Jermuk

Jermuk, one of Armenia’s most renowned resort towns, is a compact gem nestled in the highlands, home to just fifteen thousand residents. Everything in this small town is within walking distance: in the heart of Jermuk, you’ll find three serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and beautifully maintained parks. But Jermuk’s crowning glory is its legendary mineral springs. Famed for their healing properties, the local waters are said to revitalize even the weariest soul.

The region around Jermuk has been inhabited since at least the 8th century CE, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries, including the remnants of an ancient temple and a cyclopean fortress. Nearby, in the village of Gndevaz, stands a 10th-century monastery. Yet the first written mention of Jermuk as a settlement appears only in the 13th century, recorded by the medieval historian Stepanos Orbelian.

In Armenian, “Jermuk” translates to “warm,” a fitting name for a place known since antiquity for its thermal waters. The princes of Syunik once traveled here to bathe and recuperate in pools specially constructed for relaxation and healing.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Vayots Dzor region—where Jermuk lies—frequently changed hands between the Ottomans and the Persians. The Azerbaijani population that lived here at the time referred to the town as “Isti-Su,” meaning “hot water.” In the 19th century, the area became part of the Russian Empire, and Jermuk’s mineral springs were scientifically examined for the first time. The ancient bathing pools were restored, laying the foundation for Jermuk’s future as a health resort.

Under Soviet rule, interest in Jermuk’s healing waters only grew. Sanatoriums began to spring up across the town, drawing visitors from all corners of the USSR. In 1951, a factory was established for bottling Jermuk’s mineral water—a product that remains popular to this day.

Today, Jermuk thrives as a mountain resort celebrated for its therapeutic waters and pure air. Since 2007, the town has also become a destination for winter sports, thanks to the installation of modern chairlifts and two ski runs designed for varying levels of difficulty.

Visitors flock to Jermuk year-round. The climate is humid and temperate, with pleasant summer temperatures averaging around 19°C. Winters are long and snowy, with averages hovering near -7°C. Surrounded by mountain ridges and straddling both sides of the Arpa River Gorge at an altitude of 2,080 meters, the town enjoys a uniquely crisp, invigorating atmosphere. The surrounding forests offer a wealth of walking paths and hiking trails.

One such trail leads to “Deer Park,” located in the town’s western quarter. The park is named for a statue of a deer standing at its highest point—a symbol of Jermuk. According to local legend, a hunter once wounded a deer and pursued it to a lake filled with mineral water. The animal leapt into the water and emerged completely healed. The astonished hunter shared this tale with his community, and the deer was forever enshrined as the emblem of the town.

A popular area for leisurely strolls is the sanatorium district, where visitors can sip mineral waters of various temperatures in a public gallery or relax in a hot hydrogen sulfide bath. The Arpa River here forms beautiful cascades, and from the gallery, one can admire the Seven Springs and Sarnakhbyur Lakes. Tourists often rent boats or pedalos, feed birds, or simply enjoy the tranquility.

After a lakeside pause, visitors can ascend the Ferdinanda Kazaryan Alley of Heroes, named after the local poet and parliamentarian. The walkway is lined with stone-carved statues honoring Armenian heroes—both military and cultural figures. The statues are scattered at varying elevations, often tucked beneath trees, making a full exploration of the alley a rewarding one- to two-hour endeavor.

One of the most breathtaking sights in Jermuk is the Arpa River Canyon. A highlight of any walk along the gorge is the “Mermaid’s Hair” Waterfall—Armenia’s second tallest at 68 meters. Its streaming waters seem to shimmer like flowing strands of hair, earning it both its poetic name and legendary status.

Another natural marvel near Jermuk is a cliff face adorned with naturally formed steps, known as the “Stairway to Heaven.” Local folklore claims that those who manage to scale the rock will be granted the gift of prophecy. Though the scientific origins of these steps remain uncertain, legends tie their creation to the mythical sword of Mithra, the ancient god of light.

For panoramic views of Jermuk’s majestic landscapes, the cable car offers an unbeatable perspective. The ride ascends to a height of 2,480 meters, where a scenic viewing platform awaits, offering sweeping vistas of the entire town. At the summit, visitors can relax at a mountaintop café, enjoying a hot coffee or a meal amid the clouds. The ascent takes about ten minutes but rewards with memories that last much longer.

The road to Jermuk winds through the village of Kechut and past the Kechut Reservoir. Travelers often pause here to admire the flower-shaped drainage system—some say it resembles a daisy, others a chamomile. This unique structure draws curious visitors to the viewing platform that overlooks both the lake and its floral outlet.

Just 8 kilometers from Jermuk, in the village of Gndevaz, stands Gndevank Monastery, founded in the 10th century by Queen Sophia. A poetic inscription on the vestibule wall immortalizes her contribution: “Vayots Dzor was like a ring without a gem, and I set this stone within it.” Encircled by defensive walls, the monastery also served as a fortress during conflicts with invading Turkish forces. Today, its grounds host a serene garden and a beekeeping operation.

The journey to Gndevank is rich with scenic beauty. One of the highlights is a view of columnar basalt cliffs, formed by ancient lava flows. These geological wonders bear a striking resemblance to the famous “Symphony of Stones” near Garni.