Where is the best place to stay in kmv for a vacation? Caucasian Mineral Waters: health resort at economical prices
Medicinal mineral waters are natural waters that contain high concentrations of certain mineral (less often organic) components and gases and (or) have some physical properties (radioactivity, environmental reaction, etc.), due to which these waters have an effect on the body human therapeutic effect to one degree or another, which differs from the effect of “fresh” water- definition by V.V. Ivanov and A. Nevraev.
The concept of “mineral water” is most generally formulated in English legislation. Mineral water is water that is found in a mountain range and is extracted for human consumption.
Natural mineral waters are the main asset of the mountainous region - Caucasian Mineral Waters. In the KMS region, 14 deposits of mineral waters of various types are concentrated (Kislovodskoye, Essentukskoye, Beshtaugorskoye, Pyatigorskoye, Zheleznovodskoye, Zmeykinskoye, Batalinskoye, Lysogorskoye, Kumagorskoye, Nagutskoye, Kalaborskoye, Georgievskoye in the Stavropol Territory, as well as Kumskoye and Verkhnepodkumskoye in Karachay-Cherkessia)
As some of the most worthy and great Russian writers and poets would say: “Whoever did not breathe the Caucasian mountain air did not live...”.
In this article we will talk about Caucasian Mineral Waters. What is good about this resort in the Caucasus and what is unique about Min. waters
The Caucasus is not just mountains, gorgeous nature, springs, springs, eagles over the gorges, vipers on mountain roads between the placers of rhododendrons, the Caucasus is a special spirit, a special culture, this cannot be found anywhere else, harsh, wild, proud, very beautiful, in some places a virgin region.
Caucasian Mineral Waters is a group of resorts of federal significance in the Stavropol Territory, a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation.
South of the European part of Russia. The resort includes cities and territories:
“The Caucasian Mineral Waters agglomeration region, with an area of more than 500 thousand hectares (5.3 thousand sq. km), is located on the territory of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation within the boundaries of the mountain sanitary protection district:
in the Stavropol Territory - the cities and resort towns of Georgievsk, Mineralnye Vody (including the resort of Kumagorsk and the resort area of Naguta), Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, as well as the actual districts of Georgievsky, Mineralovodsky and Predgorny, - 58% of the total area of the region;
in Kabardino-Balkaria - Zolsky district, - 9% (therapeutic mud of Lake Tambukan, Narzanov Valley and others);
in Karachay-Cherkessia - Malokarachaevsky and Prikubansky districts, - 33% of the territory (zone of formation of mineral springs)."
The location of the resort is, to put it mildly, gorgeous:
“The Caucasian Mineral Waters region occupies the southern part of the Stavropol Territory and is located on the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range, just a couple of tens of kilometers from Elbrus. The earth seems different here, the sky seems different to others.
From afar, motionless white clouds are visible, which, when approaching, turn out to be the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. The southern borders of the region are the foothills of Elbrus, the valley of the Khasaut and Malki rivers; in the west - the upper reaches of the Eshkakona and Podkumka rivers; The northern border of the region is the city of Mineralnye Vody, beyond which the steppe expanses of Ciscaucasia begin.”
Very close to the Stavropol Territory are the famous resorts of the Krasnodar Territory and Sochi:
“In the west and southwest, the Stavropol Territory borders on the Krasnodar Territory, in the northwest on the Rostov Region, in the north and northeast on Kalmykia, on the east on Dagestan, on the southeast on the Chechen Republic, on the south on North Ossetia. Alania, Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkarian republics."
About the Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts in the video:
There are many sources of mineral waters in the Caucasian Mineral Waters, because the difficult region is named just that. The name of the main city, Essentuki, appears on bottles of medicinal water, known to everyone for a couple of decades.
And the water actually has medicinal properties, unlike the products that store shelves are filled with.
In addition, there are many springs, waterfalls, salt and mud springs in the region.
The resort has existed since the beginning of the 18th century; more precisely, the first mentions of it date back to this time. All efforts were directed towards developing the region, so in the 20th century the resort became the largest in Russia, and the most healing.
The most famous cities and resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters:
Kumagorsk
Nagutsk
Zheleznovodsk
Pyatigorsk
Essentuki
Kislovodsk
Kislovodsk the highest mountain resort, it is located at an altitude of 817-1063 m above sea level, the lowest mountain point of Kislovodsk is 750 m above sea level, and the highest is 1409 m (on the Big Saddle in Kislovodsk Park).
