The city of Haapsalu will host this year’s major European spa and balneology event – the 30th Anniversary Annual Congress of the European Spas Association (ESPA), taking place on October 8–9, 2025 at the Haapsalu Cultural Center.
The congress will bring together participants from across Europe and beyond. Topics will include innovation in the spa sector, the future of rehabilitation, scientific developments in balneology, and trends in tourism policy.
The congress will be opened by Erkki Keldo, Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs. The two-day program will conclude with the ESPA Innovation Awards ceremony, where the best European spas will be recognized in various categories. The awards will be presented at Haapsalu Kuursaal, a venue that symbolizes the city’s long-standing spa traditions and history.
Urmas Sukles, Mayor of Haapsalu, emphasizes that bringing the congress to Haapsalu is both symbolic and significant: “This year we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Haapsalu as a spa town. Natural and balneological healing methods are exactly what the European Spas Association focuses on. It is a great honor for us to showcase Haapsalu’s long tradition of mud therapy and demonstrate why our resort town truly deserves its name.”
According to Aire Toffer, CEO of the Estonian Spa Association, Estonian spa culture is of very high quality and internationally respected: “Both our medical and wellness spas are recognized and renowned for their quality. We have every reason to be proud of our expertise and traditions and to show our colleagues from around the world how health and well-being are combined in Estonia,” she added.
The congress will focus on innovation and sustainable development in the spa sector, highlighting the role of European spas in promoting health tourism and rehabilitation.
