Heviz (with audio guide) – the largest thermal lake in the world, Hungary
Hungary, Heviz – the largest thermal lake in the world:
Heviz lake is the largest thermal lake in the world, which is adapted for swimming.
The healing thermal lake Heviz is the reason of the attraction of so many people from all over the globe.
Heviz lake is located in the town with the same name, about 190 km far from Hungarian capital Budapest city in Europe.
You can get from Budapest Nepliget bus station to Heviz by the comfortable bus. Around 3 hours along the highway and you are on spot.
It takes only about 15-20 minutes to walk around the lake, enjoying the forest and fresh air.
Maximum depth of lake Heviz reaches 38 meters, and its average depth is 2 meters.
The thermal bath centre is situated in the middle of the lake.
The temperature of water inside the thermal bath centre is about +32 C.
There is cave on the bottom of the lake, where two thermal sources with the temperature +38 and +42 C and one mineral source with temperature of +17 C flow and mix with each other. So the temperature of water outside the centre reaches about +28 C.
The water in the lake becomes absolutely renewed in the natural way every 72 hours. There is healing water in the lake but everything healthy until you know its measure, so it is not recommended to swim in the lake more than 1,5 hours.
Heviz thermal lake became famous in the 18th century and in the end of 18th century the thermal bath was built on the lake.
Heviz lake became popular thanks to Hungarian aristocrat Festetics, who worked on local infrastructure improvement. He built baths here.
Mr. Festetics also told his fellow citizens about the healing lake.
Around the lake gradually bagan to grov the village. New holidy houses and resorts were built here.
1992 Heviz got its town status.
At the beginning of 21st century Heviz became one of the most famous resort centres in Europe.
Water lilies on the lake - the symbol of Heviz. They were brought by a botanist scientist from India.
The depth of the thermal lake in the bath centre starts from 2 meters but it is possible to rent the swimming ring for some extra charge inside the thermal bath centre.
Those who do not feel very confident at depth, you should definitely take such a swimming ring, which makes feel more comfortable and safe.
Along the perimeter of the thermal bath centre and outdoors handrails are installed in the water, which you can hold while swimming.
You can buy or rent bathing accessories in the store of the thermal bath centre or visit the cafe, if you are hungry during the swimming without leaving the centre.
To enter the thermal bath you get a bracelet, which opens/closes your locker/cabin and indicates the time that you spend in the bath centre.
The price for entrance ticket can vary depending on how much time you would like to spend in the thermal bath centre and which bath zones you would like to visit.
It is possible to combine leisure on the lake (entrance to water from the building in the middle of the lake, which is connected by two corridors from different entrances) and leisure in wellness-centre with its saunas and jacuzzi, which is situated in another building on the bank of the lake.
In the basic price of the ticket included the entrance to the thermal bath centre in the middle of the lake, where you can comfortably swim even in winter time and you won't have to swim outside, although there is such a possibility, but the water will be much colder there.
All the necessary facilities like shower, cabin for clothes changing, hair dryers and everything necessary that will help you to tidy yourself after bathing.
Heviz is a very cozy, clean and compact small resort town, where locates the legendary thermal lake. Everything is within walking distance here.
Be aware, if you would like to go to the cafe or restaurant, most of them will be closed in Heviz in the evening. And you will have to go farther from the center of the town.
We stayed at the hotel Danubius Health Spa Resort Heviz 4*
Here you can visit thermal bath centre with pools and saunas, get some consultation by the professional doctor and receive medical treatment...