Lake Heviz
The largest freshwater lake in Europe, Lake Balaton, is situated in Central Hungary. It is a very popular holiday resort and well known throughout Europe. But, what many people do not know is that situated just 6 kilometres away from Lake Balaton is Lake Héviz, Europe’s largest thermal lake.
In the summer, when the temperature of the water in the lake averages 32ºC, Indian water lilies bloom across its surface and in the winter the water temperature rarely drops below 25ºC. Lake Héviz has such voluminous springs feeding it that the water in the entire lake replenishes itself every 24 hours.Wooden catwalks built over the lake allow easy access for swimming and it is around 40 meters deep in the centre.
Around the edge there is soft, slightly radioactive mud that is used in the treatment of joint diseases and nervous disorders. The mineral content of the water, which has a faint smell of sulphur, is said to cure a multitude of disorders but it is so concentrated that it is recommended that no more than 20 minutes at a time is spent soaking in the water.
The Romans built the first spa bath on the shores of Lake Héviz over 200 years ago in 1795. As well as the outdoor swimming area of the lake there are also indoor swimming pools. Although there are numerous tourist who visit the spa from all over the world the Hungarians themselves still make full use of the treatments on offer viewing them as a health necessity rather than a luxury. Treatments such as mud packs, relaxation therapy, underwater & traditional massage or soaking are an example of the treatments you can expect.A thriving tourist trade has established itself around the lake where you can find excellent hotels and guest houses to suit every budget as well as services such as dentists, doctors and even plastic surgeons. It is a place well worth a visit!
In the summer, when the temperature of the water in the lake averages 32ºC, Indian water lilies bloom across its surface and in the winter the water temperature rarely drops below 25ºC. Lake Héviz has such voluminous springs feeding it that the water in the entire lake replenishes itself every 24 hours.Wooden catwalks built over the lake allow easy access for swimming and it is around 40 meters deep in the centre.
Around the edge there is soft, slightly radioactive mud that is used in the treatment of joint diseases and nervous disorders. The mineral content of the water, which has a faint smell of sulphur, is said to cure a multitude of disorders but it is so concentrated that it is recommended that no more than 20 minutes at a time is spent soaking in the water.
The Romans built the first spa bath on the shores of Lake Héviz over 200 years ago in 1795. As well as the outdoor swimming area of the lake there are also indoor swimming pools. Although there are numerous tourist who visit the spa from all over the world the Hungarians themselves still make full use of the treatments on offer viewing them as a health necessity rather than a luxury. Treatments such as mud packs, relaxation therapy, underwater & traditional massage or soaking are an example of the treatments you can expect.A thriving tourist trade has established itself around the lake where you can find excellent hotels and guest houses to suit every budget as well as services such as dentists, doctors and even plastic surgeons. It is a place well worth a visit!
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