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Winter in Liptov is made for hot water. We compared Tatralandia and Bešeňová in freezing temperatures: Pools, saunas, water slides and food. Which one came out on top?
The region of Liptov offers much more than just skiing in winter. When temperatures drop below zero and the mountains are covered in snow, it is the perfect time for hot water, steam rising above pools and well earned relaxation after a day on ski pistes. Tatralandia and Bešeňová are year round water parks, but in winter their character differs significantly. When visiting them during the peak winter season, we focused on comfort, water temperature, wellness relaxation, fun and gastronomy. If you only have one day and are wondering where to go, this comparison will make it much easier to decide.
We tested Aquaparks also during the summer, so you can read the article: The Big Summer Comparison of Aquaparks in Liptov.
Water park facilities in winter: Comfort, relaxation and atmosphere – Tatralandia vs. Bešeňová
Tatralandia is a tropical paradise full of fun and relaxation, while Bešeňová offers a perfect thermal haven focused on calm and wellness experiences.
During the peak winter season, we had no trouble finding loungers indoors in either water park. In Bešeňová, however, they are mainly located on the upper floor, where the atmosphere is noticeably calmer. Children preferred Tatralandia – it feels more cheerful and lively, especially thanks to the abundance of plants and more colourful surroundings. Grandparents enjoyed Bešeňová more thanks to its neutral music, peaceful ambience and the option to retreat into silent zones. A free stroller rental and quiet areas for putting little ones to sleep are a big advantage for parents with small children.
Thermal pools in winter: Where is the water warmer and the experience better?
While the thermal pools appealed mainly to grandparents in summer, everyone enjoyed them to the fullest in winter – including the youngest member of our group, 18-month-old Markus. In Tatralandia, children particularly liked the outdoor thermal pool with direct access from the indoor area. A large amount of snow around the pool was a bonus, perfect for a quick cool-down. Grandparents also rated it very positively, especially due to its size and gently sloping, almost “beach-style” entry.
Extra thermal experience: Outdoor bar in Bešeňová at sub-zero temperatures
Bešeňová, however, has one huge winter advantage – the Cosmopolitan outdoor bar. Having a drink or a glass of hot chocolate directly in a thermal pool while the thermometer shows –11 °C and snow surrounds you can be truly magical. Outdoor seating in the water, tables, cosy corners serving for relaxation and ever-present hot water steam create a genuine winter thermal atmosphere. In this aspect, Bešeňová is the clear winner.
Non-thermal pools in winter: Salt water, massages and indoor pools
In the category of non-thermal pools, Tatralandia takes the lead this time – unlike in summer. Four indoor saltwater pools with massage benches were popular with grandparents as well as children. The reason is simple – the Barbados bar and, above all, the large number of seating and lounging areas in the water. The massage benches are arranged so that everyone can find their spot, even on busier days.
Massage pools and water relaxation: Why Tatralandia shines in winter
Bešeňová offers a larger, cooler indoor pool and one pool with massage benches, but Tatralandia has four such zones, and they work exceptionally well. Add a Virgin Mojito, bubbles for your feet and a back massage, and even a winter day instantly feels better. No matter the season, you get the feeling you’re in a tropical paradise.
Water parks with children in winter: Experiences with the youngest visitors
A lot has changed since summer. Our Markus, who wasn’t walking back then, is now confidently exploring the entire area. So instead of swimming, it became a matter of constantly chasing him between pools, and paradoxically, he was most fascinated by the cotton candy machine and areas not suitable for small children.
However, he was completely happy in the water. Whether in the thermal pools in Tatralandia and Bešeňová or in the indoor saltwater pools in Tatralandia, he enjoyed swimming to the fullest. In winter, Tatralandia is more suitable for older children (8+), mainly thanks to its large indoor play and entertainment zone. For younger children (1+), Bešeňová comes out better – a calmer atmosphere, more peace and better facilities for rest or sleep make a noticeable difference.
Shaded VIP loungers can be rented in both water parks, offering parents and children perfect privacy behind curtains.
Water attractions and water slides in winter: Where do children have more fun
During the winter months, the range of attractions and water slides is naturally limited mainly to indoor areas. While Tatralandia clearly dominates thanks to the number of attractions, themed activities and constant energy in the water and on the stages in summer, the situation surprisingly turns in favour of Bešeňová in winter.
