Free hot springs open at night

Many free hot springs are simply natural places with no gates or ticket offices, which is why you can visit them at any hour. Bathing at night is a special experience: fewer people, silence, a starry sky overhead and, on cold nights, a cloud of steam wrapping around everything.

The list below only includes the springs for which the sources we consulted explicitly mention access with no opening hours or at night. For the others, when the information is uncertain, the pages say "to be checked". Remember that rules can change: a council order or new management can introduce opening hours where there were none before.

How to enjoy a night-time soak safely

• Bring a head torch: the edges of the pools are wet and slippery, and many paths are unlit.
• Don't go alone to isolated places, and tell someone where you are.
• Be careful when you get out: leaving 38-40 °C water on a winter night quickly lowers your body temperature. Keep a bathrobe, a hat and dry clothes within reach.
• No alcohol: hot water and alcohol together can cause drops in blood pressure and fainting.
• No glass: in the dark, broken glass is invisible and very dangerous for people walking barefoot.
• Keep the noise down: there are often houses, camper vans or other visitors looking for peace and quiet.

The best nights

The most beautiful nights are the cold, clear ones of autumn and winter, when the contrast between air and water is greatest. A full moon gives enough light to move around and an unforgettable atmosphere, while on moonless nights, far from towns, you can see the Milky Way. In summer, on the other hand, night is often the best time to avoid the crowds at the most famous springs.

Before you go, read our guide to safety and good manners in natural hot pools.