Borjomi mineral springs: the imperial spa of Georgia
Last reviewed: 2026-04-17The mineral water that became a country’s brand
Borjomi is one of the most famous brand names to come out of Georgia — a naturally carbonated mineral water that was once drunk at the courts of Russian emperors and has been exported across the former Soviet Union and increasingly to Western Europe in the modern era. The green glass bottle with the red deer on the label is an object of genuine cultural memory for anyone who grew up in the post-Soviet space.
Behind the brand sits a real place — a small resort town in the deep valley of the Mtkvari River, two hours west of Tbilisi, built around the naturally occurring mineral springs that give the water its character. Borjomi at its peak, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was the summer retreat of the Russian imperial family, with the Romanov hunting lodge standing on a ridge above the town and elegant villa architecture rising in the valley below. The Soviet era converted Borjomi into a mass spa destination, with enormous sanatoriums processing tens of thousands of working-class tourists each year. Today the town exists in a third incarnation — a mid-sized resort with excellent hotels, a restored central park, and access to one of the great national parks of the Caucasus.
This guide covers what to do at Borjomi, how long to budget, and how to combine the town with the other highlights of the southwest.
The water itself
Borjomi mineral water emerges from a volcanic groundwater system at temperatures of 38–41°C, naturally carbonated and rich in dissolved minerals. The composition is distinctive — bicarbonate-sodium water with characteristic mineralisation of approximately 5–7 grams per litre. The taste is faintly salty, notably alkaline, and markedly different from both still water and typical European mineral waters.
Russian emperor Alexander II “discovered” Borjomi in a formal sense in 1829, when Russian army officers surveying the region reported the springs. The imperial family built a summer residence here in the 1870s. The Borjomi mineral water brand was formally established in 1890 and began international export shortly after. Soviet-era production turned Borjomi into a bottled product distributed across the USSR; after independence, the brand was privatised and has been successful in re-establishing itself in international markets.
Drinking the water at its source is the quintessential Borjomi experience. The central springs dispense the water free and directly from the source — you bring your own bottle or borrow a cup. The temperature (warm) and mineralisation (salty) are surprising on first taste, but many visitors develop an active liking for it.
Borjomi Central Park
The heart of the town and the starting point for any visit. The 19th-century central park was designed in the Russian imperial spa tradition with formal walkways, ornamental plantings, fountains, and purpose-built structures for taking the waters.
Entering the park through the entrance archway, you pass:
- The central fountain and pavilion: The architectural focus of the park
- Ekaterina Park springs: The main mineral water fountains, where visitors fill their bottles
- The Firuza Bath House: Restored bathing pavilion
- The former bandstand: Where military bands played for the 19th-century Russian elite
- The Children’s Park: Bumper boats, modest fairground, playgrounds
- The walking paths: Continuing up the valley for several kilometres
The central park is free to enter. Basic walking shoes are appropriate; the terrain is mostly level along the main valley floor.
Beyond the central area, a longer walk up the valley leads to:
- The cable car (ropeway): Climbs the hillside to a viewpoint and a small fairground
- The Romanov Palace (Firuza): The 19th-century Moorish-style villa built for the Romanov family, now partly a museum
- Continued walking paths: Into the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
A complete central park experience — including the springs, the cable car, and a walk to the Romanov Palace — takes 3–4 hours.
Ekaterina Park and the mineral water taps
The mineral water taps in Ekaterina Park are the most memorable single experience at Borjomi. The spring source is enclosed in a small octagonal pavilion, from which two or three taps dispense the warm mineral water directly.
Bring a water bottle or buy one at the kiosks near the entrance. Fill it at the tap. Drink immediately for the full carbonated sensation. Reactions vary — children particularly divide sharply between delight and revulsion at the first sip. Adults often settle into drinking the water through the day and come to appreciate its properties.
The mineral water is considered beneficial for digestive issues, general detoxification, and electrolyte balance. Medical claims should be kept modest — Borjomi is a pleasant mineral water, not a cure for chronic disease — but moderate consumption is harmless and arguably beneficial.
The Romanov Palace (Firuza)
The Romanov hunting lodge, built in 1892 in a Moorish revival style, sits above the central park on a ridge overlooking the valley. The building was given the Persian name “Firuza” (turquoise) for its distinctive facade decoration. In the imperial period it housed the family during their Borjomi summers; the extensive grounds included formal gardens and a hunting estate.
After the 1917 revolution, the palace was nationalised. It served various Soviet functions over the decades. In the post-independence era, parts of the palace have been restored and are open to visitors as a museum presenting the Romanov period and the broader history of Borjomi as an imperial resort.
The hike up to the palace from the central park takes about 45 minutes. A taxi or 4WD transfer is available for those who prefer not to walk. The museum is modest but worthwhile; the views from the palace terrace are excellent.
