Hi! If you’re wondering where to head for the weekend to both relax and have an adventure, Tyumen, with its thermal springs, is spot on. This isn’t about some old-fashioned sanatorium; it’s a modern, youthful vibe—warm water, fresh air, great photos, and the feeling that you’ve completely rebooted your system.

In 2020, Tyumen was officially designated the Thermal Capital of Russia, but the journey began almost accidentally—which is often how the coolest things start. In the mid-20th century, geologists were drilling for oil, and instead of black gold, they struck hot mineral water. One of the earliest examples is the well in the village of Yar, drilled back in 1949. Under Stalin’s directive, they began building a water spa there—so people could seek treatment while the search for oil continued. Today, the «Tyumensky» spring operates there, featuring two outdoor pools—one hotter, reaching up to +46 degrees Celsius, and a calmer one around +30 degrees Celsius, equipped with hydromassage.

In Tyumen, there are over twenty spas, each with a distinct vibe. «Verkhniy Bor» is a versatile option where you can swim in the pool, relax in the sauna, and try spa treatments. Cedar barrels, massage baths, and picnic gazebos—it’s a full-day experience. Young people love this place because it’s easy to gather a group and everyone can find an activity they enjoy: some are sweating, others are swimming, while a few others are sitting by the grill or taking atmospheric selfies against the steam rising from the water.

Another hit among young people is «SovetSKY, ” which features a massive jacuzzi pool covering nearly 600 square meters, surrounded by woods and a lake. Plus, the picnic area is so spacious it can host festivals. If you’re looking for something more intimate, „Volna“ in the Mys microdistrict is the spot—it offers both coziness and convenience, with a pool, sauna, and relaxation area all nearby.

Prices vary depending on the day of the week and the package selected, but here is the general breakdown: At «Tyumenskoye, ” an adult ticket during the week costs approximately 1,500 rubles, and on weekends—around 1,700. At „SovetSKY, ” entry usually falls in the 1,500–2,000 ruble range, but the price will rise if you add gazebo rentals or spa treatments. At „Volna, ” tickets are most often sold for a four-hour period and will cost 1,500–1,900 rubles. It is most cost-effective to go during the week. Additionally, there are discounts for birthdays, family rates, and comprehensive passes. So, before your trip, it’s worth checking their social media—they post the latest promotions there.

If you are in Moscow and want to arrange a full thermal weekend, you’ll have to travel a bit. Without stops, the journey takes about 26 hours, but that assumes you have alternating drivers. Alternatively, you can break the trip into two days: leave early in the morning, around five or six, to bypass the Moscow traffic, and proceed with stops every three or four hours. There are many multi-functional areas along the highway—you can refuel, grab a snack, or just stretch your legs. A seven-seater vehicle is a great option for a large group: this way, you can save not only on fuel but also on accommodation—renting one house or room instead of several.

If the company has more than seven people, you should consider renting a minivan. In Tyumen, renting a minivan with a driver costs approximately 1,000 to 1,200 rubles per hour, with a minimum shift costing around 7,000–9,500 rubles. If you rent the car for the day for a trip to the thermal baths, you can keep the cost to 8,000–10,000 rubles. Dividing this amount among six people results in approximately 1,300–1,700 rubles per person—quite comparable to gas expenses, but without the exhaustion of driving.

Should you go with a large group? Absolutely, if you love group getaways. The experience here is completely different: it’s shared jokes by the pool, playful arguments over who gets to the sauna first, and that ultimate satisfaction when everyone gathers around one table after swimming, sharing stories, and realizing the day was a perfect success. The mineral water is genuinely relaxing; your skin feels softer, and your mind seems to clear the rush of city life. Yes, popular thermal baths can be crowded on weekends, but if you arrive right at opening or book a gazebo in advance, you can easily bypass that drawback.