Velingrad

Velingrad is located 120 km away from the capital Sofia and 85 km away from the cultural center, the city of Plovdiv. It is the biggest Bulgarian balneotherapeutic resort. In terms of abundance and diversity of mineral water, Velingrad is at the top position in Bulgaria. About 80 springs issue here; their volume and composition provide a number of treatment options all at once. A real miracle of nature is Kleptuza, the biggest Bulgarian karst spring that discharges 570 l of ice-cold water on the surface every second. Thee water then forms two lakes flowing into the Chepinska river. 43 recreational compounds and sanatoriums, 20 hotels with about 1480 beds, and more than 300 private lodgings represent the tourism, balneotherapy, and resort industry in this mountain town. The abundant mineral water, the mild climate, and the beautiful nature attract more than 200,000 visitors to Velingrad every year. The mineral water temperature varies from 28 to 86°C. The water has a weak mineralization and it issues from a deep origin. It is also crystal clear and bright, and is used for treatment and prevention of various diseases. The resort offers specialized treatment of lung, joint, motor, nervous, gynecological (including sterility), kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases. Since 2005 Velingrad is awarded with the title SPA capital of the Balkans by the International Hotel and Restaurant Association.