Borjomi Springs, Georgia

## Overview Borjomi Springs is one of the most celebrated natural mineral water sources in the world, located in the resort town of Borjomi in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of central Georgia. Nestled in the lush Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — one of the largest national parks in Europe — these springs have been renowned for centuries for their naturally carbonated volcanic mineral water. The mineral waters of Borjomi originate deep underground, where volcanic activity heats and mineralizes the water before it rises to the surface through layers of Caucasus Mountain rock. The water is reported to contain a rich blend of sodium bicarbonate and other minerals, giving it a distinctive slightly salty, effervescent taste that has made it famous across Eastern Europe and beyond. Borjomi mineral water has been commercially bottled since the 1890s and was a prized commodity throughout the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. The brand "Borjomi" remains one of Georgia's most recognized exports, available internationally. Historically, the springs were discovered by Russian soldiers in the early 19th century, though local populations likely knew of the waters long before. By the 1850s, Borjomi had developed into a fashionable spa destination, attracting Russian aristocracy and the imperial Romanov family, who maintained a summer residence nearby. The town's elegant parks and bathhouses from this era still stand today. The GPS coordinates (41.839969, 43.390675) point to the public spring area in Borjomi's Central Park (also known as Borjomi Mineral Water Park), where visitors can sample the warm mineral water directly from designated taps and fountains free of charge. ## Directions 1. Borjomi is located approximately 160 km (about 2.5–3 hours by car) west of Tbilisi, Georgia's capital. 2. From Tbilisi, take the E60 highway westward toward Khashuri. 3. At Khashuri, turn south onto the road toward Borjomi (well-signposted). 4. Follow this road for approximately 25 km through the Borjomi Gorge until you reach the town of Borjomi. 5. The main public mineral water springs are located inside Borjomi Central Park (Mineral Water Park), situated at the eastern end of the town along the Borjomula River. 6. Enter the park and follow the main path along the river — the public spring taps are located a short walk inside the park entrance. 7. Alternatively, marshrutkas (minibuses) and trains run regularly from Tbilisi to Borjomi, making the springs accessible without a car. ## What to Expect Upon entering Borjomi Central Park, visitors will find a beautifully maintained green space along the Borjomula River gorge, shaded by tall trees and lined with walking paths. The public mineral water taps are located inside the park, where warm, naturally carbonated water flows freely. The water emerges at a temperature of approximately 33–41°C (91–106°F) and has a distinctive mineral taste — slightly salty and effervescent — that many visitors find surprising on first sip. Visitors have historically used this water as a drinking water source, and it has long been valued for its reported digestive and therapeutic properties. Bring a cup or small bottle to sample the water at the source. Many locals and visitors fill containers to take water home with them. The park also features cafés, souvenir shops, a cable car to a hilltop viewpoint, and access to hiking trails in the surrounding Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The springs flow year-round, and the park is open daily. Summer (June–September) is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and lively atmosphere, but the park and springs are accessible in all seasons. The town of Borjomi itself offers hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and sulfur baths for a full spa experience. Borjomi International bottled water, the commercially available version of this famous mineral water, is also widely sold throughout Georgia and exported globally.