Information
Landmark: VarshetsCity: Sofia
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe
Varshets, Sofia, Bulgaria, Europe
Overview
Varshets, one of Bulgaria’s oldest and best-loved spa towns, is known for its steaming mineral springs and the soft rustle of leaves in its green parks.Varshets sits in northwestern Bulgaria, nestled at the base of the western Balkan Mountains, about 90 kilometers north of Sofia.Around 6,500 people live here.Summers stay cool, winters bring steady snow, and the crisp mountain air feels clean enough to taste.Famous for its mineral springs-used for healing for more than two millennia-the town still draws visitors seeking their warm, clear waters.The water stays between 32°C and 38°C (about 90°F to 100°F), with only a trace of minerals, so it feels soft on the skin and works well for a variety of treatments.They work especially well for heart and circulation problems, nerve disorders, easing stress, and soothing the skin; in fact, locals call Varshets’ mineral waters “water for the heart” because they leave the body feeling lighter and the pulse steadier.Varshets, often called the “Town of Health” and the “Green Town,” is a long-loved spa and balneology retreat where mineral baths steam in quiet rooms, mud wraps soothe sore muscles, and hydrotherapy pools sparkle under soft light; its spa hotels, rehabilitation centers, and public baths welcome everyone from chronic care patients to casual visitors.Stroll through the Old Bald Cypress Park with its rare trees and winding paths, or pause by the fountains in the flower-filled Sunny Garden.The town’s history comes alive in the Varshets Historical Museum, the early 20th-century Old Spa Center, the ornate Church of St. George, and the nearby Klintsi Monastery.Outdoor lovers head for the Balkan Mountain trails to reach Izdremets Peak, cycle shaded forest roads, or picnic along gentle rivers.People have been coming here since Roman times, drawn to the healing waters and the calm beauty that still lingers in the air.In the early 1900s, it became a sought‑after luxury spa where Bulgaria’s elite soaked in steaming mineral pools.Every year, the Varshets Spa Fest fills the town with live music, handmade crafts, and a celebration of its spa heritage, while local folklore events bring the streets to life with traditional dance, music, and the smell of fresh-baked bread.You can reach Varshets in about an hour and a half by car from Sofia along smooth, well-kept roads, or hop on one of the regular buses from the capital and nearby towns.It’s a quiet retreat, where mineral springs steam in the cool air, parks stretch green and wide, and the mountains rise like a calm embrace around you.It’s ideal if you want to unwind, recharge, and soak up a bit of history while standing beneath whispering pines.
