Varshets – spa tourism

Varshets developed around the mineral springs in the area and its history is linked to balneotherapy. The town of Varshets is located on the northern slopes of the Western Balkan Mountains, at the foot of the Todorini Kukli peak, at an altitude of 395 m, along the picturesque course of the Botunya River, which defines it as a climatic resort. Varshets is known as a balneary resort and SPA both in the country and abroad, famous for its specific climatic conditions and mineral springs, which help to treat many diseases.

The healing factors act in a complex way here – the air is clean and the water is healing. The lack of limestone makes it one of the softest waters in Bulgaria. The waters are alkaline, contain sodium sulphate, with low mineralization (195 mg/l). The water temperature of the springs is + 37,9˚С, and at the balneary resports + 36,4˚С, clear, colorless, with a slight smell of hydrogen sulfide, with moderate alkaline reaction (pH 8.7), hardness 0,3 H (German degrees), flow rate 15 l/sec.

Indications with proven curative effect include basic treatment and disease prevention:

• Nervous system (peripheral radiculitis, neuritis, plexitis, polyneuritis: the main period of recovery in post-stroke conditions and multiple sclerosis: neurosis and neurovegetative;
• Cardiovascular system (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypotonic disease);
• Locomotor system (arthritic disease, Bechterew’s disease, gouty arthritis – mild and moderate forms, rheumatoid arthritis – after attenuation of acute manifestations, post-fracture conditions).

Other diseases that respond well:

• Of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease – in remission, chronic colitis – with constipation);
• Of the gallbladder – liver (gallstones, chronic hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, postoperative diseases);
• Endocrine and metabolic diseases (diabetes, thyrotoxicosis – in mild forms and remission, obesity);
• In the urinary tract (glomerulonephritis – in remission, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, cystitis);
• Gynecological (chronic annexitis);
• Dermatological (chronic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis);
• Ophthalmological (chronic conjunctivitis and blepharitis).

Varshets is especially suitable for the prevention and treatment of chronic occupational poisoning and for people working in an ionizing environment. The following methods are used in the treatment: Hydrotherapy, climatotherapy, physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy, reflexology, inhalation therapy, manual therapy, psychotherapy

Varshets – Fountains with Mineral Waters

In the center of Varshets are two fountains with mineral water. The water is clear, colorless, with a faint hydrogen sulfide odor and a temperature of about 37°C. Water is characterized as hypothermic, poorly mineralized, hydrocarbonated, sulfurized, salty, which contains oxidizable sulfur compounds.

The old fountain was built in 1934, when the town got a real look of a resort. In 2001, together with the adjacent spaces were renovated as part of the “Beautiful Bulgaria” project. Information panels with the detailed chemical composition of the water and its healing properties are placed.

The new fountain was built in 2002. The water has a lower flow, but has the same chemical composition and is suitable for daily consumption.

The greatest wealth of Varshets is represented by the mineral springs with healing effect together with the proximity to the secular forests, the bizarre rock formations, the beautiful and diverse mountain landscapes that make Varshets an attractive destination for health tourism – balneology, SPA and WELLNESS.

The town of Varshets offers a variety of accommodation – guesthouses, SPA and balneologic hotels with three and four stars, where you can use mineral pools, SPA and other relaxing treatments. They are equipped with medical offices, physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy rooms, mineral baths, sleep therapy rooms, relaxation and aromatherapy. A few kilometers from Varshets, in the “Minkovi Bani” area, Spanchevtsi Village, SPA procedures can be performed and the swimming pool with mineral waters can be used.

After the warm and relaxing SPA procedures, tourists can take a short or long walk on the alleys of the park or on the marked ecological routes:

• Ecological route “Varshets – Ivanchova Polyana – Corner of Paradise – White Water” (6 km)
• Ecological route “Varshets – Vodopada area (Waterfall)” (4 km)
• Ecological route “Varshets – Zanozhene district – Chukata area – Spanchevtsi village – Klisurski Monastery” (13 km)
• Ecological route “Varshets – Zanozhene neighborhood – Zeleni del area – Todorini Kukli Peak” (25 km)
• Cognitive route “Gray Eagle in the Vrachanski Balkan National Park” – Dolno Ozirovo village, Varshets municipality – Izvora area (5 km)

Varshets – Park areas and alleys

Varshets Forest Park is a great place for walking, recreation and sports, being the second largest artificial park in Bulgaria, with an area of 80 ha. The town’s forest park is one of the greatest treasures of Varshets, preserved over the years.

