No doubt about it, hot springs are really cool. But first, for those who have never been, a hot spring is essentially a pool of geothermally heated, mineral-rich groundwater that rises to the surface. Here is our list of the top 10 natural hot springs on the planet.

10. Deception Island Hot Springs, Antarctica

These hot springs are on Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands archipelago and are one of Antarctica’s safest harbors. It’s also a caldera of a currently active volcano. Thus it is unsurprisingly the home of numerous hot springs.
Veteran visitors say this is a “can’t miss” location for lovers of natural hot springs. It is important to monitor the temperatures though since they do often vary. Some are a bit cold while others can have temperatures of 70 °C.

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9. Cascate del Mulino, Italy

Located on the outskirts of Saturnia, in Tuscany, the Cascate del Mulino, are waterfalls. They cascade down over naturally-created rock wells that fill with 37 °C temperature water. The water here is reported to be rich in sulfur and other minerals too.
It is essentially a natural spa found conveniently close to the popular spa complex known as Terme di Saturnia. There is, however, no comparison. Cascate del Mulino is much more beautiful and significantly more secluded as well.
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8. The Blood Pond Hot Spring, Japan

The Blood Pond Hot Spring might sound like the title of a horror film, but it’s not. Nevertheless, the story behind the name is still interesting. This hot spring in Japan is called the Blood Pond because the water is said to be a “hellish” red color.
The origin of the color is not at all creepy though; the color comes from the water’s rich iron content. The constant rising steam, of course, does lend a rather dramatic effect. Indeed, this spot is reportedly but one of nine jigokus of Beppu, or “hells” in Japan. The “blood pond hell” is, however, the most beautiful of the spectacular natural hot springs here.
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7. Minerva Terrace, USA

The popular Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs can be found in famous Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Those who have been there agree it is one of the world’s noteworthy natural hot springs. The waters in this particular hoy springs originate from deep within ridges of significant travertine deposits. The limestone here adds a dramatic effect. It covers the surrounding walkways and creates a slightly elevated mobile boardwalk. The view of the terraces from there is stunning.
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6. The Takaragawa Onsen, Japan

The wonderful Takaragawa Onsen, also known as “hot pool” is one of the world’s top natural hot springs. Perched within the Japanese mountains, it is highlighted by its stunning riverside setting. The water here is said to have special healing properties too. The water is said to be good for a number of medical issues including (but not limited to) bad circulation, nervous disorders, skin irritation, and sore muscles and joints. These medicinal properties make the spring even more popular among both tourists and locals.
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5. The Brahmakund Hot Springs, India

These hot springs are situated in Rajgir in the beautiful state of Bihar. Originating from the Saptaparni Cave, the Rajgir Hot Springs water spouts out of seven individual streams. Because of the water’s rich mineral content, this water has impressive curative properties. Of additional interest, is the fact that these hot springs are considered to be sacred to the Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. Here there are even separate bathing spots for women and men.
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4. Grand Prismatic Spring, USA

Ensconced in the popular Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Wyoming’s thousands of hot springs. This one was formed on a true hotspot. The boiling lake here is quite rich in minerals.
Its coloration is unique and varies from red to green not unlike the rainbow-like dispersion created by an optical prism. The color can be impacted by the temperature, carotenoid, and chlorophyll levels too. It’s mainly the result of various bacterial activity along the water’s edge.
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3. The Boiling Lake, West Indies

Speaking of boiling lakes, this is perhaps the most famous one. The Boiling Lake is found in the island nation of Dominica, in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the famous Caribbean Sea. More specifically, it is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourist spot the Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
The Boiling Lake is also the world’s second-largest natural hot water spring. Surrounded by huge, high cliffs, the blue-grey water is perpetually boiling. A mysterious cloud of vapor constantly envelops the lake as the water bubbles away.
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2. Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand

It’s much lesser used name is The Waimangu Cauldron. You will find it in the well-known Echo Crater of New Zealand’s Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. It’s the world’s largest natural hot spring. At its widest point, it is 200 meters.
The water here is naturally acidic. The temperature fluctuates between 50 and 60 °C. Interestingly, this particular spring can be found in Waimangu along a wheelchair-accessible walkway.
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1. The Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale is Turkish for “Cotton Castle.” Some people might associate Turkish baths or even hot springs with Turkey. The fact is that travertines and hot springs in Turkey are rather rare.

This one is found in the Denizli Province. Considered to be the world’s most unique natural hot spring, the powers that be declared it to be an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes a total of 17 terraces that create individual infinity pools. The blue, mineral-rich water against the bright white rocks give the water the appearance that it is ice cold.

There you have it, dear readers, the top 10 natural hot springs on the planet. Whether they offer excellent views of the local scenery or have a more mystic appearance, hot springs fans are sure to find something that will suit their particular tastes. They are all a visual treat and are all filled with mineral-rich, healthy water too. Just remember to inquire of the local authorities and check the temperature before you take a dip!

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