Thermal springs have long been a hallmark of Georgia, and the sulfur baths of Borjomi are no exception. Located just three kilometers from the entrance to the city park, reaching these baths requires a pleasant stroll through the park and a short walk through the forest. The journey is delightful, as visitors can enjoy views of the river flanked by tall pine trees along the wide pathway.
The hot baths consist of three distinct pools: the largest one is for swimming, a rectangular pool is designed for the youngest visitors, and the semicircular pool contains the hottest water. All the water flowing into these pools comes from large taps; it is slightly cloudy and has a unique odor. However, bathing in the hot springs invigorates the body, and as an added bonus, the walk through the pine forest enhances the overall experience. Nearby the sulfur baths, there are benches, showers, and a café for visitors’ convenience.
The mineral water of Borjomi is renowned for its healing properties, particularly its beneficial effects on the digestive system and metabolic processes in the body. It also aids in boosting the immune system. This famous healing water is readily accessible to everyone, including those who visit the city briefly and do not stay at the health resort; a drinking fountain with the mineral water is located near the Central Park. Close by, there are kiosks where visitors can purchase clean containers and souvenirs to remember their trip to Borjomi. Other sources of mineral water and sulfur baths are located in a paid area for visitors.
The water source was so revered for its magical and beneficial qualities that the Romanovs commissioned the construction of a pool in the dense forest during the 19th century. The path leading to this spot was paved, and the Borjomula River was spanned by bridges, each uniquely constructed and adorned with various handrails. People gave these bridges names such as Kasoi (Oblique), Gorbati (Humpback), Malenkii (Little One), Andreevski (Of Andrew), Sadgerski (Of Sadgeri), Mikhailovski (Of Mikhail), and so forth.
Walking through the lush avenue and bathing in the warm, soft, pleasant, and healthful waters was a delight and privilege reserved for high society.
During the Soviet era, the use of thermal sulfur springs for medical purposes surged, as they were effectively utilized in baths for treating locomotor and nervous system ailments, among other conditions.
The most valuable attraction in the city, located within Central Park, is the thermal sulfur baths. Nestled in a clearing along the river and surrounded by fir and pine trees, there are exactly three pools, each differing in temperature, shape, and depth. Even the “coolest” pool maintains a constant temperature of around 26°C, while the warmest reaches 30°C.
The pools are open-air, and the water is rich in beneficial substances and minerals. The children’s pool is smaller and square, while the rectangular pool is ideal for active swimming, being larger and deeper than the other two. The semicircular pool is the warmest and most comfortable, featuring a small step where tourists often relax and warm up. It is suggested that to achieve the true rejuvenating effect, one should sequentially immerse themselves in each pool, starting with the coldest.
The area is equipped with sun loungers, benches, changing cabins, trash bins, restrooms, and a small kiosk. Mornings and afternoons tend to be busy in the pools, so it is advisable to visit in the evening hours. Some tourists enjoy picnicking within the thermal springs area, as bringing food and drinks is permitted.
Visitors are encouraged to come prepared with swimwear and should ensure they have towels, flip-flops, and bathrobes on hand.
In the summer, the location allows for relaxation and immersion in the hot water, and after a soothing soak, one can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the nearby mountain river. In winter, the scene transforms dramatically; fewer people visit, and the forest is blanketed in snow. With the comfortable water temperature, guests can spend extended periods enjoying the baths. A winter visit to the pools becomes a truly luxurious nature-based wellness experience.
Not long ago, the site of the baths was merely a clearing with a plain concrete pool, but now all three pools designated for relaxation are modern, adorned with stone and surrounded by benches and canopies with tables.
To reach the pools, one can either walk through the park (past the Prometheus monument) or take a taxi (there is a vehicle operating within the park that transports passengers to the location for a fee). Alternatively, visitors can take a longer route from above, passing the Seraphim of Sarov Church. However, this second route is less convenient, involving a lengthy car ride followed by a descent down forest trails. Given the potential for getting lost in the terrain, most tourists prefer to access the pools from below.