It was created at the beginning of the last century (1911-1912) by the voluntary work of the locals under the leadership of the first Bulgarian balneologist Dr. Damian Ivanov. It has been afforested with conifers as well as other valuable plant species.

The Alley with plane trees is a pedestrian area, about 2 km long. The trees are almost 100 years old and their large crowns form a tunnel from the center of Varshets to near the edge of the town. It has been a traditional place to walk since the beginning of the last century. On both sides of the boulevard are some of the most beautiful villas in the town, built in the early 20th century. In the charming wooden houses, tourists can enjoy the talent of local craftsmen and artists and take with them a beautiful painting from Varshets, an icon, a souvenir.

“Garden of the Sun” Park was arranged in 1934. Its alleys are shaped like sunlight, built of a special stone that reflects sunlight.

New Park, located between the Alleys with plane trees and the „St. Mina” sanatorium is the perfect place to enjoy the sun while your child is having fun in the specially arranged playgrounds.

Ivanchova Polyana is a small meadow located at the highest point of the park and joins the secular forests on the Koznishki side of the Balkan Mountains. People still believe that washing with morning dew before sunrise in Ivanchova Polyana is healing.

For many years, the group of friends and like-minded people in Varshets have cared for and maintained what they have created with their skilled hands in the area in the Corner of Paradise above the Ivanchova Polyana small meadow. The place is really a corner of Paradise, which has already become an emblematic tourist spot for Varshets and has wooden benches, tables, shelters, gazebos, two grills, a swing, toilet, direction indicators.

Above the Zanozhene district of Varshets is the beautiful area called the Cascade. There, nature offers us unique views and coolness in the summer months. Above the waterfall is a vast meadow overlooking the peaks of the Balkan Mountains and especially the peak of Todorini Kukli. The waterfall can be reached both by car and on foot, on beautiful paths and along the town. By choosing the walking option, you will have the opportunity to capture the authenticity of the locals, because there are animal farms nearby, offering great authentic photos, capturing nature and people.

Varshets – Cultural and Historical Tourism

Varshets developed around mineral springs and its history is linked to balneotherapy. The oldest written document preserved about its existence dates from the 6th century, in the Byzantine chronicles under the name of the fortress MEDECA (Medicus-healer) the only settlement with such a name in the Roman Empire. The name seems to have existed before it, judging by the objects found from the Roman period, I—III centuries.

Medical and pharmaceutical tools and a plate for the production of medicines were found in Kaleto area, where the ruins of the ancient fortress still exist. During the excavations for the construction of the town’s mineral baths, the following were found: remains of Roman baths – pipes and small hexagonal plates -, the floor of a mineral basin, etc., objects, a lead pipe with the Latin inscription “Emperor – Caesar Nerva Traian Augustus”, old masonry and charred beams, which talk about the ancient traditions of dealing with the mineral waters of Varshets. Coins thrown for health on the ancient pavement are found only in Asclepions (the image of snakes and temples) also show that there was a sanatorium bath at the temple of Asclepius – the god of health, the patron saint of healing and curing, a symbol of rejuvenation. Moreover, a sculptural composition of the Thracian deity Telesphorus – a minor child-God, symbol of Varshets – the town of health, was found here.

Varshets – Material monuments of cultural and historical heritage

Seven Christian churches and two monasteries, cultural and historical sites – four Roman forts and the “Banite” Architectural Ensemble (Baths) have been built and operate on the territory of Varshets.

“Banite” – “Garden of the Sun” Park architectural ensemble. The complex comprises several buildings – architectural monuments of culture in the late European Baroque style, placed in the Garden of the Sun established in 1934. The name of the garden comes from its alleys, placed in the form of sunlight, built of a special material that reflects sunlight. Here is the monument dedicated to Dr. Damyan Ivanov – the first balneologist to transform the Varshets at the turn of the century into an elegant European resort.

The old mineral bath was designed by architect Neshev and was built in 1910. The building occupies an area of 1320 square meters. The red stone plinth and the style of the late Secession windows make a great impression. The two side columns of the front look like two pseudo-towers. The facade is decorated with a wreath of olive branches in two rows.

The new mineral bath was built in 1930 on an area of 732 square meters according to a project designed by architect Radev. It is compliant with the style of the old bath, but it is cosier. There are terraces for heliotherapy and a huge clock on the central façade. The roof is decorated in the four corners with sculptures of boys taking a bath riding huge snails – a symbol of rapid recovery. Images of nymphs-demigods represent the living force of nature. They guard this “temple of health”, in which the miraculous mineral water gushes in a basin with Roman mosaics.