“Kislovodsk is located in the south of the Stavropol Territory, practically on the border with Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, 65 km from Mount Elbrus.
The city is located in a small and cozy picturesque valley, surrounded by the slopes of the Main Caucasus Range and formed by the gorges of two merging rivers - Olkhovka and Berezovka, flowing into the Podkumok River. The length of the valley from southeast to northwest is about 7 km.”
The weather is almost always good here:“The climate of the KavMinVod region has long been highly valued by balneologists and has been successfully used as a healing factor. The main advantages of the local climate are associated with the large number of sunny days - in Kislovodsk only 37-40 days a year are without sun.
It is relatively dry here; moist air masses from the Black Sea do not reach here - they are delayed by the Main Caucasus Ridge.”
« In terms of the number of sunny days, Kislovodsk is not inferior to the best resorts in the world. On average, per year the number of clear days in Kislovodsk is about 150, while in Pyatigorsk - 98, in Zheleznovodsk - 112, and in Essentuki - 117. The number of cloudy days is also small - on average 61 days per year.
The air in Kislovodsk is always clean, mostly dry and invigorating. Kislovodsk stands out among other KavMinVod resorts for its generally quiet weather, without strong winds, and low humidity in winter, which fluctuates during the day from 56 to 70%, which has a beneficial effect on the well-being of resort guests.”
In January it was 18 degrees Celsius, sub-zero temperatures reached 20 degrees, but much more often the temperature at this time of year here is around zero or “slight minus”. The hottest months are July, August; the temperature, depending on the location near or far from mountains and snowy gorges, ranges from 4-5 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius.
All resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters are primarily therapeutic, but Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk - especially. After Sochi, Kislovodsk is the second city in terms of the number of health resorts and sanatoriums.
A third of all medical and preventive institutions in the region are located here. In Kislovodsk there is a source of the famous acidic mineral water - Narzan.
Built on the site of a former fortress, the city is now replete with green spaces and orchards; in terms of population, it is a very small town: 130 thousand people.
Most health resorts in Kislovodsk have a medical profile for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, nervous diseases and respiratory diseases.
In addition to health resorts, mineral springs and other beauties of the city, one of the most striking attractions is the Resort Park, its area is 948 hectares, which is comparable to the huge city parks of Europe and the world.
“The park is located on both sides of the Olkhovka River and contains over 250 species of trees and shrubs, including cedar, fir, birch, pine, spruce, black walnut, Chinese paulownia, cork tree, etc. In the alpine part of the park, more than 800 species of herbaceous plants.
The park contains nurseries for ornamental plants and greenhouses. Over 80 varieties of abundantly blooming roses are planted on the “Rose Square” and in the “Valley of Roses”. Squirrels, trustingly taking food from people’s hands, and various species of birds have acclimatized in the park.
A natural monument is the Red Stones, which appear in several places in the park and are sandstones with a red-brown color and various forms of weathering.”
The park has a route for therapeutic walking - a health path. And in Kislovodsk itself there are several dozen large and popular sanatoriums.
Despite the fact that resorts and cities are located close to each other, the atmosphere in them can be completely different. So, in Zheleznovodsk there is a different air, a slightly different climate - compared to other resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters.
"Zheleznovodsk - the most dynamically developing resort of Kavminvod. In 2003, it was awarded the title “Best City in Russia” among small cities.
The climate here is mountainous and forest, similar to the climate of the Middle Alps. Long-term meteorological observations made it possible to classify it as mountain-forest, mid-mountain alpine, moderately dry.
The air is saturated with oxygen and forest phytoncides. Moderately hot summers with cool nights, a large number of sunny days with weak refreshing winds, winters are not cold.”
The population of Zheleznovodsk is only about 25 thousand people, but despite the small number of inhabitants, the city is truly a pearl not only among the resorts of the Stavropol Territory, but throughout Russia.
Yes, there are few residents, but many times more guests: for example, the health resorts (about two dozen sanatoriums) of Zheleznovodsk can accommodate up to 80 thousand tourists. The main areas of treatment are diseases of the digestive system, kidneys, and metabolic disorders.
Over 20 mineral water sources and several mud springs.
