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In both Tatralandia and Bešeňová, we have tried it all – thermal and non-thermal pools, water slides, spas, food and entertainment. Which water park should you choose and when?
Bešeňová or Tatralandia? Dilemma solved
If your trip is taking you to Liptov, one of Slovakia’s most beautiful regions – whether for work or leisure, then you shouldn’t miss its two most famous water parks: Bešeňová and Tatralandia. Both of them offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind or have some fun. During two high-season days, we put both parks to the test and made sure to try out almost everything. The kids (aged 11 and 15) spent hours on the slides, little Markus enjoyed the children’s pool, the parents treated themselves to wellness relaxation, and the grandparents relaxed in thermal water. We all came together for lunch and even had a drink at the swim-up bar.
But the real question is: if you only have one day in Liptov, which water park should you go for? Our two days of testing gave us enough time to compare them properly and highlight each park’s strongest points. Let’s dive in!
Comfort and overall vibe
Both water parks offer indoor and outdoor areas with plenty of facilities. In Bešeňová, we struggled to find six loungers together and eventually settled at the back. Because of the hot weather and strong sun, we ended up moving indoors, though. There’s plenty of space in summer and the air feels fresher compared to Tatralandia.
In Tatralandia, we stayed indoors from the start and didn’t bother looking outside, even though there were more available loungers there – with a bonus view of the Western and High Tatras. Overall, the atmosphere in Tatralandia felt more relaxing thanks to the greenery and well-designed spaces. Even with huge crowds, you still get a sense of privacy.
Thermal pools
The thermal pools were mostly appreciated by the grandparents, and both of them agreed: Bešeňová comes out on top. It offers a much wider choice of thermal pools, and they don’t feel as crowded even in high season. The mineral composition of the water is also different from Tatralandia. Personally, I appreciated the thermal pool in Tatralandia when I was with little Markus. The pool has a gentle slope with increasing depth, so our boy could happily splash around in the shallow part. Still, Bešeňová wins this round overall. And to make it even better, you can sip a drink directly in a thermal pool at the Cosmopolitan bar in winter as well as in summer.
Non-thermal pools
Both water parks have a wide choice of pools without thermal water. Tatralandia boasts indoor pools with seawater (yes, salty!) and even a Barbados swim-up bar. Bešeňová focuses more on various types of relaxation pools. But if we had to pick a winner, it would be Bešeňová again. There are more pools, they’re less crowded, and there’s greater variety – so whether you’re a teenager, a child, a senior or an adult like us, you’ll find your favourite spot. That’s not to say Tatralandia is bad – far from it – but in this category, Bešeňová takes the prize.
Pools for kids
Both parks are family-friendly and full of attractions for children of all ages, but they’re best suited for kids over 6 years. For our little Markus, Bešeňová worked better. The indoor kids’ pool was perfect for him as he could sit safely on the steps (he’s not walking yet) and splash about. The wave pool there also has a gently sloping entry, so you can play with toddlers in shallow water while staying close. To sum it up: Bešeňová is definitely more suitable for very young children under 2–3 years old.
The fun factor – water attractions/slides and activities
When it comes to slides and water attractions, the winner is Tatralandia. Bešeňová offers inflatables, wave pools, slides, and the boys loved “The Bubble” (marked B21 on the map). But Tatralandia is simply unbeatable in this category – with a huge selection of indoor and outdoor slides that will make you laugh, scream and shout at the top of your lungs.
Tatralandia also gave us an unforgettable experience with Talostan the Magician. He enchanted everyone – first the kids with rope and ring tricks, then the adults with card magic. My father-in-law even ended up on stage, convinced he’d outsmarted the magician… only for the trick to turn against him, earning a roar of laughter and thunderous applause for Talostan and Erich. Bešeňová also has great family-friendly activities during the summer, included in water park tickets, so you’ll never be short of entertainment there either.
Wellness zones
The Celtic Sauna World in Tatralandia offers 21 saunas, baths and treatments – a cosy little oasis of calm in the middle of all the fun. But the Harmónia Wellness & Spa in Bešeňová is on another level. With around 50 different saunas, baths and treatments, plus large indoor and outdoor spaces, relaxation zones and sauna rituals, it’s much more extensive. Both I and my father-in-law tried it out, and we agreed: Bešeňová wins this category hands down.
Drinks in a pool & food variety
Both water parks do a great job when it comes to refreshments. From pancakes, waffles, ice cream, burgers and hot dogs to cocktails served inside a pool – you won’t go hungry or thirsty. Tatralandia has the indoor Barbados bar, while Bešeňová has the Cosmopolitan bar in thermal pools. Both are excellent, so it’s a draw here.
When it comes to food, though, Tatralandia gets the edge. The choice is bigger, waiting times are shorter, and the food tastes better and feels higher quality compared to Bešeňová. Bešeňová does offer Italian cuisine, buffets and grills, but Tatralandia has more variety, better organisation, and food stands are never far from the pools and attractions – meaning less walking around when you’re hungry.
Staff friendliness
Sometimes a place doesn’t have to be perfect, look beautiful and be run by a Michelin chef – it’s the people that make it memorable. In both Tatralandia and Bešeňová the staff were kind, helpful and always smiling. Still, Tatralandia gets a small plus in this area – from the welcome at the info point to the Barbados bar, restaurant and wellness centre, the staff were particularly friendly and gave us more detailed answers to our questions.
Two water parks – endless options
Both water parks have their strengths, and it would be unfair to say one is simply better than the other. To sum up: If you’re looking for wellness and relaxation in thermal pools, Bešeňová is the right choice. It’s also the better option if you’re visiting with very young children.
If you’re after fun, water slides, good food, and variety, then Tatralandia is the place to go. For the record, our comparison is based on visits during the peak season (13th and 14th of July). In winter, things can be very different – which is why we’ve decided to prepare another comparison for the colder months. Stay tuned!
