Top 6 of Serbia’s Hot Springs
Serbia, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, offers more than just charming villages, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
Hidden beneath its rolling hills and verdant valleys lie natural hot springs, known as banje, beckoning travelers with the promise of relaxation, rejuvenation, and a unique cultural experience.
Vrnjačka Banja
This picturesque town with a long spa tradition boasts impressive architecture, charming parks, and a lively atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the sulfur-rich waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. Explore the charming town center, visit the nearby medieval monastery, or embark on a scenic hike.
For a historic feel stay at Vila Emilia with a hot tub, hammam, and spa facilities, free private parking, and only a 5-minute walk from Bridge of Love. For a more modern feel try the Hotel Tonanti with outdoor swimming pool, as well as an indoor pool, spa and a fitness center.
Vrnjačka Banja has 7 known mineral water springs.
Hot mineral spring (so-called Topla voda), located in the central spa core, used for bottled water. Topla voda is the oldest and most famous mineral water spring, which, according to accidental archaeological findings, was known in prehistory, and then used in the Roman period from I to IV century AD. According to a legend, the Turks also used these waters, and with their departure from these areas, the healing springs were buried, because people were fed up with the Turkish oppression. The discovery of mineral water in recent times is related to the healing of the sick horse of parish priest of Vrnjačka, Hadži Jeftimije Popović.
Snežnik-located in the Vrnjačka River zone. With the end of World War I, this water also began to be used for healing. Grateful for the healing, teacher Darinka Cavdarovic Telebakovic arranged the spring and built a fountain in 1920. Increased needs for the water have led to a recapture soon. Pavilions with wooden canopies were erected above the springs. The fountains were below the surrounding terrain level, so people went down to the spring or the girls in charge distributed the water. In 1978/80, for the needs of the new pavilion, a recapture was done and old pavilions were replaced with a new. Water belongs to alkaline- alkaline earth carbonic acid acrotopegs. Its temperature is 17 °C.
Slatina in the Lipovačka River zone, Jezero, spring which is located in the spa park halfway Snežnik-Slatina road. Water belongs to alkaline-alkaline earth acrotopegs. Its temperature is 14 °C.
Beli Izvor is near the confluence of Lipovački Stream and Lipovačka River.
Borjak is 700 m from Snežnik upstream the Vrnjačka riverbed,
Vrnjačko Vrelo is located halfway the Kraljevo-Kruševac main road.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, known for their healing benefits for respiratory disorders, skin conditions, and joint pain.
Secret Tip: Visit during the Grape Festival in September for a vibrant celebration of local culture and wine.
Best Time to Go: Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and avoid peak summer crowds.
Niška Banja
Niška Banja is the spa of the Emperor Konstantin the Great, as well as the spa of Serbian Kings.The Institute, Niška Banja is a specialized healthcare, scientific, and research institution. It deals with the treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases.
Immerse yourself in history at this spa complex, boasting remains of Roman baths and aqueducts. Soak in the warm, sulfurous waters, known for their healing properties since the 2nd century AD. Explore the nearby Niš Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or wander through the vibrant city streets.
The waters are rich in magnesium, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for respiratory issues, skin conditions, and joint health.
Niška Banja has three basic thermal mineral springs: Main Spring (King’s Spring), Suva Banja and Školska Česma.
Main Spring (King’s Spring) gives 35-40 l/s. It is one of the most prolific springs in Serbia with the water temperature constantly between 38.2 °C and 38.9 °C. It is classified as a radioactive homeotherm.
Suva Banja is the second most important spring in Niška Banja. Its water output is 14-42 l/s. The water temperature varies from 12 °C to 37 °C. It is classified as a radioactive homeotherm. It is characterized by substantial fluctuation in water temperature, output and radioactivity.
Školska Česma’s temperature ranges from 17°C to 19°C and its output is around 2.5l/s. The water is suitable for drinking and it is regarded as a remedy for many health disorders. It also belongs to the class of radioactive homeotherms with the considerable content of calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbons, aluminum oxide, iron oxide and silicone oxide.
Secret Tip: Visit the "Turkish Quarter" for a taste of Ottoman history and delicious local cuisine.
Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Prolom Banja
Nestled amidst the stunning Radon mountain range, this modern spa complex offers breathtaking views and tranquility. Enjoy the sulfur-rich waters, believed to alleviate joint pain and skin conditions.
Prolom banja is located in the city of Kuršumlija, in Southern Serbia, at the foot of the mountains Radan and Sokolovica, 290 kilometers from Belgrade. At 630 meters above sea level it is one of the spas with the highest altitude.