Pyatigorsk more, so to speak, “amazed by industrialization” than the small and remote cities of Stavropol in terms of the number of citizens. Pyatigorsk has about 145 thousand inhabitants, industry, trade, and science are well developed.
“Within the city limits there is Mount Mashuk (993.7 m, with a 112-meter television relay tower installed on it) and its spurs.
The climate in Pyatigorsk is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. Thanks to a large amount of water resources and a mild climate, the city has picturesque ponds, forest belts and parks.
The resort area, rich in underground mineral water sources, is relatively poor in surface water resources.
The tourist infrastructure of the resort city of Pyatigorsk includes:
More than 30 health resorts and sanatorium-resort institutions. Every year they are visited by over 200 thousand people per year (225-250 thousand people per year in 16 sanatoriums and 7 boarding houses - in the second half - the end of the 80s);
43 travel companies and organizations;
17 hotels;
The city and Pyatigorye have enormous tourism potential and have the right to compete with leading European resorts and balneological health resorts.”
Pyatigorsk has many museums, theaters, historical monuments, libraries, and beautiful places. There are parks and fountains in the city.
“The surrounding mountains are decorated with natural forests in which mighty oaks and snow-white birches, honey-bearing maples and lindens grow, and in the fall dogwoods, hawthorns, rose hips, barberries, and rowan trees turn red with berries.
The fauna is not so diverse due to the proximity of the city, but tourists are always delighted by squirrels, which can be found even in small public gardens in the very center of the city. Swans swim on the pond in Kirov Park in the summer.”
The population is about 105 thousand people, many health resorts, more than 20 mineral springs, the main direction of treatment is “diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and metabolism.”
Essentuki hosts festivals, cultural events, and there are many cultural institutions.
Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts have this name for a reason: the main attraction and main treasure of the region are the springs of mineral waters. And if someone was not here, then everyone drank mineral water.
In 2000, almost 500 thousand people rested and improved their health here.
The “Genius of the Place” program tells about the sights of the Caucasian Mineral Waters:
Caucasian Mineral Waters ranks first in popularity among Russians among Russian resorts:
“The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) analyzed the most popular destinations of domestic tourism in the summer of 2014, the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory (Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse) were in first place in the rating, Crimea was in second, on the third, fourth and fifth lines are Caucasian Mineral Waters, Golden Ring and Karelia respectively, Baikal took sixth position.”
Pyatigorsk
Pyatigorsk is located in a green valley on the banks of a river. This is the largest city in the region and its cultural center with developed infrastructure and a large number of interesting attractions. In the center of the resort is its official symbol, the main attraction and a unique natural monument - the Mashuk mountain reserve.
Treatment in Pyatigorsk: allergic and skin diseases, infertility, hormonal disorders, inflammatory processes, urological, diseases of the spine and joints, nervous system, diseases of the digestive system, eye and ENT diseases.
Mineral waters of Pyatigorsk.
Pyatigorsk boasts more than 40 healing springs, some of them hot. According to their composition, sources are divided into:
Carbon dioxide waters - the so-called Pyatigorsk narzans, cold, warm and hot;
Carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide, which are mainly suitable for external use. They are used in Lermontov, Pirogov and other baths. However, some, for example, in the Academic Pump Room, are indicated for oral administration;
Salt-alkaline waters are waters of the Essentuki type;
Radioactive or radon waters are used in therapeutic baths, showers, and swimming pools.
Where to stay for relaxation and recovery in Pyatigorsk:
5 things that you must do in Pyatigorsk:
- Find the place of Lermontov’s duel with retired Major Martynov;
- Following the example of Ostap Bender, start selling tickets to Lake Proval;
- At the same time, take a photo at the monument to the Great Schemer;
- Ride the cable car;
- Of course, try all types of local healing waters.
Kislovodsk
Kislovodsk is the “pearl of the Caucasus”, located between two mountain rivers above and south of the other Kavminvod resorts. There is a lot of sun, light and greenery here - this is a favorite health resort for tourists.
Treatment in Kislovodsk: diseases of the nervous system, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuroses, osteochondrosis. In addition, the resort specializes in treating the respiratory system and cardiovascular system.
Mineral waters of Kislovodsk- Kislovodsk Narzans.
