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Thermal Lake at Hévíz, Hungary

Thermal Lake Héviz – Western Hungary

February 15, 2023 By //  by Patricia K

Lake Héviz can be found in the middle of Héviz, Hungary, just adjacent to the northern slope of Mount Keszthely. This body of water is the world’s largest swimmable thermal lake that forms naturally and has animal and plant life living in it.

This geothermal body of water is a beautiful place where people can enjoy soaking, swimming, and spending time with others. Admission is sold in three-hour sessions, day passes, and multi-hour passes that can be used over several days. Visitors can also purchase add-ons, time extensions, and other services offered at the facilities.

History

Aerial view of Lake Heviz in Hungary
Medicinal Bath of Lake Hévíz, Hungary. Photo by: HTME

Legend has it that a Christian nurse raised a Roman child named Flavius at Pannonia. The boy’s health was terrible, but his father was a war hero, so the nurse prayed to the Virgin Mary for a miracle.

After she prayed to the Holy Mother, she saw a spring of healing water emerge, and the kid washed in it daily. The hot spring water and the steaming clay strengthened the child’s physique immensely.

The young man grew up to be Flavius Theodosius, who, in 391 AD, established Christianity as the official religion of the Eastern Roman Empire. The therapeutic waters of the spring have been nourishing Lake Hévz visitors ever since.

Mineral Hot Springs

Thermal Lake at Hévíz, Hungary
People swimming in the thermal lake, Heviz, Hungary. Photo by: Heather Cowper

The lake formed with its primary source bubbling up since 20,000 to 22,000 years ago. Because the springs constantly flow, the water stays at a comfortable temperature, so there is never a bad season for soaking. The entire lake is replenished roughly every three days with its continuous movement.

From a low of 23-25°C/73-77°F in the winter to a high of 36-38°C/97-100.4°F in the summer, the water temperature is rather varied. As one sits in it, they get a massaging effect from the water as it runs from left to right and up from the bottom.

People holding onto a support pole in the Thermal Lake at Hévíz, Hungary
Wading in the thermal lake, Heviz, Hungary. Photo by: Heather Cowper

With a max depth of 38 meters/125 feet, this 4.4-hectare/2.8 acre-lake also has a few shallow areas that are great for wading. Visitors can rent flotation devices and foam noodles for lounging in the water.

Many parts of the lake are home to diverse plants, small animals, and fish. Water lilies are very common and dotted all the way up the shores.

Other Activities

Castle looking building in Hévíz, Hungary
Lake Bath in Hévíz, Hungary. Photo by: HTME

Even if soaking in hot springs isn’t your priority, Lake Hévz is an excellent pick for a vacation thanks to its many Western European spas and other wellness offerings. Indulge yourself with an underwater jet massage, the salt cave, the therapeutic mud pool, or a steam bath, to name a few options.

In addition to being a great place to relax, the area has a lot of fun things to do, like horseback riding, biking, hiking, and dining at some of the best restaurants in the region.

At the bathhouse, several health-related experiences are provided and tailored to athletes, dental wellness, diets, and people who need a closer look at their physical capabilities. These health programs can range from one day to several days.

Outdoor spa seating overlooking the Thermal Lake at Hévíz, Hungary
Lakeside seating in Heviz, Hungary. Photo by: Heather Cowper
Panorama of Lake Heviz before sunset in Hungary showing reflections of the forest on the water
The geological curiosity Hévíz Lake before sunset. Photo by: Tamás Matusik
180° Panorama of Lake Hévíz in Hungary
Geothermal lake in Hévíz where you can swim outside even in the wintertime. Photo by: Gerwin Sturm

Details

Address: Hévíz, 8380 Hungary

Phone: +36 83 540 131

Season: Year-round

Website: heviz.hu/hu

Patricia K

About Patricia K

Currently living in Arizona, Patti was born in Singapore, grew up in Taiwan, and has visited 25 different countries. This has been the fuel for her love of travel writing and sharing those experiences with others.

Previous Post: «A man and woman soaking in the Santa Rita Hot Springs in Mexico with another woman standing about to get in Santa Rita Hot Springs – Baja California Sur, Mexico
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