On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, an event was held in Bjelovar on the topic of the health suitability of geothermal water in the future Terme Bjelovar, which is to become the first energy-independent thermal spa in the Republic of Croatia. The event was entitled “Thermal water in the spotlight: quality, opportunities, tourism and health” and was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia. The aim of the event was to familiarise the general public with the Bjelovar thermal spa construction project and to discuss possible challenges and the importance of health tourism.
In light of recent unfounded rumours about the radioactivity and toxicity of Bjelovar water and in order to present this valuable project in a transparent manner, leading Croatian experts from various institutions came together. Damir Andabaka from the School of Public Health “Dr Andrija Štampar” explained that substances such as iron and manganese, which are naturally present in this water, do not endanger its health safety, while Dr Magdalena Ujević Bošnjak from the Croatian Institute of Public Health added that the health suitability of the water will be analysed twice a month throughout the year, mainly due to microbiological aspects resulting from the high number of bathers. Dr Igor Stanković presented the Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute. He emphasised the importance of monitoring and noted that the development of a monitoring system for geothermal water measuring stations in Croatia is underway.
From a tourism perspective, Igor Radić, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, emphasised the importance of the project for strengthening continental tourism. Tomo Planinić, owner of Planinić Project, a company specialising in the design of thermal complexes, emphasised the importance of this project, as it will be the first energy-independent thermal plant in Croatia. Zvonimir Žarec, director of Termi Bjelovar, added that the concept of the project aims for energy independence in all aspects without leaving a carbon footprint and is based on innovation, renewable energy sources, sustainability and energy autonomy. Žarec also mentioned the economic importance of this project for Croatia, pointing out that over 80% of the work will be carried out by local companies from the Bjelovar region, which will certainly benefit the progress of the city and the local economy. The Bjelovar Thermal Spa is scheduled to be completed by March 2026 and open in June of the same year. The project is co-financed with 17 million euros from the National Plan for Reconstruction and Resilience.
Overall, the gathering of experts from various fields proved to be extremely useful, engaging and informative, highlighting the multidisciplinary importance of this significant project for both local residents and the wider public.