The best sanatoriums in Kislovodsk:
5 things you must do in Kislovodsk:
- Like Samuil Marshak, improve health in the Main Narzan Baths;
- Appreciate the beauty of the “Valley of Roses”;
- Buy a “drinker” - a mug with a spout for drinking mineral water;
- There you can choose your own health path - a walking path - the main, after mineral waters, healing component of the resort.
Zheleznovodsk
This resort, “tiny Switzerland,” is located a little north of Pyatigorsk. It is surrounded by relict forests, nearby is Mount Zheleznaya - a failed volcano, thanks to which the city got its name.
Treatment in Zheleznovodsk: help with metabolic disorders, symptoms of liver cirrhosis, problems with urology and gynecology, diseases of the digestive system.
Mineral waters of Zheleznovodsk.
There are 23 mineral springs in Zheleznovodsk. The most famous of them are Smirnovsky and Slavyanovsky. The waters are mainly carbon dioxide and, according to their temperature properties, are divided into high-thermal, thermal, low-thermal and cold. There are springs with salt-alkaline waters.
Where to stay in Zheleznovodsk:
3 things that you must do in Zheleznovodsk:
- Walk around the entire Resort Park;
- In the same place as Lermontov, drink mineral water from Pump Room No. 1;
- Master the climb to Beshtau.
Essentuki.
Essentuki is a quiet, cozy city with a lot of greenery and gardens, located in the center of the resort region in a flat area on the banks of the Podkumok River. Essentuki is the largest health resort of the KVM, where, of course, they treat with waters and healing mud.
Treatment in Essentuki: The resort is worth choosing if you need specialists in the treatment of urology or gynecology, allergic diseases, metabolic disorders, or problems with the digestive system.
Mineral waters of Essentuki.
The resort is rich in salt-alkaline waters. The most famous of them are Essentuki N 17 and Essentuki N 4.
3 things that you must do in Essentuki:
- Feel like Raisa Zakharovna from the comedy “Love and Doves” and appreciate the wonders of mechanotherapy - the famous scene on the simulators was filmed here;
- Learn to distinguish “Essentuki-4” from “Essentuki −17” by taste;
- Swim in the Upper mineral baths, which, by the way, are more than a hundred years old.
Mineral water.
The city is located 100 km from Stavropol at the foot of Mount Zmeyka. This is a modern and convenient transport hub, a transfer point with the airport and a large railway station. Among the advantages of the city are clean air, beautiful nature and interesting sights.
Treatment in Mineralnye Vody: Despite the name, there are no sources of healing waters here, but not far from the city there is the only large sanatorium of the same name, which in its medical direction is reminiscent of the health resorts of Zheleznovodsk.
3 things you must do in Mineralnye Vody:
- Ride elite horses of the Terek Stud Farm;
- Conquer the top of the ancient volcano - Mount Snake;
- Indulge in shopping and buy souvenirs in local shops.
Caucasian Mineral Waters (Kavminvody, KMV) is a group of resorts of federal significance in the Stavropol Territory, which includes the resort towns of Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, and of course, the city of Mineralnye Vody itself. The KMS is a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation. The region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, almost at the same distance from the Black and Caspian Seas.
In terms of diversity of mineral waters, the Caucasian Mineral Waters region has no equal not only in Russia, but throughout the world. Over 130 sources of mineral waters of 30 types have been identified on the territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. By Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of January 17, 2006 No. 14, the cities of Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk and Pyatigorsk were given the status of resort cities of federal significance. Every year, more than 700 thousand people are treated and relax at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters.
City of Mineralnye Vody
The city of Mineralnye Vody is a small cozy town in the Stavropol Territory. Despite the name, there are no healing springs in the administrative center of the Mineralovodsk District; all of them are located in neighboring Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki and Kislovodsk. The city serves as a kind of gateway, annually allowing hundreds of thousands of tourists to the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. It is here that the largest transport hub in the region is located - an international airport, a railway interchange and a federal highway.
The climate of the city is relatively dry; moist air masses from the Black Sea do not reach here; they are delayed by the Main Caucasus Range. The city of Mineralnye Vody is located mainly in the steppe zone. The magmatic mountain Snake is considered one of the most interesting natural attractions. It attracts tourists not only with its beautiful mountain landscapes and unique flora and fauna. On the slopes there are several holy springs and monuments of the Great Patriotic War, as well as adits and quarries. You can often meet outdoor enthusiasts with climbing equipment. There are several temples and cathedrals in Mineralnye Vody that will be of interest to believers and those who want to get acquainted with the history, culture and architecture of the city. The main religious attraction is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among its shrines are the relics of St. Theodosius of the Caucasus, the patron saint of these places.
