our hosts, distinguished speakers, panellists, sponsors, and attendees for sharing their expertise and passion for health, prevention, and wellbeing.