September the 29th, 2026 – The largest thermal baths in Croatia have opened their doors today, putting Bjelovar and the massive Wellovar project in the spotlight.
Construction lasted 23 long months, and it is the most complex pool complex in Croatia due to its energy, heating, air-conditioning and cooling systems. Poslovni reports that the geothermal baths called Wellovar in Bjelovar will be officially opened today on the occasion of City Day. The thermal baths themselves will be available to the general public in about ten days, Mayor Dario Hrebak announced on Monday.
Today marks 270 years of the city of Bjelovar and the Wellovar project is the largest project in its history, and all of the necessary occupancy permits for the baths have been obtained. The complex has five indoor and five outdoor pools, including an Olympic-size one, four saunas, a gym, sports and recreational facilities, and a restaurant. The outdoor pools will open only next year in May because it’s currently too cold.
According to Terme Bjelovar director Zvonimir Žarec, there are currently 47 employees at the baths, and lifeguards will also be hired shortly. Žarec said that in the last seven to eight months he has spoken with more than a thousand candidates, and a large part of the employees have returned to Bjelovar from other places.
Three hours of swimming on a weekday will cost seven euros, and a full-day ticket 16 euros on weekdays or 21 euros at weekends and on public holidays. Pensioners, persons with disabilities, war veterans, students and secondary-school pupils will pay five euros for three hours of swimming in the morning hours. A full-day family ticket for two adults and two children will cost 44 euros on weekdays or 56 euros at weekends and on public holidays.
Around 600 guests are expected at the ceremonial opening and session, and the arrival of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković has also been announced.
