Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Velence

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Velence is the third largest natural lake in Hungary, covering an area of approximately 26 square kilometers in Fejér County, halfway between Budapest and Lake Balaton. It is renowned as one of the warmest lakes in Europe; its shallow average depth of 1.5 meters allows it to heat up quickly in the sun, reaching summer temperatures as high as 28 degrees Celsius. About one-third of the lake surface is covered by reeds, providing a critical nesting ground for bird species, especially within the Dinnyés nature reserve on the southwestern shore. To the north, the lake is bordered by the Velence Mountains, famous for their unique granite rock formations known as the wobbling stones. Water levels are strictly managed via nearby reservoirs to prevent the lake from drying up, a phenomenon that has occurred several times throughout history. The southern shore towns of Velence, Gárdony, and Agárd are major holiday destinations featuring numerous beaches and recreational infrastructure.

Location: Fejér, Hungary
Top sights: Napsugár Strand · H2O Akváriumház · Agárd, Tini Szabadstrand
Nearby: Velence (Lake Velence) (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	6	12	17	21	24	23	18	12	6	0
Rain mm	37	41	39	34	63	67	62	60	59	50	42	42

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Lake Velence is conveniently located next to the M7 motorway and also has excellent rail links between Budapest and Székesfehérvár. The train stations of Velence, Gárdony, and Agárd are all situated in close proximity to the shore.

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Best season

Visitors primarily come from June to August when the shallow water is pleasantly warm for swimming and water sports. In the off-season, the area features quiet conditions for hiking and cycling in the surrounding hills.

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Terrain & paths

The shore area is almost entirely flat and is encircled by a well-developed cycling path. Beaches are often landscaped as manicured grass lawns with direct water access, while parts of the lake are densely covered with reeds.

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What to bring

For a day at the lake, swimwear, towels, and a high-protection sun cream are the most important items. If you want to go around the lake, plan for a safe bicycle or comfortable walking shoes, as the route is approximately 30 km long.

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Parking

There are numerous parking lots in the resorts around the lake, both directly at the beaches and in the town centers. Many parking lots are subject to a fee during the summer season, while they can often be used for free in the off-season.

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Safety

Be sure to observe the acoustic and optical signals of the storm warning system, as the weather on the lake can change very quickly. The water is usually very shallow near the shore, which makes the lake particularly safe for families with small children.

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Time needed

Visitors usually spend between 4 hours for a short swim and a complete day for a family outing. Active sportspeople need about half a day for a leisurely cycle around the entire Lake Velence.

Geography

Coordinates

47.20000, 18.60000

Facts

Total surface area: 26 square kilometers
Average water depth: 1.5 meters
Maximum summer water temperature: 28°C
Percentage of reed coverage: approx. 33%
Age of the Velence granite: approx. 300 million years
Distance from Budapest: approx. 45 kilometers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Velence<1 km · WExplore →

Gárdony1 km · EExplore →

Agárd2 km · SEExplore →

Velence (Lake Velence)6 km · NEExplore →

Velence Mountains7 km · NWExplore →

Pázmánd Watermill10 km · NEExplore →

Bory Castle11 km · WExplore →

Lake Pazmand12 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Velence (10)

Napsugár Strand

Beach resort on Lake Velence, grassy shore and shallow water.

🕒 08:00-20:00💶

H2O Akváriumház

Aquarium featuring freshwater fish and reptiles.

🌐 akvariumhaz.hu

Agárd, Tini Szabadstrand

Free public beach in Agárd, popular among teenagers.

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Park strand

Beach within a park, shaded areas and gentle water entry.

Nádasdy-kastély

Baroque castle surrounded by an English park.

Agárdi Gyógy- és Termálfürdő

Thermal bath with indoor and outdoor pools, medicinal water.

Agárd Thermal Bath and Spa

Thermal bath with saunas and wellness treatments.

Velencei-tavi Galéria

Art gallery hosting contemporary exhibitions.

Gárdonyi Géza szülőháza🏛 museum

Birthplace of writer Géza Gárdonyi, now a museum.

Gárdonyi rönkvár

Log castle, reconstruction of a medieval wooden fortress.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lake Velence from Budapest?

It takes 40-50 minutes by train from Déli or Kelenföld station. By car, use the M7 highway.

Is it possible to cycle around the lake?

Yes, there is a well-maintained, approximately 30 km long bike path around the lake, mostly flat and family-friendly.

Which are the best beaches at Lake Velence?

The most popular beaches are in Velence (Velence Korzó), Gárdony, and Agárd, often with sandy shores.

Is the lake suitable for families with small children?

Yes, the water is very shallow and warms up quickly, making it handy for small children.

Where is the best place for birdwatching?

The Dinnyési-fertő nature reserve on the southwest shore is an excellent spot with lookout towers for birdwatching.

Lake Velence: where is it located?

Lake Velence is located in Fejér, Hungary.

Lake Velence: what is there to see?

Highlights include Napsugár Strand, H2O Akváriumház, Agárd, Tini Szabadstrand.

Lake Velence: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lake Velence: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Velence is the third largest natural lake in Hungary, covering an area of approximately 26 square kilometers in Fejér County, halfway between Budapest and Lake Balaton.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →