Lake Heviz, Zala, Hungary

The Red Indian water lilies stretch on thin stems to reach above the surface of 11-acre Lake Heviz. Introduced to Hungary in 1898, the fuchsia teacup-shaped flowers have become the symbol for the thermal lake – the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Today the purple-pink flowers mix with blue and white water lilies to dot the surface of the lake and delight swimmers and…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Heviz! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake Heviz cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.


All About Lake Heviz, Hungary

The Red Indian water lilies stretch on thin stems to reach above the surface of 11-acre Lake Heviz. Introduced to Hungary in 1898, the fuchsia teacup-shaped flowers have become the symbol for the thermal lake – the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Today the purple-pink flowers mix with blue and white water lilies to dot the surface of the lake and delight swimmers and visitors seeking the curative powers of Heviz Lake.

Tucked away in western Hungary, Heviz Lake is a natural thermal lake, fed by hot and cold springs originating in an underwater spring cave. The spring water mixes and travels through a narrow passage and into the lake. The cave was explored in 1975, but in order to protect the valuable national resource, cave diving is only allowed with special permission. The springs replace the waters of Lake Heviz every three and a half days, preserving the lake’s excellent water quality. The surface water temperature of Lake Heviz averages 91.4 degrees fahrenheit and never drops below 78.8 degrees fahrenheit. The 131 feet deep lake is also unique because unlike most thermal lakes, its bottom is peat.

Lake Heviz is part of a 150-acre nature conservation area including the spring cave and marshland. The marshland and trees that surround the lake form a microclimate that supports some plants and microorganisms that can only be found in Lake Heviz. Trails around the lake provide public access to explore the protected area. The Vilmos Schulhof Promenade meanders past beaches and displays of public art and leads to the lake’s main entrance.

For a modest fee, the best way to explore Lake Heviz is from the water itself. The waters are believed by many to have curative powers, and people have been coming to them since Roman times to enjoy the benefits. The first floating wooden bath house was built at the outlet of the lake in 1795, and in 1868 a bathing resort was built on the west shore of the lake. Fire claimed part of the complex in the late 1980’s, but the damaged parts were rebuilt and it looks almost the same as it did when it was first constructed. The distinctive architecture of the Heviz Spa and bath house makes it instantly recognizable. With its dark timbers, white walls, red roof and spires, it sprawls across the center of the lake. Visitors can enjoy massages and detox treatments or spend the day floating and swimming in the water of Heviz Lake.

The area around Heviz Lake has grown to serve the tourists that come to the lake, and there are holiday cottages and vacation rentals in the town of Heviz as well as hotels, restaurants, shops and galleries. The town of Heviz is two hours from Budapest, making Lake Heviz a great day trip or a fantastic stand-alone destination for anyone who wants or needs the restorative power of the lake. Sheltered by the tree-lined shore, floating with the water lilies in the lake’s warm water, Lake Heviz is a world of its own.

Things to Do at Lake Heviz

These are some activities in the Lake Heviz, Hungary area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Hiking
divider

Find Places to Stay at Lake Heviz

If you’re considering a Lake Heviz lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Sites to Book a Lake Heviz Vacation

Our interactive Lake Heviz lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Check TripAdvisor
Check Expedia
Find a Campspot
All Travel Resources

Lake Heviz Statistics & Helpful Links

divider

Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

Surface Area: 11 acres

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 348 feet

Maximum Depth: 131 feet

Water Residence Time: 3.5 Days

Trophic State: Oligotrophic to mesotrophic

We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

Shop Lake Heviz Gifts

Custom Lake Tumblers

Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake T Shirt

Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

SHOP NOW
VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

More Lake Heviz news from LakeLubbers.com

  • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
  • The Lake Heviz forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
  • New Lake Heviz photos coming soon!
  • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
  • Share this Lake Heviz article with your fellow LakeLubbers: