From Ancient Rome to the present day: Kütahya’s thermal springs
The thermal springs in and around Kütahya have drawn those seeking healing for thousands of years. These hot springs, used since the era of Ancient Rome, have retained their importance through the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. The history of the Yoncalı Thermal Springs, in particular, stretches back to the Roman Empire. According to legend, the baths in Yoncalı were used during times of war to treat soldiers’ wounds and illnesses. In the era of the Anatolian Seljuk State, the discovery of Yoncalı’s thermal waters is remembered in the legendary story of Gülümser Hatun. When Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I’s ailing daughter found healing in these waters, he ordered a bathhouse and a mosque to be built in the area in 1233.
During the Ottoman period, Kütahya’s thermal springs became widely known among the public as centers of healing and social gathering. The renowned traveler Evliya Çelebi, originally from Kütahya, visited the Eynal Thermal Springs near Simav in the 17th century and wrote of them, saying, “there is nothing like this in the world,” describing seven separate healing baths. According to Evliya Çelebi, each bath offered relief for a different ailment, and every July people would flock to these springs to find healing and enjoy themselves. During the Republican era, Kütahya’s thermal springs retained their significance and continued to serve health tourism, supported by modern facilities. Investments such as the 200-bed Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, opened in Yoncalı in 1991, institutionalized the therapeutic use of the springs. Today, Kütahya sustains this long-standing healing tradition by combining its thermal heritage with contemporary facilities.
Main Thermal Spring Centers in Kütahya
With its numerous thermal springs, Kütahya is a thermal haven. The main spa centers, each distinguished by their unique mineral compositions and therapeutic qualities, are as follows:
Yoncalı Thermal Springs
Located 16 kilometers west of Kütahya’s city center, Yoncalı’s waters are around 40°C. Visitors may benefit from the treatment of calcification, joint rheumatism, inflammatory joint diseases, soft-tissue rheumatism, neurological disorders, trauma, and sports injuries. With healing properties since the Ottoman era, Yoncalı is today preferred for both treatment and relaxation.
Ilıca Thermal Springs
Located north of Kütahya and set among pine forests, the waters of Ilıca range from 25 to 43°C. The mineral-rich waters are used as a complementary treatment for rheumatism, chronic lower back pain, joint and soft tissue disorders, orthopedic conditions, and post-neurosurgical rehabilitation. Containing calcium and fluoride, these waters are also known to support bone health in older adults, particularly in cases of osteoporosis.
Simav Thermal Springs
In southwestern Kütahya, 4 kilometers from the center of Simav, the thermal waters at Eynal reach 70-80°C. These high-temperature waters provide therapeutic treatment for rheumatism, chronic lower back pain, joint and muscle disorders, post-orthopedic surgery rehabilitation, nervous system conditions, and sports injuries. Praised in Evliya Çelebi’s “Seyahatname,” Eynal became renowned for the words, “I have traveled and seen many thermal springs in the world, yet I have not seen one like this.” Today, with its quiet and peaceful setting, Eynal remains an important destination for health tourism.
Emet and Dereli Thermal Springs
Located west of Kütahya in Günlüce Village along the Emet Tavşanlı road, Dereli Thermal Spring has water temperatures of 38 to 40°C. These thermal waters are said to benefit joint rheumatism, osteoporosis, muscle inflammation and pain, neurological disorders, sports injuries, and certain mobility impairments. The Emet Thermal Springs in the district center, with water temperatures of 43 to 48°C, are particularly helpful during the chronic stages of rheumatic diseases and are also known to have positive effects on the stomach, intestines, liver, and gallbladder. In the same area, the historic Emet Ottoman Bath, which has preserved its architectural character, continues to offer visitors a traditional healing atmosphere that has endured for centuries.
Gediz and Murat Mountain Thermal Springs
The Murat Mountain Thermal Center, located in the Gediz district, is set amid forests at an elevation of 1,450 meters. Its waters, with temperatures between 37 and 43°C, are particularly healing for rheumatism, skin diseases, gynecological conditions, and nervous and muscular disorders. Murat Mountain is also distinctive as Türkiye’s first thermal ski resort, making it a unique destination for winter tourism.
Kütahya impresses not only with its major thermal hubs but also with its boutique springs scattered throughout the region. Known for its proximity to the city center, Yenice Şifa Bath is a favorite among locals and offers an ideal option for short restorative breaks. Springs in locations such as Gediz Ilıca, Simav Naşa, Simav Çitgöl, Hisarcık Esire, and Tavşanlı Göbel make Kütahya one of Anatolia’s most comprehensive healing destinations.
The importance of Kütahya in thermal tourism and other leading centers
Türkiye ranks among the world’s richest countries in geothermal resources, and Kütahya holds a distinctive position within the country in this field. Across the province, there are nine officially declared Thermal Tourism Regions, the highest number of any province in Türkiye. As a prominent destination for health tourism, Kütahya offers a strong alternative for those seeking healing waters, with nine thermal springs.
When thermal tourism is mentioned in Türkiye, Afyonkarahisar is often the first city that comes to mind. With its many luxury thermal hotels and mineral-rich waters, Afyon has remained popular for years. Its springs, used since the Byzantine era, are known to benefit a wide range of conditions. Ankara’s Haymana is also home to thermal waters considered among the most significant healing sources in the world. Renowned for their mineral richness, the Haymana springs have been valued for their healing properties since the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. In the Marmara Region, Yalova is known for its historic thermal facilities developed with the support of Atatürk, while provinces such as Bursa and Balıkesir also have deeply rooted spa traditions. Among these established centers, Kütahya may be less widely known, yet it stands out for the diversity and distribution of its thermal resources. Its springs are set in quieter, natural surroundings, offering a more peaceful experience than destinations shaped by mass tourism. For a broader overview of spa destinations, you can also explore our article featuring the best thermal tourism centers in Türkiye.
Kütahya also stands out as a destination with the potential to combine thermal tourism with diverse activities in innovative ways. The Murat Mountain Thermal Center in Gediz, for instance, is Türkiye’s first thermal ski resort, offering the chance to ski in winter and then unwind in natural thermal pools. These differentiated experiences position Kütahya as a distinctive thermal destination. In conclusion, as one of the leading provinces for thermal tourism, Kütahya offers a strong alternative to centers such as Afyon, Yalova, and Ankara, both in the number of its thermal springs and in its natural and historical richness.
Transportation to Kütahya
For air travel to Kütahya, the nearest option is Zafer Airport, which serves the provinces of Kütahya, Afyon, and Uşak. The airport is approximately 40 kilometers from Kütahya’s city center. A variety of transfer options are available from Zafer Airport to the city center and surrounding districts. Shuttle buses, scheduled according to flight times, transport passengers to central Kütahya. Taxis are also available at the terminal exit, and the city center can be reached in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Transportation from Kütahya’s city center to the thermal areas is by road. Because Yoncalı Thermal Springs are 16 kilometers away, regular municipal bus and minibus services operate to the area. From the district center, minibuses and buses run frequently to the Simav Eynal Thermal Springs. Travelers by private car can easily reach Kütahya’s thermal destinations thanks to clear directional signage. Road conditions are generally good; however, when traveling to higher elevations, such as Murat Mountain, in winter, it is advisable to have appropriate tires and snow chains.
Places to see beyond the thermal springs and local flavors
After enjoying the thermal springs, you will find a wealth of historical and natural attractions in and around Kütahya:
Aizanoi Ancient City:
Located in the Çavdarhisar district, about 60 kilometers from Kütahya’s city center, the Ancient City of Aizanoi preserves the legacy of Phrygian and Roman civilizations. One of the best-preserved temples to Zeus in the world stands here. Beyond the temple, the ancient stadium theater complex, the colonnaded Roman street, massive bath structures, and even the remains of what is considered the world’s first stock exchange building take visitors on a journey through what feels like an open-air museum. A must-see for archaeology enthusiasts, Aizanoi stands as one of the most significant treasures illuminating Kütahya’s 5,000-year history.
