With an area of 47500 square meters, it’s quite surprising that the water of the lake is completely changed within 85 hours by its spring rushing up at a depth of 38 meters. The curative effect of the lake was known since the times of the ancient Romans, although it’s “only” in the last 200 years that there are treatments taking place there.

Lake Hévíz combines naturally carbonated medicinal waters with other kind of waters containing sulphur, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen-carbonate. Some waters even have a slightly radioactive content, while it is said that one of the possible causes of the curative effects of the lake is due to bacteria, which is indeed the dominant life form present here, thanks to the unique temperature (26C to 28C even in winter!) and chemical composition of the waters.  One of the best curative features is the Hévíz mud, which is a pretty unique kind of mud. It contains radium-salts and reduced sulphuric solutions, and it you can find both organic and inorganic substances; a rather unique medicinal combination.

Due to all these qualities in the waters and in the mud it’s no surprise that thriving health tourism industry has grown in the area, with hospitals, hotels and wellness centers. Whether you plan to go for health reasons, or simply to relax and pamper yourself, Lake Hévíz can offer you pure bliss.

Located almost half way between Budapest and lake Balaton there is lake Velence, the third biggest natural still water in Hungary.  In summer sunny beaches and pleasantly warm waters (which happen to contain also a large amount of mineral salts) make this spot perfect for sun lovers.

All kind of accommodations are available, from cheap pensions campsites and motels to the luxury of the 183 rooms of the recently opened Velence Resort and Spa, which boasts 11 indoor and outdoor pools – thermal baths, adventure pools, kids’ pool – which adds up to 1,000 m2 total water area, in case the lake is not enough for you!

The mountains surrounding the lake are perfect for a good hike, but if you prefer something less energetic like fishing the good news is that the lake is extremely rich in fish, especially carps. Bird watching is particularly favorable too, with 28 bird species breeding regularly here and plenty more transiting during the autumn and spring migration.

From outdoor activities to luxurious Spas looks like Lake Velence, or Velencei-tó in Hungarian, offers something that is able to please all needs.