Every year, 22 March marks World Water Day - a day that highlights the importance of water for life, health and sustainable development. In 2026, attention naturally turns to Slovakia's unique natural wealth - mineral springs. The Šariš region is one of the areas with an exceptionally diverse range of natural mineral waters, which have not only a refreshing but also a healing effect. How many of them do you know and how many of them have you tasted ?
Šariš - the land of mineral treasures and their effects
For example, the spring Kyselá voda in the village Tulčík contains a high amount of carbon dioxide (up to 2,100 mg/l), which helps with digestive problems. In Lipovce there is the Salvator spring, which has the highest magnesium content of all Slovak mineral waters, thus supporting both metabolism and digestion. However, it is temporarily inaccessible to the public from 2025.
Health from nature at your fingertips
Mineral springs in the region offer a wide range of effects:
- Iron-rich springs, such as Juice or Sour in the Sigord area, promote the production of red blood cells and help with anaemia
- Calcium and bicarbonate waters (e.g. Borkut or Kvass water) contribute to bone health and neutralise stomach acids
- Sulphur springs, such as Šmerdzačky near Krásná Lúka or Voňačka in Bajerovce, are suitable for rheumatic and skin diseases
Another interesting feature is the Magaškút spring in Podhorany, which contains a high amount of manganese - however, its consumption is recommended only occasionally.
Overview of springs in the Prešov district
| Acidic water | Tulčík | Digestion |
| Salvator | Lipovce | Digestion, kidney, urinary tract |
| Sultan | Shingle | Digestion, kidney, urinary tract |
| Dick | Haniska | Digestion, bones |
| Gold Mine | Gold Mine | Digestion, mucous membranes |
| Living water from springs | Bajerov | Digestion, mucous membranes |
| Living water from springs | Kvačany | Digestion, mucous membranes |
| Living water from springs | Zipov | Digestion, mucous membranes |
| Magascout | Podhorany | Digestion |
| Brezhany | Brezhany | |
| Popik | Haniska | |
| Borkut | Haniska | |
| Fermented water | Cemjata | Digestion, bones |
| Kadlubek | Cemjata | Digestion, bones |
| Juice | Sigord | Digestion, blood formation |
| Sour | Sigord | Digestion, blood formation |
Overview of springs in the Sabinov district
| Scent | Bajerovce | Digestion, rheumatism, chronic pain |
| Schmerdzacka | Beautiful Meadow | Rheumatic diseases, skin problems |
Bardejov Spa - the tradition of healing water
An important part of the region are the Bardejov Spa and the town of Bardejov, where there are more than 10 natural springs. The Herkules spring in the Bardejov Spa is one of the strongest. With mineralization up to 9400 mg/l, it is used mainly for therapeutic purposes. On the other hand, springs such as Anna or Kolonádny are also suitable for more casual drinking and support digestion or respiratory tract.
Overview of springs in the Bardejov district
| Elizabeth | Bardejov Spa | Stomach, liver, gallbladder, detox |
| Anna | Bardejov Spa | Digestion, pancreas, respiratory tract |
| Hercules | Bardejov Spa | Stomach, duodenum, respiratory tract, diabetes |
| The main source | Bardejov Spa | Stomach, liver, hematopoiesis |
| Clara | Bardejov Spa | Inhalation - respiratory tract, rheumatism |
| Colonnades | Bardejov Spa | Anemia, stomach inflammation, digestive support |
| Medical | Bardejov Spa | Hyperacidity of the stomach, respiratory tract (asthma) |
| Napoleon | Bardejov Spa | Gallbladder, liver, intestines |
| Francis | Bardejov Spa | For medicinal purposes only |
| Alexander | Bardejov Spa | For medicinal purposes only |
| Cigeľka | Bardejov | Digestion |
Invitation to Water Day 2026
Water Day is the perfect opportunity to explore these natural resources. Mineral Trail „Living water from springs“ in the surroundings of Bajerov, Kvačany or Žipovo offers a unique combination of tourism and health. On the 17.2 km long hiking trail you will discover several natural mineral springs. Some of them are drinkable, but some are only for rinsing. Don't forget to follow the hiking signs that line the trail along the way.
Source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
Photo source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