Wave pool in winter: Surprising winter hit of Bešeňová
The wave pool hall, often somewhat overlooked in summer, turns into one of the liveliest spots of the entire complex in winter. Not only our children, but most visitors spent a significant part of the day here, and the pool was used at almost 110%.
The wave pool hall in Bešeňová transforms from December to March after 4:00 PM into a magical tent full of colours and atmosphere thanks to a light show.
Indoor water slides in winter: Comfort, speed and children’s ratings
To be fair to Tatralandia in winter, it must be said that its indoor water slides still rank among the very best. Children rated them higher mainly thanks to rides on mats and rings, which are more comfortable and gentler on the back.
Wellness and sauna worlds in winter: Tatralandia vs. Bešeňová
Whether it’s the Celtic sauna world in Tatralandia or the Harmónia Wellness & Spa in Bešeňová, both wellness zones are excellent in winter. Grandparents enjoyed them the most, appreciating especially the calm, warmth and the opportunity to switch off completely. In Tatralandia, they highlighted the pleasant inhalation saunas with different temperatures and the beautiful tepidarium. However, the absence of a tepidarium near the rooftop outdoor sauna was a small downside.
Winter wellness in Liptov: Saunas, tepidariums and snow relaxation
Bešeňová earned unanimous enthusiasm – and in this case, I fully agree. Not only because of the wide range of saunas, but especially due to the opportunity to literally roll in the snow after a sauna session, which is an unforgettable winter experience. The outdoor sauna temple with relaxation zones, easy access and stunning views creates an atmosphere that is hard to beat.
Day sauna rituals in Bešeňová, held every day from Tuesday to Sunday, are renowned far and wide. Sauna masters create an experience that feels like it’s from another dimension.
Quoted from the grandparents:
“A beautiful wellness world, a large outdoor sauna temple with relaxation areas, easy access and stunning views.”
Restaurants in water parks in winter: Food, desserts and family options
During the winter season, the selection of restaurants is slightly more limited, but still of very high quality. In Tatralandia, the Paradise restaurant is open, with waffles, pancakes and ice cream available, and you’ll find a very similar offer in Bešeňová. The choice of dishes is wide enough, and our group couldn’t agree on a clear winner. Some preferred Tatralandia, especially thanks to its better selection of desserts, while others appreciated Bešeňová for its main courses. Ice cream and pancakes ended in a clear draw.
Drinks in pools: Bars in Tatralandia and Bešeňová in winter
The bar comparison was just as evenly matched. The Cosmopolitan bar in Bešeňová is located inside an outdoor thermal pool and offers an authentic winter experience – steam, snow and a drink in hand. On the other hand, when temperatures really drop, and your hair starts to freeze, the Barbados bar in Tatralandia wins thanks to its location in the indoor pools, where you can enjoy your drink in cosy comfort.
Water park staff: Willingness, approach and overall impression
Staff play a major role in the overall experience. No matter how good the water slides are, how perfect the saunas feel or how tasty the food is, it’s always mainly about the people. This was confirmed during our winter visit to both water parks. Just like in summer, we didn’t experience a single unpleasant situation.
A friendly welcome at the information centres, helpful explanations of sauna rules, smooth food service and bar service – everything worked exactly as it should. Even so, Tatralandia has a slight edge in this area. The atmosphere felt a bit more relaxed, and the staff came across as more natural and communicative.
Mathias (11 years):
“Tatralandia was really pleasant again, and there were so many friendly staff members.”
Grandfather (57 years):
“The service at the bars in Tatralandia was nicer – chatty and smiling.”
Winter comparison of water parks Tatralandia vs. Bešeňová: Final verdict
Each water park has its own strengths and weaknesses, and there is no clear overall winner. It can’t be said that Bešeňová is better than Tatralandia or vice versa. Both are excellent in winter, and everyone can find something for themselves.
If you’re looking for wellness relaxation, tranquillity and a rich sauna world, the choice is clear – Bešeňová. If you’re after relaxation in thermal pools, Tatralandia works brilliantly, but if you also want a drink in the water, Bešeňová has the upper hand. Families with very young children will appreciate Bešeňová more for its calm atmosphere and facilities, while older children will have significantly more fun in Tatralandia.
When it comes to water fun and water slides, both parks are great, with Bešeňová having a slight advantage thanks to its popular wave pool.
We carried out this comparison during the peak winter season on 10th and 11th January, with three – and at times even four – generations, including the youngest, Markus. Thanks to this, we feel the comparison truly reflects real experiences across different ages and expectations.
This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk.
