On the very border with Romania in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains between the high ranges of Magura and Salavan is a wonderful village Solotvino, whose fame has spread far beyond the borders of Transcarpathia. Tourists come here all year round — it is a place where you can not only enjoy the picturesque natural pictures, get acquainted with the most interesting sights and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also really recover.
An urban settlement today, one of the most important resources of the Hungarian crown in the Middle Ages, a place whose value was recognized in the times of the Roman Empire, a corner of the earth that has been giving people wealth and health since its discovery. All this is Solotvino.
The ancestor of today’s Solotvino was a settlement founded in the XIII century on the right bank of the Tisza River. However, long before the XIII century people knew about this place — in the I-II centuries B.C. during the Roman Empire there were salt mines here, where one of the most valuable resources of that time was extracted. The traces of the ancient settlement near today’s village have survived to this day and are a very interesting historical attraction for all visitors to Solotvino.
Even the name of the village tells about its greatest jewel. The Romanian word «Slatina», from which the modern name was derived, means «salt water». Throughout its existence, Solotvino has been a land of salt mining, which for a long time was considered «white gold». Saxons, Romanians, Hungarians and Ruthenians came here to work at the salt mines in the Middle Ages. As a result, the small village became a place where several cultures coexist peacefully here today. Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Adventist, Reformed, Christian and other denominations are represented in Solotvino.
Today Solotvino is primarily a famous Transcarpathian resort. At the beginning of the last century, several salt mines fell down, and in their place were formed salt lakes, the waters of which have a healing effect on the human body. The largest of them is Kunigunda Lake with the area of more than two hectares, which is often compared to the Dead Sea by its properties. Mud and brine (salt solution) of Solotva lakes are highly mineralized, have therapeutic properties and favorably affect many body systems.
In addition to salt lakes, Solotvino is also rich in iodized reservoirs, but you should consult a doctor before bathing in them.
The treasures of this marvelous village do not end with the health-improving reservoirs. Another unique attraction is the complex of salt mines, which is considered to be the largest in Europe. These mines, which present an amazing picture of the white underground world of magical beauty, house the Museum of the History of Salt Mines, as well as a unique speleotherapeutic complex, which maintains a sterile microclimate. Here, at a depth of 300 meters underground, there is an allergy hospital and treatment of respiratory diseases, asthma, bronchitis and many other illnesses.
For all those who wish to recover, gain strength and pleasant impressions, get acquainted with the original culture of Transcarpathia and admire the most beautiful natural sights Solotvino will be the place to realize all plans at the same time. Unique natural attractions of Transcarpathia are gathered here, and about this village as a whole we can speak as a truly priceless attraction of Ukraine, which is worth visiting for everyone.