Borjomi: the Georgian spa town famous for its healing waters

Borjomi is one of those names everyone in Georgia knows. Its naturally carbonated mineral water, which bubbles up at 38–41 °C from springs discovered by the Imperial Russian Army in the 1820s, is now the country's third largest export and is sold in more than 30 countries. But Borjomi is far more than a bottle of water: it is an elegant mountain spa town with a spectacular national park.

Borjomi Georgia — parque natural manantiales aguas minerales montaña
The Borjomi Spa Park, with its mineral springs set in nature

Borjomi's healing waters: properties and where to taste them

Borjomi water is naturally carbonated and rich in minerals: bicarbonate, sodium, calcium and magnesium. Georgian and Russian researchers have suggested its use in treating digestive conditions and diabetes mellitus. You can drink it directly from the springs in the Spa Park, accessible from the city centre, where the water comes out hot and with a strong mineral taste.

For the uninitiated, the flavour is intense and acquired. Georgians drink it as an everyday remedy; tourists often find it peculiar at first and then addictive.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: adventure in the Caucasus

At 85,000 hectares, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest in Europe and the biggest in the Caucasus. It offers:

  • Hiking routes from 1 to 7 days with forest cabins
  • Wildlife watching: bears, wolves, deer and eagles
  • Temperate forest landscapes and high-altitude alpine meadows
  • Camping and mountain refuge accommodation
bosque Cáucaso Georgia — parque nacional senderismo naturaleza
The forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, a hiking paradise in Georgia

History and culture of Borjomi: from the Tsars to modern tourism

Borjomi was the favourite spa resort of the Russian nobility in the 19th century. Grand Dukes built their summer residences here; the palace of Grand Duke Mikhail and several Swiss-style chalets are still preserved. Since Georgia's independence, the town has enjoyed a tourist renaissance, combining its historical heritage with the rise of ecotourism. Combine it with a visit to Rabat Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, 50 km away.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Borjomi from Tbilisi?

There are direct trains from Tbilisi to Borjomi that take about 3 hours. There are also marshrutkas from Didube station in Tbilisi. By car it is about 160 km (2.5 hours) via the motorway towards Akhaltsikhe.

Can you drink the Borjomi water straight from the spring?

Yes, the Borjomi Spa Park has fountains where the water flows directly from the spring. It is free and accessible year-round. The taste is intense and mineral; it is drunk cold or hot depending on the spring.

What is the best time to visit Borjomi?

Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal: mild weather and spectacular landscapes. In summer it is warm but the national park is at its most active. In winter the town is quiet and snowy, with the atmosphere of a romantic spa retreat.