Borjomi Travel Guide: Mineral Springs, Park and Hiking

Borjomi is famous for the mineral water in its green glass bottles, but the town is more rewarding than a quick tasting stop. Set in a narrow, forested gorge in southern Georgia, it combines imperial-era resort architecture, warm springs, easy town walks and access to one of the country’s largest protected areas.

You can see the main sights in a day, although two nights provide enough time to walk to the sulfur pools, explore the historic centre and complete a short trail in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. This guide covers the town’s history, what to do, current practical considerations and the best nearby excursions.

Borjomi at a Glance

Region	Samtskhe-Javakheti
Distance from Tbilisi	Approximately 160–165 km
Typical driving time	About 2.5–3 hours
Recommended stay	One full day or two nights
Best for	Nature, resort history, families and hiking
Main attraction	Borjomi Central Park and mineral-water spring
Best hiking base	Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Best seasons	Late spring, summer and autumn; winter for a Borjomi–Bakuriani trip

Why Borjomi Became Georgia’s Great Spa Town

Mineral springs have shaped Borjomi’s history for centuries. Archaeologists found stone bathing pools showing that the water was used by the early medieval period, although the settlement’s modern development began much later.

In the 1820s and 1830s, Russian imperial military officers stationed in the region began studying and promoting the springs. The best-known source was named Ekaterina Spring in 1841 after the daughter of Yevgeny Golovin, then viceroy of the Caucasus. A mineral-water park opened in 1850, and improved transport later helped turn Borjomi into a fashionable imperial resort.

The Romanov family developed estates in the area, including Likani Palace west of the town. Hotels, villas and administrative buildings followed, giving Borjomi an architectural character unlike that of most Georgian mountain towns. Read more about Borjomi in the 19th century.

During the Soviet period, Borjomi became a major sanatorium destination. Some historic properties were adapted for state holidays and medical stays, while bottled Borjomi water became one of the Soviet Union’s most recognisable products. The town still carries all these layers: aristocratic villas, Soviet resort buildings and modern spa hotels stand within a compact valley.

What Is Special About Borjomi Mineral Water?

Borjomi is a naturally carbonated, mineral-rich water that rises warm from deep underground sources in the Borjomi Gorge. The water served in Central Park has a noticeably warm temperature and a salty, mineral taste, so it feels different from the cooled and carbonated bottled version.

Traditional spa culture attributes many health benefits to Borjomi water, but visitors should not treat it as a cure or use it to manage a medical condition without professional advice. Its high mineral content may not suit everyone, particularly people following sodium restrictions or other prescribed diets. Taste a small amount first and consult a doctor when relevant.

Best Things to Do in Borjomi

1. Walk Through Borjomi Central Park

Central Park follows the Borjomula River into the wooded valley and remains the town’s essential first stop. Near the entrance, the blue-domed pavilion shelters Ekaterina Spring, where visitors can taste the mineral water and fill a small bottle.

The landscaped section contains bridges, children’s attractions, cafés and the Prometheus monument and waterfall. Beyond the developed park, the route becomes a long, mostly gentle forest walk toward the sulfur pools.

Recent 2026 visitor information commonly lists Central Park admission at approximately 5 GEL. Opening hours, ticket policies and attraction prices can change, so confirm them at the entrance rather than building your itinerary around an old online listing.

2. Continue to the Borjomi Sulfur Pools

An easy path continues for about two kilometres beyond the rear of Central Park to a group of outdoor warm pools in the forest. Allow more time than the distance suggests because you will probably stop along the river and may need to queue during busy periods.

The pool area has changing rooms and showers, but standards and operating arrangements can vary. Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals and a bag for wet clothing. Admission is separate from the main park ticket; check the current fee and closing time locally before beginning the walk.

3. Check Whether the Cable Car Is Operating

The cable car beside Central Park climbs to the plateau above town, providing views over Borjomi Gorge. Its schedule and price change seasonally, and maintenance or weather can interrupt operation. Check at the lower station on the day rather than assuming it will run.

The upper area has viewpoints and leisure facilities, though individual attractions may not operate outside the busiest months. If the cable car is closed, hillside viewpoints can still be reached by road or on foot, depending on conditions.

4. See Firuza and Borjomi’s Resort Architecture

Firuza, also called the Blue Palace, stands near the Central Park entrance and is Borjomi’s most distinctive historic building. Its coloured decoration combines Persian, Georgian and European influences and reflects the international character of the 19th-century resort.

Continue through town to find carved wooden balconies, former villas, railway architecture and Soviet-era resort buildings. Some properties are hotels or private buildings, so admire them from public areas unless visitor access is clearly offered.

5. Visit the Borjomi Museum of Local History

The local museum occupies a historic building associated with the Romanov administration. Its collections introduce Borjomi’s archaeology, natural environment, resort development and mineral-water industry, making it a useful stop before exploring the town.

Museum opening days and hours can change, particularly outside summer. Check locally before walking over and allow around 45–60 minutes for a typical visit.