Kislovodsk
Do you want to get to the “city of 365 sunny days a year”? Then go to Kislovodsk. This is a surprisingly sunny city, surrounded by the picturesque slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, which protect it from strong winds. The famous source of acidic mineral water “Narzan” is located here. Hence the “sour” name of the city - Kislovodsk. It’s worth coming to Kislovodsk just for the resort park alone! This is not just a park, it is a whole amazing planet with beautiful rocks, bubbling waterfalls, green meadows and countless all kinds of plants and animals. The uniqueness of Kislovodsk lies not only in its healing mineral springs and beautiful park areas.
At one time, the most talented people who glorified our country rested and worked here: Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Mayakovsky, Gorky, Chaliapin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Glinka, Rachmaninov and others. This is probably why the culture here is no worse developed than in St. Petersburg.
Mount Ring is a favorite place for tourists. It received this name due to the hole that was formed in it by the winds. A magnificent panorama of Kislovodsk opens from the mountain. No less popular are the Honey Falls in the Alikonovsky Gorge. The waterfalls received such a tasty name thanks to the honey-bearing herbs that bloom all summer in this valley. And old-timers say that the main contribution to the sweet name of the waterfalls was made by hardworking bees, who opened their “factory” for producing honey right in the mountain crevices. The famous Lermontov Rock is located in Kislovodsk. At its top there is a platform that ends in a steep cliff. It was this site that was the site of Pechorin’s duel with Grushnitsky in the famous “Hero of Our Time.” I believe you have no doubts left and you will definitely visit this wonderful city!
Pyatigorsk
The largest city is the resort of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region - Pyatigorsk. It was founded after Alexander I signed the famous rescript in 1803. Pyatigorsk lies at the foot of Mount Mashuk at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level. The city is the oldest Russian balneological resort. The emergence of the city of Pyatigorsk is, in its own way, a commercial project. High society traveled abroad year after year, taking a lot of money out of the country. As soon as the Caucasian springs were recognized as healing, it was decided to found a balneological resort on Russian territory, and this project was successfully implemented.
It is best to go on your first trip to Pyatigorsk by tram. Not for the sake of economy, of course, but because the Pyatigorsk tram is an attraction in itself! This is the first electric tram on the territory of modern Russia. Pyatigorsk is a treasure trove of attractions that will not leave you indifferent.
One of them is “Lermontov’s House”. This is not even just one house, this is a whole block of ancient, early 19th century buildings, “mothballed” in time and perfectly preserved to this day. Looking at them, you can imagine what Pyatigorsk looked like almost 200 years ago. In one of these same houses under a thatched roof, on the estate of Major Chilaev, Mikhail Lermontov settled in 1841. In fact, the poet lived in “Lermontov’s house” for only two months - the last of his life. You can honor the memory of the poet by visiting the place of his duel, located on the opposite slope of Mashuk. The monument to Lermontov was erected entirely with public money - it was collected by subscription over several years. The next attraction is the Aeolian Harp gazebo. This is a stone gazebo in antique style on a steep, rocky ledge of Mashuk. At all times, troop observation posts were located on this site, since the approaches to Pyatigorsk are clearly visible from here. Its builders were the architects brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Bernardazzi.
The location turned out to be so good, and the views of the city and its surroundings from it were so charming that this modest-sized gazebo constantly attracted a lot of visitors. The gazebo is named after the ancient Greek god Aeolus, the lord of the winds. Another outstanding place is the building of the Pirogov Baths hospital, which was built in 1914 on the site of a wooden barracks soldier’s hospital. The outstanding Russian surgeon Nikolai Pirogov demonstrated to doctors of the Caucasian Corps the method of using ether anesthesia for pain relief during surgery in the field. It was in the Caucasus that for the first time in the history of medicine, Nikolai Pirogov began to operate on the wounded with ether anesthesia in the field. The hospital changed its name three times. There are still a huge number of places in Pyatigorsk that are worth visiting. I hope you found it interesting and will definitely want to see them for yourself.
