15 of the most gorgeous hot springs in the world

Located in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley in New Zealand, Inferno Crater Lake is the world’s largest hot spring. Its temperatures range from 35 to 80 degrees Celsius and has a maximum depth of 29.8 metres. Since Inferno Crater is connected to Frying Pan Lake, their temperatures and water levels depend on where they are in their unique 38-day hydrothermal system cycle. When Inferno Crater’s water levels are low, the lake appears as dull grey colour. When its levels are high, the lake glistens with an intense sky blue colour.

Inferno Crater Lake’s counterpart, Frying Pan Lake, is also located in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley in New Zealand. Much like Inferno Crater, it’s also one of the world’s largest hot springs (but not quite as large as Inferno Crater). The lake’s temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Celsius and has a maximum depth of 20 metres.

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Out of the eight hot springs in the Hells of Beppu in Japan, Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is one of the most beautiful. Surrounded by spacious gardens, this hot spring comes with a history dating back to over 1300 years ago when Mt Tsurumi, a nearby volcano, erupted. Umi Jigoku is anything but human-friendly, though. Its maximum depth is an astonishing 200 metres, and its bright blue waters can reach temperatures up to 97.7 degrees Celsius.

New Zealand seems to be a hotspot for hot springs. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Southern Alps, the Maruia Hot Springs are located in South Island’s Lewis Pass National Park. Their average temperatures range from 35.5 to 41.6 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect relaxation spot for both locals and tourists.

Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica, Boiling Lake takes the title for the second-largest hot spring in the world. The flooded fumarole’s depth is greater than 59.4 metres and its greyish-blue water’s average temperature ranges from 82.2 to 91.6 degrees Celsius. If you plan on visiting, pack your sneakers – Boiling Lake is only accessible via an 12-kilometre hike.

Imagine yourself bathing in warm, crystal clear water surrounded by a forest of paperbark and swaying palm trees. That’s exactly what you can expect at Australia’s Mataranka Thermal Pool in the Northern Territory. As the mild 30-degree Celsius water rids you of your aches and pains, the trees around you will expel a gentle breeze, allowing for a truly peaceful experience.

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Source: RD.com