Natural hot spring · Bulgaria
Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)
Bulgaria · 4 miles west of Elin Pelin
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 138°F (59°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Elin Pelin (4 mi / 6 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 3
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
- Undeveloped source: no staff, no facilities, and no maintained access. Conditions change.
About Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)
Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater) is a natural hot spring in Bulgaria, about 4 miles west of Elin Pelin. The nearest large city is Sofia, roughly 10 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 138°F (59°C), and readings across the site range from 124°F to 138°F. That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
The site has 3 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater). Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 42.66787, 23.52212.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Elin Pelin. The spring is about 4 miles (6 km) west of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Sofia, about 10 miles (16 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Sofia, Bulgaria.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Hot springs near Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 138°F (59°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)?
Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater) is in Bulgaria, about 4 miles west of Elin Pelin. The GPS coordinates are 42.6679, 23.5221.
Can you soak at Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)?
The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Hot Spring (Geothermal Groundwater)?
The closest listed spring is Glavno vrelo, about 88 miles northwest. Banja e Dobërqanit "Vëllezërit Ibishi" is about 102 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.