Essentuki
In the steppe valley of the Podkumok River is located the world-famous balneological resort of Essentuki. This is the youngest among the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters. Nature has generously endowed this land with amazing healing springs of mineral water that cure diseases of the digestive system, endocrine system, gynecological diseases, diseases of the nervous system, and musculoskeletal organs. Thousands of people come here to improve their health and enjoy the beauty of this land. The waters of the healing salt-alkaline springs “Essentuki-4” and “Essentuki-17” are used for drinking treatment, baths, inhalations, and irrigations. Here they also heal with the help of sulfide silt mud of Lake Tambukan.
Among the most beautiful buildings in the city are the Upper Mineral Baths, designed in the Russian Empire style with Baroque elements. The building of the mud baths is also a real architectural monument. It is decorated with massive columns, sculptures of ancient gods of healing and lions, and beautiful bas-reliefs. The inside of the mud bath is spacious, light, and also full of decorations and mythological sculptures.
The mechanotherapy building, now the Zander Institute, is more than a century old. A beautiful, light, elegant brown-pink building with small turrets and domes on the roof, with wooden carvings and a huge vase above the main entrance - just a real fairy-tale tower. Another interesting place in Essentuki is the three-story former dacha of I. G. Zimin in the Art Nouveau style. Its facade is adjacent to turrets of 2 and 4 floors. Many windows of different sizes and a warm light yellow color give the massive structure a very welcoming appearance.
You can also see the dacha-museum of the famous surgeon Razumovsky, the estate of the Itinerant artist Nikolai Yaroshenko and the dacha of Fyodor Chaliapin. As you can see, you won’t be bored here! On this amazing, friendly land you can improve your health, recharge with vivacity, energy and new impressions, as well as simply relax in the greenery and flowers of the most wonderful parks.
Zheleznovodsk
Zheleznovodsk is the smallest of the listed resorts. There are no other reasons to diminish his dignity. On the contrary, Zheleznovodsk is unique in many respects, since it is a well-known balneological resort of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, located at the foot of Mount Zheleznaya, at an altitude of 570-650 m above sea level, in the valley of the small rivers Dzhamuk and Kuchuk. On the territory of the resort there are over 20 carbon dioxide sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium mineral springs (Slavyanovsky, Smirnovsky), which are actively used in the treatment of diseases associated with the digestive and genitourinary systems.
Zheleznovodsk is an ideal resort for those who suffer from kidney and urinary tract diseases; This is the resort's specialization - the main treatment profile. More precisely, one of them. The main treatment profiles of the Zheleznovodsk resort include urological diseases and diseases of the nervous system. Associated profiles include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, ENT diseases, gynecological, pulmonological and dermatological. In addition, in Zheleznovodsk there are several sanatoriums where they treat diabetes mellitus, but - pay attention! - only at an early stage, when sugar-lowering drugs are not yet needed.
Treatment in Zheleznovodsk, of course, is with mineral water. It is used for oral administration, inhalation, baths and other water procedures. Local waters are also bottled - they are produced under the brands “Smirnovskaya” and “Slavyanovskaya”, after the names of the sources. These mineral waters are very popular and are even exported, but few people know that they are bottled in Zheleznovodsk. The Smirnovsky spring is named after Dr. Semyon Alekseevich Smirnov, chairman of the Russian Balneological Society: he cleared this spring, long known to local residents, and studied its properties. Now a fairly large pump room has been erected above the Smirnovsky spring. The Slavyanovsky spring bears the name of its discoverer, the outstanding hydrologist and mining engineer Nikolai Nikolaevich Slavyanov. Above Slavyanovsky there is also a pump room in a classical style.
The oldest source of Zheleznovodsk is Lermontovsky. It was opened in 1810 by Dr. Fyodor Petrovich Gaaz, and the history of the city began with this event. Lermontov actually came to this source, which was still practically undeveloped. As for Dr. Haas, Zheleznovodsk owes him not just “a lot” - without Haas the resort would not exist.
Zheleznovodsk also owes its name, which is not very romantic and resort-like, to Haass, or more precisely, to one of his misconceptions. The reddish-rusty sediment that the doctor noticed around the springs was attributed to the presence of a high concentration of iron in the water. In fact, this is a mistake, and there is relatively little hardware here. But the name stuck, and the cute resort town with unique “healing factors” remained with a name that evoked thoughts more of a mine in the Urals than of relaxation and treatment. Not only the waters and the city became iron, but also the mountain on the slopes of which Zheleznovodsk stands.
It is here that the only natural forest park in the Caucasian Mineral Waters is located, in which plants of the steppe, forest and subalpine zones grow. The climate in Zheleznovodsk is mountain-steppe, moderately dry. Clean ionized air and dense oak, hornbeam and beech forests protect this resort from the sweltering summer heat. There are many active and excursion routes here that introduce you to the unique sights of the Caucasus.
Caucasian Mineral Waters is a unique natural resort located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, in the Stavropol Territory. This place has always attracted and attracted vacationers with its beauty, unique historical places, and healthy climate. As in pre-revolutionary times, now the Caucasian Mineral Waters do not lose their highest significance.
After all, it is here that the most healing mineral springs flow, which is why this indescribably wondrous region is glorified. Everything is replete with many memorable historical places, and nature literally amazes the imagination with its pristine beauty!
Every year, more than 700 thousand people are treated and relax at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters.
Kislovodsk is the main cardiological resort in Russia
The city owes its name to the appearance of mineral water - “Narzan” (from the Turkic “Narsan” - sour water). This miraculous water naturally emerged from the bowels of the earth in the city. As a result, a resort of the highest level quickly grew from Kislovodskaya station. Prominent doctors and doctors of Kislovodsk treated all possible range of diseases with the waters of Narzan, using all possible combinations of climate therapy, balneotherapy and modern medical techniques.
Currently, the main profile of Kislovodsk sanatoriums is cardiological. It is believed that Kislovodsk Narzan has a beneficial effect on the heart and vascular system, the climate of Kislovodsk is very favorable, and the altitude of 850 m above sea level is well tolerated by cardiac patients.
In addition to the famous healing resort park, wonderful health resorts, the Mirror Pond, the Narzan Gallery, there are also local attractions: Kislovodsk Fortress, Kislovodsk Kurzal, State Historical and Cultural Museum "Chaliapin's Dacha", Kislovodsk Memorial Museum-Estate of the artist N. A. Yaroshenko, Mount Ring - a natural monument and one of the objects of the State Museum-Reserve of M. Yu. Lermontov.
Pyatigorsk is a multi-profile resort in Russia
There are more than 40 springs in Pyatigorsk - almost all types of mineral waters. The successful combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, radon springs and mud from Lake Tambukan, a favorable climate and a wonderful natural landscape predetermined the fate of what is now the most versatile resort in Russia.
Pyatigorsk is located on the left bank of Podkumka, on the slopes of the Goryachaya and Mashuk mountains, at an altitude of about 520-620 m above the level of the Baltic Sea. The name of the city comes from Mount Beshtau, which means “five mountains”.
In addition to the variety of health resorts, offered medical procedures and healing methods, there are also local attractions. Everything around here is connected with the names of outstanding political and cultural figures of the country of the 18th - 20th centuries. Here you can see the place of M.Yu. Lermontov’s duel, visit an interesting natural phenomenon - Lake Proval, for the repair of which the main character of the novel “The Twelve Chairs” Ostap Bender collected money from unlucky visitors.
It will be interesting to walk along Goryachaya Mountain, try mineral water, and admire the panorama of the Pyatigorye mountains and the Central Caucasus mountains from the Eolian Harp gazebo. You can enjoy the panorama of the city of Pyatigorsk from Goryachaya Mountain.
Essentuki - famous healing springs
The unique salt-alkaline springs “Essentuki-4” and “Essentuki-17” are located here. You can enjoy the invigorating cold mineral water and learn many interesting facts about the history of the development of the resort. See with your own eyes the famous mud baths, the historical health resorts of the resort, walk through the shady park where the voices of M. Gorky, S. Rachmaninov and others once sounded.
Zheleznovodsk is a resort at the junction of two mountains
Zheleznovodsk is the smallest, northernmost and very, very green resort. Located in a natural valley between the Beshtau and Zheleznaya mountains. The resort became famous for its hot calcium springs, the water of which is actively used to treat gastrointestinal tract, liver and urological diseases. This is a very beautiful place: there is a stunningly picturesque park, the Pushkin Gallery, the palace of the Emir of Bukhara, the Ostrovsky baths, and pump rooms of the springs.
