Plizio Visual Lab

Hévíz

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°2138
Hévíz (Hungary)
ℹ️

Practical info — Hévíz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the lake early in the morning to avoid the crowds and see the rising steam.
  • Parking near the lake is paid almost everywhere; use the large central parking lot.
  • Have dinner at the Egregy wine hill, where cozy cellars offer a great atmosphere.
  • Bring a swim ring as the lake water is very deep and can be tiring for some.

🍽 Food

🍽
Grilled Fish

Try the zander or trout at the fish stalls near the main entrance.

🍽
Egregy Wines

Visit the wine cellars on the hill for a glass of local Kéknyelű.

🍽
Lángos

Find this classic Hungarian snack at the local farmers' market.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Hévíz Farmers' Market

Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with authentic local goods.

🛍
Mud Cosmetics

Look for soaps and creams made from the Hévíz therapeutic mud in local shops.

🧘
Schulhof Vilmos Promenade

A beautiful, shaded park that surrounds the thermal lake.

🧘
Árpád-era Church in Egregy

A tiny 13th-century church on the hilltop in a very peaceful setting.

Highlights of 2026

2

Hotel fire in Hévíz forces evacuation of nearly 300 people

A fire broke out in the basement of a hotel in Hévíz, leading to the temporary evacuation of nearly 300 people. No injuries were reported, and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly.

Hévíz inheritance sparks controversy in German politics

A German retiree who passed away in Hévíz left his multi-million euro fortune to the German AfD party. The case has sparked legal disputes and political repercussions in both Germany and Hungary.

Lake Hévíz is the world's largest biologically active natural thermal lake, covering a surface area of 4.4 hectares in southwestern Hungary. The lake is fed by a spring cave located 38 meters underground, which provides such a massive water output that the entire volume of the lake is completely replaced every 72 hours. During the summer, water temperatures range between 33-35 degrees Celsius, and even in the depth of winter, it remains above 24 degrees, allowing for year-round outdoor swimming. The lake bed is uniquely composed of a thick layer of medicinal peat, and the water surface is famous for the red Indian water lilies introduced in the late 19th century. Significant development of the spa facilities began in the late 18th century under the ownership of the Festetics family, who established the first wooden bathhouses. Today, Hévíz is a premier international health destination specializing in rheumatology and rehabilitation, combining historical traditions with modern medical treatments. Hévíz retained its lead in Hungarian medical tourism in 2024-2025, with hotels around the thermal lake reporting strong German, Austrian and Czech visitor numbers boosted by the weak forint.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151116212322171150
Rain mm344141397177717274564942

Geography

Population
4,438
Coordinates
46.78330, 17.18330

Facts

  • Total surface area: 4.4 hectares
  • Spring cave depth: 38 meters
  • Winter water temperature: minimum 24°C
  • Full water exchange: every 72 hours
  • Introduction of water lilies: in 1898
  • Establishment of the spa: in 1795

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hévíz (13)

Holy Spirit Church🏺 historical

The modern Holy Spirit Roman Catholic church stands out with its seven blue towers symbolizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is the most prominent sacred building in town.

Egregy Wine Cellars🍽 culinary

The historical wine district in Egregy is famous for its cozy wine cellars and the characterful white wine grown on volcanic soil.

Tomb of the Roman Soldier🏺 historical

A well-preserved late Roman brick grave from the 4th century discovered in the Egregy district. It testifies to the early settlement of the region.

Town Hall and Nymphae Fountain🏙 civic

The modern town hall on Town Hall Square features a carillon and hosts the Nymphae fountain in front of it, which is a popular photo spot.

Heart of Jesus Church🏺 historical

A welcoming 20th-century church in Egregy, often referred to as the "Fradi church" due to its green and white color scheme.

Hévíz Farmers' Market🍽 culinary

A popular market where local producers sell fresh food, handicrafts, and regional specialties directly to visitors and residents.

Lake Hévíz🌿 nature

The world's largest biologically active natural thermal lake. Its water is completely replaced every 72 hours and the surface is dotted with beautiful water lilies.

Dr. Schulhof Vilmos Promenade🎡 recreation

A scenic walking path next to the lake, lined with plane trees and historical villas, leading to the main entrance of the thermal bath.

Arborétum🌿 nature

A nature reserve and arboretum in Heiwis.

Természetvédelmi terület🌿 nature

A protected nature reserve in Heiwis.

Szent Magdolna-templom📍 landmark

A famous Arpadian-era church in the Egregy district of Heiwis.

MÁV 326📍 landmark

A historic steam locomotive exhibited as a monument in Heiwis.

Kolping kültéri strand👨‍👩‍👧 family

An outdoor pool in Hévíz for relaxed swimming in the open air.

Frequently asked questions

How warm is the water in winter?
Thanks to the abundant spring, the water temperature does not drop below 24-26 degrees Celsius even in the depths of winter.
Can children swim in the thermal lake?
For children under 12, bathing is medically not recommended due to the water's strong hormonal effects.
What is the recommended bathing duration?
Doctors recommend a maximum of 30 minutes at a time to avoid overstraining the circulatory system.
Do you need to know how to swim to use the lake?
The lake is deep (up to 38m); rental swim rings are available for everyone and are part of the Hévíz tradition.
Are there mud treatments at the lake?
Yes, the lake bed is covered with a thick layer of medicinal mud, which is used for medical wraps and therapies.
Hévíz: where is it located?
Hévíz is located in Zala, Hungary.
Hévíz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Holy Spirit Church, Egregy Wine Cellars, Tomb of the Roman Soldier.
Hévíz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hévíz: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Hévíz is the world's largest biologically active natural thermal lake, covering a surface area of 4.4 hectares in southwestern Hungary.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Hungary →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places