Description and whether it's worth visiting
Mineral medicinal spring Yessentuki No. 17 is one of two active drinking springs in Kurortny Park in Yessentuki. The water here is more concentrated and saltier than No. 4, which is why it's often called "more active." It's available for anyone to visit and drink for free, but due to its high mineralization, it's recommended to follow a doctor's instructions.
Yessentuki No. 17 water is chloride-bicarbonate sodium water with a high degree of mineralization. It is recommended for the treatment of chronic gastritis, liver and biliary tract diseases, intestinal dyskinesia, pancreatitis, endocrine gland disorders, diabetes, obesity, and salt and lipid metabolism disorders. However, you should not self-medicate or drink this water uncontrollably — it's much more active than the bottled version.
Our honest opinion on whether it's worth visiting: Fountain pavilion No. 17 is right at the main entrance to Kurortny Park — you can't miss it. You can stop in, take a look, and have a few sips within the recommended limit to understand the taste of the famous water. But making a regular habit of coming here to "drink up" without a doctor's prescription isn't a great idea, especially if you have stomach or blood pressure issues. Treat this place as an attraction, not as a cafeteria with free drinks.
🕐 Fountain pavilion hours for spring No. 17
Daily, no days off: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
💵 Entry fee / ticket prices
Entry to the fountain pavilion is free. A disposable cup costs about 2 RUB (check on site).
Takeaway water: 7 RUB per liter (poured into a plastic bottle). In practice, they don't strictly monitor people filling their own containers, but it's better to follow the rules.
🚶 How to get there
The spring is located in Kurortny Park in Yessentuki, not far from the main entrance from the square (spring No. 17 on the map). It's a 5–7 minute walk from the fountain pavilion of spring No. 4.
Tip for tourists: Yessentuki No. 17 water is very salty and active. Don't drink it cold — it should be at room temperature. Start with small amounts (50–100 ml) and monitor your body's reaction. Don't exceed the recommended dose (usually 200–250 ml per serving, no more than 2–3 times a day). And don't take water to go — it loses its medicinal properties within a few hours.
We recommend exploring interesting places in Yessentuki through tours. You can buy them from street vendors, but it's more reliable to do it online through these trusted review sites:
- 📷 Search for tours in Yessentuki on Tripster.ru
- 📷 Search for tours in Yessentuki on Sputnik8.com
- 📷 Tours in Yessentuki from the tour operator TEZ Tour