6. Explore Gogia and Petra Fortresses

Ruined fortifications occupy hills above the town and recall Borjomi Gorge’s earlier defensive importance. The routes are less developed than Central Park, so use reliable directions, wear shoes with good grip and avoid exposed ground in poor weather.

Hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park protects more than 100,000 hectares of forest, river valleys and high ridges in the Lesser Caucasus. Its network includes short walks, full-day hikes, multi-day crossings and winter snowshoe routes.

Registration at a Borjomi or Kharagauli visitor centre is required before entering the tourist trails. Registering also allows you to confirm route conditions, collect current maps and reserve shelters or campsites. Do not assume that every high trail is open simply because the park operates throughout the year.

• National Park Information Trail: A short circular introduction near the Borjomi administration building.
• Footprint Trail: A longer day route from the Likani side that requires transport planning because it finishes elsewhere.
• Likani Valley Trail: A shorter option with significant climbing and descent despite its easier official rating.
• Nikoloz Romanov Trail: A classic multi-day crossing requiring registration, shelter planning and return transport.

See our complete guide to the 12 hiking trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the wider overview of Georgia’s national parks.

Green Monastery

Chitakhevi Monastery, better known as Green Monastery, stands in a wooded gorge several kilometres outside Borjomi. The stone church is generally dated to the 9th century and remains an active religious site.

A car or arranged driver is the simplest way to reach it. Dress modestly, keep voices low and avoid photographing worshippers without permission. The monastery can be combined with a short nature walk or a longer journey toward Akhaltsikhe.

Day Trips from Borjomi

• Bakuriani: A ski resort in winter and a family-oriented mountain destination in summer. Travel by road; do not rely on the historic narrow-gauge train.
• Akhaltsikhe and Rabati: The restored fortress complex is approximately an hour away by road and introduces the region’s Georgian, Ottoman and multicultural history.
• Vardzia and Khertvisi: These major monuments can be visited from Borjomi, but the round trip is long. Start early or include an overnight in southern Samtskhe-Javakheti.
• Likani: Visit the western end of the Borjomi valley for forest walks and views of the former Romanov estate. Interior access to Likani Palace should not be assumed.
• Abastumani: A mountain resort and observatory destination that works better as a full-day excursion or part of a wider southern Georgia route.

The historic Borjomi–Bakuriani narrow-gauge railway, known as the Kukushka, has been suspended for years. Georgian Railway describes the heritage line but does not currently publish a dependable passenger timetable. Treat any future reopening as unconfirmed until an official schedule and tickets are available.

How Many Days Do You Need in Borjomi?

One-Day Borjomi Itinerary

1. Start at the Museum of Local History or walk through the historic centre.
2. Enter Central Park and taste the mineral water at Ekaterina Spring.
3. Check whether the cable car is running and ride it if conditions allow.
4. Walk to the sulfur pools and allow time for bathing.
5. Return to town for dinner before travelling onward or staying overnight.

Two-Day Borjomi Itinerary

Use the first day for Central Park, the sulfur pools and historic Borjomi. On the second day, register at the national-park visitor centre and choose a trail that matches your fitness, season and available transport. Green Monastery can replace the hike in poor weather.

How to Get to Borjomi

From Tbilisi

Borjomi is approximately 160–165 kilometres from Tbilisi. Driving commonly takes 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Marshrutkas generally leave from Didube, but departure points and schedules can change; confirm them shortly before travel.

A private driver is useful if you want to include Green Monastery, Likani or another stop en route. Train services to Borjomi have varied over time and are slower than the road journey, so check the current Georgian Railway timetable rather than relying on an old blog schedule.

Getting Around Town

Central Borjomi is compact and walkable, although hills and uneven pavements can be tiring. Local taxis are useful for Likani, Green Monastery, national-park trailheads and accommodation outside the centre. Agree on the fare before departure when the vehicle is not using an application or meter.

Where to Stay and Eat

Stay near Central Park if you want easy access to the spring, restaurants and main town sights. Likani and hillside properties are quieter and may offer forest views, but taxis can be necessary. Borjomi has everything from family guesthouses to full-service spa hotels; compare recent reviews, heating, parking and walking distance before booking.

Restaurants serve familiar Georgian dishes such as khinkali, mtsvadi, lobio and khachapuri. Service hours can shorten outside summer, so do not leave dinner too late in the quieter months. Guesthouses may offer breakfast or home-cooked meals when arranged in advance.

Best Time to Visit Borjomi

• April–May: Fresh greenery and spring flowers, with possible rain and mud on forest trails.
• June–August: Long days, family attractions and the widest choice of hikes; weekends can be busy.
• September–October: Cooler walking temperatures and autumn colour, particularly in the surrounding forests.
• November–March: A quieter spa-town atmosphere and access to winter activities in Bakuriani. Snow, ice and reduced operating hours can affect attractions and trails.

Plan a Southern Georgia Tour

Borjomi works well as the green, relaxing section of a longer journey through Samtskhe-Javakheti. Our four-day Mystic South Georgia tour combines Borjomi with Vardzia, Rabati, volcanic landscapes and other regional sites. Routes can also be adapted around your dates, preferred activity level and arrival city.

Frequently Asked Questions