The cable car
The Soviet-era cable car in Borjomi climbs from the central park to a hilltop viewpoint and a small amusement park. The ride takes about seven minutes and provides views over the town and the valley. At the top, a café, a Ferris wheel, and walking trails.
The cable car operates all year, weather permitting. Tickets are purchased at the lower station.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Beyond the town itself, Borjomi is the gateway to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — one of the largest national parks in Europe and among the most important protected areas in the Caucasus. The park covers nearly 87,000 hectares of forest, mountain meadows, and river valleys.
Day hikes from Borjomi: Multiple marked trails begin from the central park and ascend into the forest, ranging from easy 2-hour walks to full-day expeditions.
Multi-day trekking: The Likani-Marelisi trek, Nunisi-Bakuriani trail, and longer routes traverse the park over 2–5 days with shelter accommodation at checkpoints.
Wildlife: The park hosts brown bears, lynx, wolves, deer, and a significant bird population. Summer is the best season for wildlife observation.
Visitor centre: The park visitor centre in Borjomi has detailed maps and can help plan routes. Trail registration is required for most hikes.
For serious trekkers, see the best hikes in Georgia guide.
Spa hotels in Borjomi
Borjomi has excellent spa hotels that make use of the mineral water for therapeutic bathing and modern spa treatments:
Rixos Borjomi: The largest luxury spa hotel in the town, with full spa facilities, pools, and treatment programmes. The most complete luxury experience in Borjomi.
Crowne Plaza Borjomi: Business-hotel standard with a good spa, convenient location.
Borjomi Palace: Mid-range with a serious spa programme and access to mineral water treatments.
Golden Tulip Borjomi: Comfortable mid-range with basic spa facilities.
Boutique and guesthouse options: Smaller properties in restored historic villas offer character accommodation without full spa facilities.
For spa treatments specifically, book ahead for weekend stays — the hotels are popular with Georgian and regional visitors taking weekend breaks.
Practical information
Getting to Borjomi from Tbilisi:
- Marshrutka: From Didube, 2–2.5 hours, inexpensive
- Train: From Tbilisi, slower but scenic
- Rental car or private driver: Most flexible; approximately 2 hours
- Organised day trip: Combines Borjomi with Rabati Castle and Vardzia
Distance from Tbilisi: 160 km.
Season: Borjomi is pleasant year-round. Summer (June–September) is peak for outdoor activities and the park. Autumn (October) is exceptionally beautiful for the forest colour. Winter is quiet but atmospheric, with Bakuriani ski resort nearby. Spring (April–May) is excellent for the park wildflowers.
Duration: Minimum half-day for central park and springs. A full day for central park plus one national park activity. Two days for spa relaxation. Three days or more for serious hiking in Kharagauli.
Language: Tourist-facing staff typically speak English. Russian is widely spoken. Interpretation signs at major attractions are in Georgian, Russian, and English.
Food: Central Borjomi has good restaurants serving Georgian food; mineral water is served at every meal. Adjaran khachapuri — the boat-shaped cheese bread — is regionally excellent. See the khachapuri guide.
Combining Borjomi with other southwest sites
Borjomi is often combined with other destinations in the southwest:
Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe: 45 minutes further west — a spectacularly restored fortress complex with multiple architectural periods preserved.
Vardzia Cave Monastery: 1.5 hours further south — the 12th-century rock-carved monastery complex. See the churches and monasteries guide.
Bakuriani ski resort: 30 minutes south — the smaller of Georgia’s two main ski resorts, family-friendly.
Sapara Monastery: 50 minutes west — a remote 14th-century monastery with extraordinary frescoes.
A three-day itinerary combining Borjomi, Vardzia, and Rabati produces one of the best regional experiences in Georgia. See the Samtskhe-Javakheti destination guide.
Borjomi for families
Borjomi is an excellent family destination. The central park, mineral springs (a novelty for children), cable car, and Children’s Park with bumper boats work well for children aged three and up. Add the Romanov Palace and short forest walks, and a family has a full day of varied activity in a compact, manageable area.
For the full family perspective see the best family activities in Georgia guide.
FAQ
Can I drink the Borjomi water at the source? Yes — the water is free and the spring taps are designed for public use. Bring your own bottle or buy one on site.
Is Borjomi worth visiting or is the bottled water the same? The water at the source tastes different — warmer and more intensely carbonated than the bottled version. Beyond the water, Borjomi has the central park, the Romanov Palace, the cable car, and access to the national park. Yes, it is worth visiting.
How long do I need at Borjomi? Half a day minimum. One full day comfortably. Two to three days for a spa-focused or hiking-focused stay.
Is Borjomi suitable as a day trip from Tbilisi? Yes — 2 hours each way makes a long but reasonable day trip. Combining with Rabati Castle or Vardzia extends to a full day requiring early departure.
Can I hike in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park? Yes — a network of marked trails begins in Borjomi itself. Register at the park visitor centre for anything longer than a half-day walk.
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