Nalchik is a resort of all-Union significance
As a resort area, with its wonderful mild climate and healthy mineral springs, Nalchik has been known since the second half of the 19th century. The local population already began to use thermal springs to treat all kinds of diseases. Guests of Nalchik at different times were outstanding representatives of Russian art - composer M.A., Balakirev, F.I. Shalyapin, A.S. Griboyedov, V.A., Gilyarovsky, A.A. Fadeev.
The water here contains hydrogen sulfide and small amounts of minerals. In addition to mineral waters, mud therapy is widely used in the Nalchik resort. The dirt is delivered from the bottom of Lake Tambukan, located right there on the border of the republic and the Stavropol Territory.
Balneological resort - Goryachy Klyuch
In Goryachiy Klyuch you can see many noteworthy attractions. For example, it will be fascinating to visit the beautiful Dante Gorge, where a bas-relief of the Renaissance poet is skillfully carved on a rock, view the surrounding area from the Cockerel rock, drink water from the stunning Iveron spring, to which legends attribute miraculous properties.
Hot Key is a unique natural place that combines the healing properties of both Essentuki mineral waters and hydrogen sulfide baths, similar to the Matsesta resort area in Sochi.
Mineral springs of Caucasian mineral waters
The main treasure at the Caucasian mineral water resorts is, of course, the magnificent mineral springs.
The Caucasus has a whole bunch of amazing mineral springs, there are about 300 of them. 14 water deposits are actively used: Kislovodskoye, Beshtaugorskoye, Pyatigorskoye, Zheleznovodskoye, Batalinskoye, Lysogorskoye, Zmeykinskoye, Nagutskoye, Kumagorskoye, Gergievskoye, Kalaborskoye, Kumskoye, Verkhnepodkumskoye.
The water in them varies in content: carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, radon, calcium-sodium, hydrocarbonate-sulfate. With its help, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, upper respiratory tract, genitourinary, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal systems, and skin diseases are treated. At resorts, water is used not only for drinking treatment, but also for bathing, showering, swimming in pools, rinsing, and inhaling.
However, before you start using it, you should definitely talk to a specialist. He will advise and tell you which source of water would be best to drink, explain the regimen, duration and rules of intake. There are also contraindications, so you need to be extremely careful in these subtle matters.
Mud therapy
Also, a significant healing method is very common in the Caucasian mineral waters - therapeutic mud. Their source is Lake Tambukan. Its reserves amount to 1.4 tons. The lake was first explored in 1910 by I.A. Orlov. Tambukan mud has a huge content of minerals that have a powerful antibacterial effect.
Climatic conditions
The local climate itself has a significant healing effect. In view of this, a whole direction in medicine was created - climate treatment. The territory of the Caucasian mineral waters is divided into two parts: southern and northern. The southern region includes the Kislovodsk region with a temperate continental climate. And Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Pyatigorsk belong to the northern part with a predominant steppe climate. The southern zone has the most favorable climatic conditions.
In Kislovodsk there are only 37 days a year without sun, there is almost no wind, and the air is very clean. Walking along special walking routes, you will deeply feel true harmony with nature, improve your mood, and improve your breathing!
Location
Caucasian mineral waters, a resort in the very citadel of the North Caucasus, on the Northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Ridge. Just 90 km from the famous Elbrus and almost the same distance between the Black and Caspian seas.
This area is also located at approximately the same latitude as the famous resorts of the French Riviera and the Italian Adriatic. The resorts of the Caucasian mineral waters unite small cozy cities such as: Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Pyatigorsk. In size they are very similar to European ones - Karlovy Vary and Baden Baden. All of them are located relatively close to each other, forming as a whole a single array.
How to get there
You can get to any of the cities either by plane, directly to the city of Mineralnye Vody, or by train. Half goes to Mineralnye Vody, part goes further, along the Kislovodsk-Minvody branch to Kislovodsk, bypassing Pyatigorsk.
Caucasian mineral waters have good transport links with almost all regions of Russia. From Moscow and other cities located at a great distance from the south, the most convenient way, of course, is to take an airplane.
The largest international class airport in the region, Mineralnye Vody, is connected by airlines to almost all corners of our vast homeland. Regular flights to Mineralnye Vody are operated by Kavminvodyavia and Aeroflot - Russian Airlines. From Moscow the flight time will be only 1 hour 50 minutes.
