Sarein

At the foot of the Sabalan Mountains lies a unique natural spa region with numerous hot mineral springs of various temperatures renowned for their therapeutic values.

Sareyn or Sarein is a small city near Ardabil in the Northwest of Iran. Sareyn is known for its hot springs. It stands 28 km from Ardabil and total area is 1.28 square km2.

The main language of Sareyn is the Azeri dialect, however Persian is understood.

Not very far from Sarein in a village called Sardava, a naturally carbonated cold water spring, also known for its therapeutic values complements the numerous hot springs of Sarein and adds to the natural attraction of the Sabalan region.

The climate and hot springs are the first attractions to tourists who travel to this region from different parts of Iran and the world. Sarein is also famous for its ‘Ashe Doogh’ (Yogurt Soups), during the busy summer periods, it is not uncommon for many of the local shops to be seen selling and preparing this soup.

Sarein mineral springs (spa) have always been in Sarein but the 1990s earthquake caused some of them to get colder or hotter. The water is heated largely by the Sabalan mountain which is Iran’s second highest mountain after Damavand.

Many tourists visit Sabalan. Its most interesting feat is the ‘crater’ top which contains a lake of acidic water.

Sareyn is also very famous for its honey, again like the soup, many of Sareyn’s shops sell honey which is produced locally by the Bee keepers of the area.

There are 9 hot springs in Sarein, with ‘Gavmesh Goli’ being the hottest, with water reaching 67 degrees, and turning out around 80 liters per second from the source. There is also several cold water springs nearby, with the most popular being situated in a small village nearby called ‘Vila Dareh’ – the water here is fizzy and is very good for the kidneys.

The climate is by far a great asset, and many Iranians from Tehran and other big cities escape to the tranquility and good weather that Sarein has to offer.