Bansko Casino is the first in Bulgaria. It was built in 1924 and electrified in the 1930s. In the years before World War II, the casino attracted wealthy Bulgarians and foreign guests arriving on the Danube. It was also visited by Prince Kiril, which is why it is also called the “Royal Casino”.
Guests of Varshets can get to know the cultural and historical heritage of the region by visiting:

Municipal Museum – Varshets, founded in 1999 after an idea by local ethnographer Yordanka Kostova. It has become a real treasure of local history and culture. The building that houses the museum was built in the 1930s as a private house with unique architecture. The exhibition includes 4 departments: “Antiquity”, “Archaeological discoveries and coin collection”, “Balneology” and “Ethnography”.

Town Art Gallery has 664 canvases and 27 sculptures in wood, clay and plaster.

Varshets Community Center – a place for culture and entertainment

“Hristo Botev House of Culture – 1900 Varshets Town” was founded on 4 June 1900.

“Probuda House of Culture 1934 – Zanozhene district” opened its doors in 1934.

Ancient theatre or amphitheatre is built in the most attractive place – in the town park and has over 400 seats.

Churches in Varshets – attractive places of worship for relaxation and walking

“St. Georgi” Church – Varshets is an impressive basilica with a cross dome, with two bell towers and a large dome in the middle. Its construction began in 1902, and the iconostasis was completed in 1906. The temple has been declared a cultural monument of local importance. The iconostasis sculpture is the work of a local artist, and the icons were painted by the famous academician Ivan Stefanov, a native of the village of Dolna Byala Rechka. The style of the paintings is purely Slavic.

“St. Ascension” Church – Zanozhene district, Varshets was built in 1872. It was painted by Petar Samokovets in 1873.

“St. Dumitar” Church – Dolna Byala Rechka village it is a single-nave church. It was built from donations in 1934. In 1880, a chapel was built here. There are no frescoes, but the iconostasis and icons date back to the 18th century.

“St. Paraskeva” Church – Draganitsa village is a small church with a single nave, an open pronaos and a central bell tower. It is one of the oldest in the area – it was built in 1865. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient fortress – part of a medieval defense system.

“Assumption of the Virgin” Church – Cherkaski village is a single-nave basilica. Its construction began in 1865 on the site of an older church, but was stopped several times and the building was demolished and rebuilt. The church was completed and consecrated after the Liberation. In 1974 it was completely renovated. There are no paintings on the walls, but of great value is the icon of the Mother of God with the Infant Christ, dating from the 17th century.

“Archangel Michael” Church – Spachevtsi village was built on the site of other churches that have been demolished or burned down over time.

“St. Cyril and Methodius” Klisurski Monastery is the spiritual center of northwestern Bulgaria and is the fourth largest and most visited in Bulgaria. It is located 85 km from Sofia, between Varshets and Berkovitsa. The monastery dates from 1240. In the middle of the 19th century, it was rebuilt from ashes with donations from the local population. In 1891 the church was officially consecrated by the Metropolitan of Vidin. The iconostasis in the monastery temple was declared a cultural monument.

Varshets – customs and holidays

Tourists and guests of the municipality can get acquainted with living, various authentic customs, local folklore and gastronomy, to become part of the excitement of the holidays included in the municipal cultural calendar.

The holiday of the resort, the mineral water and the Balkan Mountains is the traditional holiday of the resort, which every year pays homage to the healing mineral water and the beauties of nature, which is held in July and August.The festival includes many events that last almost a month, among which the most attractive are: The ancient ritual for unlocking sacred springs – a procession of the gods of health; on Alley of Crafts – sculptors, ceramic artists, potters, skilled masters in lace and Gobelin tapestries exhibit their outdoor works.

Other holidays included in the municipal cultural calendar.

• Epiphany is celebrated annually on January 6.
• The celebration of the viticulturist and winemaker – Trifon Zarezan takes place annually on February 14th.
• Palm Sunday – a celebration of flowers, nature, beauty and health.

Memories and Goat Milk Festival is an independent, non-commercial cultural festival, during which meetings and conversations take place in the memory and remembrance of people, which are usually difficult to meet in the same place.