Explore the surrounding hiking trails, visit the nearby Đavolja Varoš (Devil's Town) rock formations, or simply relax with a massage. Djavolja varoš itself has two springs of extremely acid water with high mineral content.
The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for joint health, skin conditions, and muscle relaxation. ts main characteristics are alkalinity, presence of ozone and silicon acids, as well as low concentration of fluorine (below 0.2 mg/l).
Curative mud, created by mixing the thermal water and soil from around the spring “Pupavci”, is used for mud baths and mud wraps for treatments.
Secret Tip: Take a scenic ride on the Mokra Gora Šargan Eight narrow-gauge railway for a unique travel experience.
Best Time to Go: Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant fall foliage.
Soko Banja
Escape the hustle and bustle at this traditional spa village known for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly locals. There are six thermo-mineral springs in Sokobanja. Stay at the aptly named Soko IN Spa where you can enjoy the spa and wellness center with a sauna, hammam, and wellness packages, as well as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool while finishing up the night by the outdoor fireplace. For a more cozy experience stay at the B&B Nataly 2 with a grassy rooftop terrace overlooking the river with a a spa and wellness center, a sauna, and a hot tub.
There are two springs in the central spa bath “Amam”: ‘St. Archangel’, with a temperature of 43°C and ‘Transfiguration’, with a temperature between 43.8 and 53°C.
Immerse yourself in the mildly radioactive (low levels) thermal waters, believed to relieve various health conditions. There is a natural inhaler bathroom next to the ‘Amam’ bath. Its vapours contain radon. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases: bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, respiratory failure and frequent respiratory infections and allergic symptoms.
Explore the nearby medieval Soko Grad fortress, hike through the surrounding mountains, or simply relax in the village's peaceful charm.
The waters are unique, containing low levels of radioactivity, sodium, and calcium, with anecdotal benefits for rheumatism, skin conditions, and circulation.
Secret Tip: Visit the Drinjana Monastery, nestled in a scenic canyon, for a moment of spiritual reflection.
Best Time to Go: Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures and avoid peak summer crowds.
Ribarska Banja
Escape the crowds at this lesser-known gem, surrounded by forests and offering a serene atmosphere. Ribarska Banja, known as royal spa, was gladly visited by members of both Serbian dynasties. The Serbian prince Miloš Obrenović was the first to wish to determine the healing properties of the spa water, and on his order it was sent to Vienna in 1834 for analysis. The name Ribarska Banja comes from fishermen who fished for fish of exceptional quality at nearby springs, especially trout.
After bone surgery or conditions after bone fractures, doctors will usually recommend Ribarska Banja as an ideal place for recovery. The Special Hospital for Rehabilitation treats almost all bone diseases, all three forms of rheumatism, spinal deformities, joint injuries, and hemiplegia.
There are six thermal springs of sulfur medicinal water in the spa, the warmest of which reaches temperatures of an incredible 42 degrees Celsius, while in the others they range from 25 to 37 degrees. The only source with colder water (around 16 degrees) is used for drinking.
There is one indoor pool and several bathtubs in the treatment center. For all visitors in the summer months, a large outdoor pool is available, and fun for the little ones is guaranteed. Numerous wellness services are available to visitors: massages, saunas, steam bath, salt room, facial and body treatments, gyms.
Explore the nearby Jastrebac Mountain for hiking and nature adventures, or visit the town of Zrenjanin for its cultural charm. There are plenty of guest houses to stay nearby.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for respiratory issues, skin conditions, and muscle relaxation.
Secret Tip: Visit the Lipovica Monastery, a tranquil retreat nestled in the mountains.
Best Time to Go: Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and quiet solitude.
Gornja Banja Spa
Also known as Atom Spa, Gornja Banja Spa offers natural gifts: water rich in caesium and lithium which can help rehabilitation and treatment of neurological diseases. Tha spa itself has pools and hydromassage baths, electro, magnet and laser therapy.
The special rehabilitation hospital includes several facilities (the new facility “Vujan” began operating in May 2012) with a total of 122 accommodation units and 277 beds.
The monasteries of the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, the Vujan Monastery, archaeological sites in Čačak are in the surrounding area.
Secret Tip: Visit the nearby Zlatibor mountain range for breathtaking views, hiking trails, and adventure activities.
Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures and outdoor activities, but be aware of potential crowds. Spring and autumn provide comfortable weather and fewer people.
Are you traveling in other parts of Europe? Take a look at more hot springs in the United Kingdom, Poland, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Austria, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
