The best sanatoriums of Transcarpathia: the most rewarding tour of the Carpathians
Unique healing mineral waters and thermal springs have made Transcarpathia a true balneological Mecca of Ukraine. And not only because of its rare distinction - there are no hydromineral deposits of comparable composition anywhere else in the country. Interest in balneo-tourism is growing. Above all, because of the wide choice of colourful wellness and spa treatments offered by the sanatoriums of Transcarpathia. And also because of the astonishing natural attractions of the Carpathians, and the authentic, distinctive Transcarpathian culture.
Most of the mineral deposits are concentrated precisely in Transcarpathia. First and foremost, these are reserves of carbonic hydrocarbonate sodium waters. They are regarded as a unique phenomenon for the country and a true natural treasure. More and more tourists, not only of the mid-range but also of the VIP class, choose the balneological resorts of Transcarpathia for their holidays. These, in turn, are in no way inferior in quality, range, service or healing and rejuvenating effect even to their foreign counterparts. We invite you to immerse yourself in a genuine source of vigour, health, youth and positive impressions! The new tour “the sanatoriums of Transcarpathia” - is not merely a route that heals the body, but also an unforgettable, fascinating journey with a captivating historical past and an even more interesting present.
The sanatoriums of Transcarpathia. «Kvitka Polonyny»
Our very healthiest journey will begin from the Svaliava region, for it is here in Transcarpathia that the greatest quantity of mineral water of various kinds is concentrated. Starting from ancient, thousand-year-old Uzhhorod, you will arrive at the «Kvitka Polonyny» sanatorium, set right at the entrance to the Svaliava village of Solochyn, in a river valley, surrounded by mountains with picturesque alpine meadows and forests. What makes the resort special is its direct, combined use of three types of mineral water from the local deposits: «Polyana Kvasova», «Luzhanska-4», «Luzhanska-7». Here they treat gastroenterological ailments, diseases of the kidneys and joints, of the nervous, cardiovascular and urinary systems, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and joints.
The sanatorium opened in Transcarpathia in February 1965. Ever since, the specialists of the health resort have worked constantly on refining and developing it. A genuine treasure of the sanatorium today is a small arboretum, where more than a hundred different trees and shrubs grow, both of the local flora and interesting exotic species. A stroll through the park around a beautiful artificial lake will bring you incredible serenity and calm. In winter you can ski here (the ski runs and lift are in operation) and skate on the ice rink.
It is precisely during the journey to the «Kvitka Polonyny» sanatorium that you can visit Ukraine’s leading enterprise for the cultivation and processing of textile hemp, from whose fibres Transcarpathia produces eco-friendly consumer goods. The «Health Technologies» shop offers quality products by the «Agro-Hanf» company, which will give you a pleasant, healthy and comfortable sleep. These are high-quality pillows, duvets filled with hemp fibre, mattress toppers, sauna mats, socks, knitwear and other ecological items made from textile hemp.
The sanatoriums of Transcarpathia. «Karpaty»
Very close by stands the legendary, fairy-tale palace of Count Schönborn and the unique Spring of Beauty and Youth. In addition, hippotherapy is actively practised here - treatment by means of horse riding. On the resort’s grounds there is a modern wellness complex, dance and sports grounds, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, billiards, a shooting range, a fitness room, conference halls, restaurants and more.
«Sonyachne Zakarpattia» - the unique Polyana springs of the 13th century
Another, no less well-known balneological resort of the Svaliava region - is «Sonyachne Zakarpattia», set in the picturesque village of Polyana. The sanatorium is known, above all, for its Polyana mineral deposits, first mentioned in the charters of the Kingdom of Hungary as far back as 1463! Over the following centuries the chemical composition of these springs was seriously studied by Austro-Hungarian scientists, and already in 1826 the first hydropathic establishment was opened here. Barely two decades later the resort’s water was recognised as the best in Europe! In February 1965 a new sanatorium was opened on the basis of this one.
In 2006, at the 59th session of the General Assembly of the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy in Andorra, the sanatorium was recognised as the best treatment and wellness establishment. Today «Sonyachne Zakarpattia» - is four buildings with every convenience, drinking pump rooms, a hydropathic clinic, numerous cafés, a club where films are shown and dance evenings and other entertainment events are held, a video lounge and a library.
The sanatorium’s Novo-Polyanske mineral water deposit is a benchmark and, in its composition and properties, resembles the waters of Borjomi, but has a far higher concentration of beneficial minerals. This is the medium-mineralised carbonic hydrocarbonate-sodium water with boron and fluorine «Polyana Kvasova» , which is used in treating diseases of the digestive organs. As early as 1840, under the name «Polyanska», it was exported to Europe in barrels and bottles. Bottling the water under the name «Polyana Kvasova» began here from the boreholes after the Second World War at a local plant; nowadays «Sonyachne Zakarpattia» is used for this.
Not far from «Sonyachne Zakarpattia» lies the village of Uklyn, famous for its wooden Church of St Peter and St Paul. It is in the local ethno-restaurant that you can eat deliciously and with local colour. The signature dishes of the establishment are Transcarpathian cholent in pots and trout caught in the local mountain river.
Every year Polyana and Uklyn host the only mineral-water festival in Ukraine.
«Derenivska Kupil»: the revival of a balneological legend
The «Derenivska Kupil» sanatorium complex is set in the picturesque village of Nyzhnie Solotvyno in the Uzhhorod district and is considered one of the oldest sanatoriums in Transcarpathia. The resort was first mentioned as far back as the 17th century as «Derentse Zholobovne» . Even then the Derenivka springs were very popular among members of the Habsburg dynasty; here members of the aristocracy and of the most renowned Austrian and Hungarian families took the waters. In various periods, famous composers, presidents, ministers, political figures and other legendary personalities enjoyed their holidays at the resort. In Soviet times the «Kooperator» sanatorium operated near the village, drawing holidaymakers from all across the Union. With the collapse of the USSR the complex fell into decline; however, a few years ago, thanks to Czech-Ukrainian investors, it was given a second life.
Today «Derenivska Kupil» - is a fairy-tale, picturesque location: a modern, comfortable apartment-hotel, restaurants, sports and games grounds, the «Sribni Termy» SPA complex with a thermal pool, and a modern mineral-water plant drawing water here from artesian boreholes. These are the siliceous waters «Derenivska Kupil», «Zakarpatska-1» and «Zakarpatska-2» . They are distinguished by a rich micro- and macro-element composition, saturated with natural silicon, iodine, zinc and copper, and hydrocarbonates. It is worth stressing that silicon - is a unique element that slows the ageing of the body as a whole and normalises the metabolism. And «Zakarpatska-1» and «Zakarpatska-2» - are low-mineralised waters that flush toxins from the body and salts from the kidneys, prevent their formation, and serve as excellent prophylaxis for the cardiovascular system.
On the grounds of «Derenivska Kupil» stands the hamlet of «Derenivka» - a comfortable complex reminiscent of a Transcarpathian village. It is here that you can rest from the bustle of the city, enjoy nature and relaxation in herbal vats filled with the healing Derenivka mineral water, and take a steam in a wood-fired bathhouse.
You will be able to visit the best sanatoriums of Transcarpathia on our new, fascinating tour, which will bring you health, youth and stunning, unforgettable impressions!