“Winter, stars and wine” took place for the first time in Varshets resort in 2020. The holiday is part of the events included in the project “Improving the winter tourism offer in Varshets and Sokobanya”. It is jointly implemented by the partners and is funded through the cross-border cooperation program between Bulgaria and Serbia.

“Dimitar Peev” National Student Marching Band Competition annually promotes the work of students’ marching bands, being performed by students studying the art of music. The aim of the competition is to involve the younger generation in Bulgarian culture.

“Colorful Necklace” International Folklore Festival aims to promote the folklore and cultural traditions of the countries of the European region, as well as to strengthen the cultural relations between Bulgaria and the European countries.

Varshets – Academic Tourism (Conferences)

Varshets offers good opportunities for the development of academic tourism/conference through a well-developed and well-maintained tourist infrastructure – accommodation and meals, attractions, gyms and playgrounds, marked and signposted ecological trails.

“ATA” SPA Hotel **** has 158 beds (69 rooms) and offers therapy for tired feet, specific purification therapy, specific moisturizing therapy, sauna, steam bath, fitness, two mineral pools, one indoor and one outdoor, jacuzzi. The hotel has a classic restaurant, lobby bar, aqua bar, piano bar and 2 conference rooms – one large with 120 seats and a small one with 60 seats.

“Medicus” SPA Hotel **** has 96 beds (48 rooms) and offers its guests various face and body therapies, massages, fitness, mineral pools, one indoor and one outdoor, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, relaxation area, treatment procedures, classic restaurant, pool bar, large conference room with a capacity of 75 seats and a renovated conference room with a capacity of 30 seats, both rooms are equipped with multimedia equipment and monitor, being very suitable for conferences or team building.

“Sunny Garden” SPA Hotel *** has 82 beds (35 rooms), thermal/indoor area, outdoor pool, sauna, steam bath, Turkish bath, spa and massage area, classic restaurant, lobby bar, summer garden and a Viennese lounge, a modern conference with 60 seats, the tables can be placed in different configurations, multimedia projector and high-speed wireless internet. The room is suitable for conferences and training.

Tintyava Balneohotel *** has 90 beds in 40 rooms and 5 suites, hydrotherapy – indoor / with mineral drinking water / and outdoor / swimming pool, various bathrooms, underwater massage, has a conference room with up to 60 seats. The room is equipped with a flipchart, screen and multimedia equipment.

Chinarite Complex (Platani) ** has 30 rooms/60 beds located in 8 double rooms of standard category and 14 apartments, classic restaurant, doctor’s office, physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy, mineral baths, sleep therapy room and relaxation and aromatherapy room, conference room with 30 seats. The room has complete technical equipment: projection screen, multimedia presentation equipment, other additional equipment/flipchart, whiteboard and others.

“Minkovi Bani” Holiday Resort ** offers accommodation in hotel / 23 beds / and 18 detached chalets / 62 beds, classic restaurant, 3 mineral water pools, sauna, steam bath, laconium, relaxation cabins, jacuzzi for two people, tangentor, massage, tennis, football, volleyball, billiards, conference room with 100 seats.

Varshets – sports & team-building

Varshets offers its guests many opportunities for sports and team-building events.

The attractive ice rink is a place for sports and recreation with skates and rollers. The facility is a 300 sq m fence with a teflon layer, which can be used as an ice rink at any time of the year.

The special place for skateboarding is an attractive playground for skateboarding and rollerblading enthusiasts.

Another attraction is the zipline, which is built in the area of Varshets Park. It has 45 elements of variable difficulty, divided into three lines. It is the longest in Bulgaria and is suitable for young people and adults and has a separate section for children. It can be used by both locals and town guests looking for a fun and extreme experience, as well as companies for their team building events.

The Bike trail is 2227 meters long and 2 meters wide. It is located on the central boulevard “Republika” and connects the center of Varshets with the Zanozhene district.

For lovers of mountain tourism and ecotourism, in the municipality of Varshets there are ecological routes mapped, marked and signaled of different lengths and difficulties.

Varshets multifunctional gym has a sports field for volleyball, basketball, handball, tennis. It also has a swimming pool, fitness center and seating area. One of the important segments of the tourist offer of Varshets is the organization of sports and entertainment camps for athletes of all ages (children, young people, adults). The gym has all the necessary auxiliary equipment (locker rooms, bathrooms, fitness), which ensures the necessary conditions for training and preparation for participation in sports competitions.

In the city park there is a sports complex There is also a fitness center, a football pitch with tennis courts and a playground for volleyball and basketball.