Mineral Spring No. 1-S (Naftusya), Skhidnytsia

Spring No. 1-S is one of the most popular mineral springs in Skhidnytsia, the mountain spa near Drohobych often called Truskavets’ younger sibling. Naftusya-type water is drawn here straight from a stone-built spring on Zarichna Street, next to the Try Syny hotel complex and the Stozhary sanatorium. Unlike the central pump room in Truskavets, most springs in Skhidnytsia are open around the clock and free of charge – and 1-S is no exception. On Google Maps the spring is rated 4.4 from more than seven hundred reviews.

Skhidnytsia lies among fir and spruce forests at about 600 m above sea level, and its springs are scattered across the whole village, so it is pleasant to walk from one water to the next. Each spring has its own number and a sign giving the water type and mineral content.

The resort’s history is closely tied to oil: in the late 19th century Skhidnytsia was one of the oil-producing centres of the Boryslav area, and mineral waters were found alongside the oil wells, and some springs are still referred to as wells. Over time the former oil village became a resort with dozens of sanatoriums, hotels and villas, while the springs remained its main attraction.

Why go: Naftusya straight from the ground

The water of spring 1-S is low in minerals and rich in organic compounds, like the Naftusya of Truskavets; local spa guides note its pronounced choleretic (bile-stimulating) effect. Such waters are traditionally used in treatment courses for the urinary tract, liver and metabolism – but only on a doctor’s prescription. Naftusya loses some of its properties in air, so it is drunk fresh at the spring, in small sips from a spouted cup.

Holidaymakers come several times a day: in the morning before breakfast, at midday and in the evening. In season, especially in autumn, there can be queues as people also fill bottles. Around the spring are steps, stone walls and a railing, with a playground and benches nearby, and the walk there along a wooded slope is a pleasure in itself.

How to drink the water properly

• Consult a doctor. Skhidnytsia’s waters differ in composition and effect; the regimen (which water, how often, before or after meals, warm or cold) should be prescribed by a spa physician. Self-prescribing can do harm, especially with kidney or gall stones, acute inflammation or heart conditions.
• Bring your own cup – ceramic or porcelain with a spout; they are sold in the village’s souvenir shops.
• Don’t stockpile Naftusya – it changes quickly in a bottle; for daily drinking, come to the spring.
• The sign at the spring is brief, so ask at your sanatorium or hotel about Skhidnytsia’s other waters (such as the soda water of spring No. 2-S).

Practical information

• Address: Zarichna St, Skhidnytsia (next to the Try Syny hotel complex and Stozhary sanatorium), Drohobych district.
• Hours: 24 hours.
• Price: free.
• Season: all year; paths can be slippery in winter.
• Dogs: allowed (per Google Maps).

Getting there: Skhidnytsia is 20 km from Truskavets and about 120 km from Lviv. Minibuses run regularly from Truskavets and Boryslav, and buses from Lviv. From the village centre the spring is about 1 km on foot up Zarichna Street. You can leave a car near the hotels on Zarichna and walk a few minutes to the fenced spring area.

At a glance

• Address: Skhidnytsia
• Opening hours: 24 hours
• Season: All year round
• Prices: Free

Website and social media: shidnitca.com

Photos: lh3.googleusercontent.com.