The mineral springs of Vrnjačka Banja: which is which

Vrnjačka Banja has seven mineral springs. Four are used in spa treatment: Topla voda (36.5 °C), Snežnik (17 °C), Jezero (27 °C) and Slatina (14 °C). The water at the springs is free, and as a treatment it is drunk on a doctor’s advice.

The four therapeutic springs

These four springs belong to the Merkur Special Hospital. Each has a small pavilion where the water is served, with a board listing its chemical composition and effects. The boards are worth reading before you fill a cup.

Topla voda (“Warm Water”): 36.5 °C

The oldest and best-known spring, right in the centre. The water comes out at body temperature and is alkaline and naturally carbonated. It was used in Roman times, from the 1st to the 4th century; the first chemical analysis dates from 1835 and the first bathhouse from 1892. The same water is bottled under the name Vrnjci.

Snežnik: 17 °C

A cold spring in the valley of the Vrnjačka river, the farthest of the four healing springs from the centre, tapped in 1916. In the warm season a tourist train runs to it from Hotel Merkur; otherwise it is a walk through the park.

Jezero (“Lake”): 27 °C

The youngest of the four, discovered in 1978. It sits on the left bank of the Vrnjačka river between Snežnik and Slatina, beside the small lake it is named after. The water is lukewarm.

Slatina: 14 °C

The coldest spring, in the valley of the Lipovačka river. It has been known since the late 19th century and was tapped in 1923.

The other three

Beli izvor, Borjak and Vrnjačko vrelo are not used in treatment. Water from Vrnjačko vrelo is bottled as natural mineral water.

How the water is drunk

In Vrnjačka Banja mineral water is part of a treatment, not everyday drinking water. Which water, how much and at what time of day is decided by a doctor, usually at the Merkur Special Hospital, which treats digestive diseases, diabetes and musculoskeletal conditions.

• If you are here for treatment, keep to the amount and schedule your doctor prescribed.
• If you are here on holiday, a cup to taste is not a therapy. The temperature differs from spring to spring, from 14 to 36.5 °C.
• If you have a chronic condition or take medication, ask your own doctor before drinking mineral water regularly.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. For an examination and treatment, contact the Merkur Special Hospital.

Cost and what to bring

The water is free. It is handy to bring your own cup or bottle. There is no charge to enter the park or reach the springs; for everything else, see what a trip to Vrnjačka Banja costs.

Walking all four

Start at Topla voda in the centre, follow the Vrnjačka river through the park to Snežnik, continue to Jezero and finish at Slatina, in the valley of the Lipovačka river. If you drive, the street by the lake is in parking Zone 2; see parking in Vrnjačka Banja.

If you are coming for treatment, pick a place to stay in Vrnjačka Banja near the spring you have been prescribed. For the rest of the park, see things to do in Vrnjačka Banja.