Bulgaria is famous not only for its sandy beaches, interesting sights , beautiful landscapes. There are also thermal spas. In this article we will talk about the most popular - Sapareva Banya.
A bit of history
People always settle near water sources: rivers, lakes, seas, etc. Therefore, mountain thermal springs nearby immediately attracted the special attention of ancient peoples.
The first name of Sapareva Bath is Germanea. The root of this word is translated as "hot, warm water." Already thousands of years ago, the Thracians and Greeks, and then the Turks, built saunas and baths here and noted the healing properties of local sources.
Geyser Fountain
If we talk about geysers, many people immediately remember Iceland with its turbulent water flows. But the hottest spring in Europe is not in the north, but just in Bulgaria. The geyser fountain in Sapareva Banya is not so impressive in its height, it rises to a maximum of 18 meters. But it strikes with the water temperature - 105 degrees, which is 20 degrees higher than other sources. On windy days, it is better not to stand close to the fountain.
- The geyser became the heart of the village. Around it, residents built a square where tourists now walk, and local residents often arrange concerts or holidays.
- Grandmothers still boil vegetables and also make preserves using water from this hot spring.
- The city uses this water to heat most public buildings.
thermal springs
In addition to the central geyser, other sources of different temperatures flow under the village. All of them are saturated with minerals: manganese, iron, sulfur salts and calcium. These thermal springs have the highest concentration of hydrogen sulfide among all the springs in the country - 15 mg per liter of water.
The chemical elements contained in it positively affect the health of internal organs, the nervous system, as well as the general condition. For example, hydrogen sulfide helps cleanse the body, neutralize the influence of harmful elements (for example, in case of heavy metal poisoning). Also, hydrogen sulfide in baths restores the skin, muscle damage and reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. The appearance also changes: nails and hair are strengthened.
What diseases are the springs useful for?
- Skin diseases . Eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis.
- Gynecological diseases . Chronic pathologies, infertility, endometritis.
- Pathologies of the nervous peripheral system . Neuritis, polyneuritis, sciatica, etc.
- Problems of the cardiovascular system .
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system . Polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
- Psychoneurological diseases and injuries .
- Consequences of occupational diseases . Poisoning with salts of heavy metals, vibration disease, etc.
Aquaclub "Kotvata"
This is a thermal complex that offers a comfortable wellness stay. The club has:
- Infrastructure for adults . Three pools for swimming, contrast pools (with cold and hot water), Jacuzzi with hydromassage, the water temperature in which reaches 40 degrees.
- Entertainment for children . Three pools with different depth levels. Small "paddling pools" for kids and deeper ones for older people. There are also sandboxes on the territory of the club.
The club highlights the settlement's long history. It is decorated in antique style, which is complemented by geysers, artificial caves and a bridge for moving across the water.
For lovers of more active recreation, there is a climbing wall and a platform with an imitation of the flow of the river. You can have a snack / relax in a local cafe or water bar.
Address : st. Germanea, d. 38A
Work schedule :
- from 9:00 to 19:00 - cash desk for payment;
- from 9:00 to 20:00 - the main schedule of the pools;
- from 9:00 to 21:00 - Friday and Saturday.
Prices : a universal ticket for adults and children costs 30 BGN on weekends, 20 BGN on weekdays. More information about prices can be found on the official website .
City bath
Thermal complex, which allows you to relax at the springs in winter. Divided into two parts:
- Bath with mineral water . There are 22 individual baths on the ground floor as well as three communal pools. One of them is big. The other two are slightly smaller, but with different temperatures.
- SPA center . Saunas, foot baths, massage rooms. Also in the New City Bath, SPA procedures are carried out from the Kotvata Club, which offers various types of massages.
What can you see / visit nearby?
Ski resort Panichishte
One of the cheapest ski resorts in Bulgaria. In winter, there are several trails of different difficulty levels. In summer, it also does not lose its attractiveness. After the snow melts, the trails turn into hiking trails, and a cable car leads to the top of the mountain.
Rila lakes
Seven lakes hidden in the mountains at different heights. All of them are of glacial origin. The names of each reservoir emphasize its features, for example, the upper lake is called Sylzata (Tear) because of its purity and transparency. A lift leads to the lakes, but its final stop is the lowest lake. You have to climb to the top on your own.
Skakavitsa Waterfall
It is located in the Rila National Park and is the highest in this area. The water stream falls from a height of 70 meters, which is even more than a 16-storey building. A centuries-old forest of Macedonian pine has grown around.
How to get there?
The nearest big city is Sofia. There are several ways to get from this city to Sapareva Banya:
- By bus. The cost of the trip is from 4 to 8 euros, duration - 2 hours 30 minutes.
- By bus with a change in Dupnitsa. The cost of the trip is 4-6 euros, duration - 3 hours 25 minutes.
- By train. The trip will last for 3 hours 44 minutes, the cost is 4-7 euros.
- By taxi. You can get there in 1 hour, the cost of the trip is from 40 to 50 euros.