Phrygian Valley:
Beginning at the 26th kilometer of the Kütahya-Eskişehir highway and extending to Ovacık village, the Phrygian Valley has an atmosphere reminiscent of Cappadocia, with its natural rocky terrain and historical remains. Within the valley are numerous open-air temples carved into the rock, reliefs dedicated to the Mother Goddess Cybele, rock fortresses built for defense, cave-like shelters, and ruins of churches and chapels from the Byzantine period. In this landscape where you can trace the footsteps of the Phrygian civilization, you may hike and see the Chestnut Tree, believed to be around 1,000 years old and one of the oldest monumental trees in Türkiye. For lovers of nature and history, the Phrygian Valley offers a distinctive route of discovery.
Kütahya City Center:
Central Kütahya also offers much to explore, with the city’s historic fabric carefully preserved. One of the city’s symbols, Kütahya Castle, rises on Hisar Hill, its walls offering sweeping views of the city. This fortress, inhabited since antiquity, features traces of the Byzantine, Seljuk, Germiyan, and Ottoman eras. Inside the castle, the revolving restaurant Döner Restoran, built 40 years ago and still in operation, offers visitors panoramic views of the city. Descending from the castle, you can walk along Germiyan Street, home to fine examples of Ottoman architecture and traditional Kütahya houses dating back to the 18th century. In the city center, the Tile Museum, where you can discover Kütahya’s world-renowned tile and porcelain tradition, and the Archaeology Museum are also worth visiting. This city, the birthplace of the famed traveler Evliya Çelebi, is home to the Evliya Çelebi Culture and Research House, dedicated to his memory. If time permits, you may also visit the historic mosques in Kütahya’s city center, especially the 14th-century Ulu Mosque and the İshak Fakih Mosque, renowned for its tilework.
Kütahya also lies on land of great importance in the history of the War of Independence. The Dumlupınar district, 80 kilometers from the city center, is the site of the Commander in Chief Field Battle of August 30, 1922, and is home to a major martyrs’ cemetery as well as the Victory Monument. In the Emet district, Eğrigöz Castle stands out for the legend that Vlad the Impaler, Voivode of Wallachia, was once held captive there.
What to eat in Kütahya?
Kütahya will also delight you with its rich culinary tradition. One of the city’s most famous soups is Kızılcık Tarhanası (cranberry tarhana). This red-colored tarhana soup, made with cornelian cherry, stands out for its vibrant hue and high vitamin content. Another hearty option is Sıkıcık Soup, made with tarhana, bulgur, meat broth, and yogurt. This thick, nourishing soup is substantial enough to be a main course. Among main dishes, Cimcik Mantısı is one of Kütahya’s signature specialties. Small pieces of hand-rolled dough are boiled and served with garlic yogurt and butter sauce. Though resembling unfilled dumplings, the dish leaves a lasting impression on the palate. Sini Mantısı, baked in the oven with minced meat, is another favorite at crowded tables. For meat lovers, Kütahya Güveci (Stew) is a must-try. Prepared by slow-baking lamb, vegetables, and spices in a clay pot for hours, the dish becomes exceptionally tender and deeply flavorful. Among pastries, Haşhaşlı Gözleme and the spinach-filled, şöbiyet-style Ispanaklı Şibit showcase the distinctive flavors of the region’s poppy seeds and fresh vegetables. Dolamber Böreği, Ilıbada Dolması, Gediz Tarhanası, and Tutmaç Soup are also among Kütahya’s local dishes worth tasting. You can find these regional flavors in historic mansion restaurants in the city center or in the kitchens of thermal hotels.
In conclusion, Kütahya’s healing thermal springs are natural treasures that have served humanity for centuries. Today, these restorative waters blend with the comforts of the modern era. If you wish to rejuvenate while discovering cultural and natural beauty, Kütahya’s thermal springs await you. You can witness a history stretching from the footsteps of Rome to Seljuk legends, renew yourself in thermal waters, and savor the deeply satisfying flavors of Kütahya.
