The hot springs in Tuheljske Toplice, located in the immediate vicinity of Mihanović Castle, rank among the most abundant springs in Hrvatsko Zagorje. Unfortunately, for years they were less well-known and underutilised compared to other springs in the area. However, owing to the therapeutic qualities and beneficial effects of the hydrothermal water, circumstances have changed, making Tuheljske Toplice a very popular and frequented town in the western part of the Krapina-Zagorje County.

In Tuheljske Toplice, the water springs in four springs, including two larger springs (Vrelo u Bari and Dadino Vrelo) and two smaller springs springing from the bottom of the pool. The relatively low temperature of the water, ranging between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, was likely the reason why this thermal spa resort failed to spark more interest among members of the public. The water contains high levels of hydrogen sulphide, notable for its specific smell which earned this thermal spa the moniker “Smelly Spa” since ancient times.

The first pool on a hot spring source was built in 1932. Since then, several attempts were made to find water hotter than 33 degrees Celsius, but sadly none of them were successful. Today, the thermal water is used for medicinal and recreational and touristic purposes. To accommodate these needs, a new hotel was built, as well as outdoor and indoor pools, in addition to other sports and recreational facilities.

There are markedly few published geology papers exploring the phenomenon of thermal water in Tuheljske Toplice. The earliest written record of Tuheljske Toplice can be traced back to Crantz, who named the place “Smelly Spa” in 1777. The first description in Croatian comes from Vukasović, who mentioned Jagunićeve Toplice aw well as Tuheljske Toplice in 1879.

Today, the pools at the springs offer their users a slew of benefits – they are a source of health and energy, and many find that bathing in thermal water and applying medicinal thermal mud restores vitality and helps prevent various diseases. The thermal water in Tuheljske Toplice helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatic diseases, the consequences of joint and bone injuries, respiratory system diseases, metabolic and circulatory disorders, and it is also an excellent therapy for patients after surgery.