Hévíz and the world's largest thermal lake (Hévíz)

This settlement, famous for its curative waters and bathing culture, has been a nationally important holiday resort since the 18th century. Hévíz is the world's largest thermal lake and not only therapeutic establishments, but also a lively social life developed around it.

The bathing scene had evolved in Hévíz by the late 18th century. Count György Festetics played a major role in its development establishing the so-called 'Old Estate' (Ótelep) on the left bank of the drainage canal leading from the medicinal lake.

Significant changes took place in the history of the baths during the early 20th century. By 1909 the Cure Salon ('Kurszalon') was completed, new bathing houses were built, and the characteristic double-turreted entrance to the baths was erected in 1907. The Sanatorium and Medicinal Hotel of Hévíz (Szanatórium és Gyógyszálloda) were also constructed around that time.

Hévíz grew to be Hungary's most important spa in 1911, with the start of an extensive hotel and resort building programme. In the 1950's the State Spa Hospital of Hévíz was established in the buildings of the spa estate, today St Andrew's State Hospital for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (Szent András Kórház).

Hungary's largest and most modern indoor therapy centre was erected here to expand the hospital's therapeutic services. Thus medicinal cures can be offered all year round. Numerous medicinal institutions and hotels exploit the beneficial effects of the spa water.

The most important of the area's natural assets is of course the vast lake of medicinal water. The flowering hot-water lilies on the open lake enhance the rarity of the lake; they appear here uniquely in Central Europe. Unsurprisingly, the flower is the town's symbol. The park of the Sanatorium is a protected heritage site, it is lined with horse-chestnut trees more than a decade old.

Hévíz was granted city status in 1992.

SIGHTS

Lake Hévíz

Hévíz, meaning thermal water in Hungarian, is the world's largest thermal lake with a surface area of 4.4 hectares. The water temperature in the cave from which it springs is 39.8 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the lake itself varies between 34 and 36 degrees Centigrade in the summer, but even in winter it does not dip below 26-29 degrees Centigrade.

The lake's mineral water gushes to the surface from a Trias-age dolomite layer into a spring cave 18 metres in diameter. At the spring the water is 38 metres deep. The water is in continual motion and thus the entire volume of the spring-fed lake changes completely in three and a half days.

The sulphurous water contains alkaline hydrocarbonate and is slightly radioactive. Benefits of the medicinal waters are utilised by a number of medical institutions and hotels but for the authentic Hévíz experience the visitor really must bathe in the waters of the lake itself.

A professor at the Keszthely School of Economics, Sándor Lovassy, began experimenting with naturalising 'lotus' flowers brought from India and Africa in 1898. A few years later Hévíz had become the only place in Central Europe where warm water lilies bloomed outdoors but only one, a pink variant of the India red water lily, actually became native to the lake. The flower became symbolic of Hévíz and was subsequently adapted into the city's coat of arms.

Roman Catholic church of the Holy Spirit

The seven towers on this modern Roman Catholic church consecrated in 1999 symbolise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The interior is fan shaped and the pews are placed around the altar in a semicircle.

The main altar carved from wood depicts a dove which holds the Holy Sacrament in its heart. The side altars are also dove shaped, as the church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The dove motif is continued in the stone mosaic below the cupola at the entrance.

The stained glass windows, the works of Endre Simon, were made possible by the donations of the citizens of Hévíz. Architect János Bocskay designed the church and the Aquincum Organ Factory delivered its 32-register organ.

Chapel

Once an independent hamlet, it is thought that Egregy's medieval church was built in the second quarter of the 13th century. The nave is lined with small booths for worshippers to sit and the walls show fragments of medieval and Baroque paintings.

The building, today a chapel and funeral hall, has conserved its puritan and rigid medieval atmosphere both inside and outside. An excellent view over the surrounding areas opens from here.

The chapel may be visited on prior arrangement.

Sanatorium Park

There are trees over 80-100 years old in this garden established in 1903. 15 types of pines, 34 types of deciduous trees and 23 types of shrubbery may be found in this park surrounding the main building of the hospital.

Among the particularly special tree types are the Caucasian, Colorado and silver firs, Eastern white, Scots and European black pines, spruce, and gingko trees along with yew.

Accommodation in Hévíz:

 http://www.hungaryrooms.com/hotels/Hévíz/

Map of Hévíz:

 http://www.hungaryrooms.com/map/Hévíz/

Sightseeings in Hévíz and its area »

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Customer reviews

Properties Hévíz and its area

Villa Erika  (Alsópáhok)Customer rating: 91% (3)

Relax in Erika Apartment which is situated in the most beuatiful street of Hévíz, and recover the greatest igneous/vulcanic spa of Europe with water temperature of 24-32 grade Celcius throuhout the year. The continuous evaporation of the water creates a cloud bank that gives you... more »Relax in Erika Apartment which is situated in the most beuatiful street of Hévíz, and recover the greatest igneous/vulcanic spa of Europe with water temperature of 24-32 grade Celcius throuhout the year. The continuous evaporation of the water creates a cloud bank that gives you unforgettable experience. electricity, gas, toilet paper,towel, bed linen, bathroom with shower, roofed terraces and parking possibility in closed courtyard. . You can choose from a wide range of programmes: pleasure trip in Lake Balaton, boating in cave lake of Tapolca which is a unique spectacle. Excursion in Sümeg with the historical castle-games, tastig of excellent wines ont he countryside, hiking around the Kis-Balaton, fishing opportunities and sightseeing by Dotto tourist train.For all these programs become you 10 % reduction.

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mn. 11 EUR pers/night

Antónia Wellness Vendégház  (Alsópáhok)Customer rating: 96% (3)

Modern family-style guest house of the thermal Spa Heviz 3 km away, in a quiet, peaceful, hilly surroundings, a spacious green garden with a beautiful view of the spa and the surrounding vineyards. The tastefully designed accommodation equipped with TV, Wi-Fi internet access, refrigerator, shower /... more »Modern family-style guest house of the thermal Spa Heviz 3 km away, in a quiet, peaceful, hilly surroundings, a spacious green garden with a beautiful view of the spa and the surrounding vineyards. The tastefully designed accommodation equipped with TV, Wi-Fi internet access, refrigerator, shower / toilet , balcony, the apartments are in addition to this well-equipped kitchen and dining room. Services of the Person: infrared, outdoor pool, sun terrace, gym, garden furniture, children's playground, grilling and stewing pot facilities, parking. Other services: breakfast, half board, full board, coffee shop , Jacuzzi, massage, bicycle rental. Children of accommodation to 4 years old free of charge!

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mn. 14.81 EUR pers/night

SAMADARE Ház  (Alsópáhok)

Notre nouveau maison familiale, ouverte en evril 2003, se troure à Alsópáhok, un des villages les plus pittoresques de la région ouest du lac Balaton, à proximité des beau endroits de la côte: Balatongyörök, Szigliget, Badacsony, Tapolca et sa célèbre grotte ou se trouve un lac, et Sümeg avec son... more »Notre nouveau maison familiale, ouverte en evril 2003, se troure à Alsópáhok, un des villages les plus pittoresques de la région ouest du lac Balaton, à proximité des beau endroits de la côte: Balatongyörök, Szigliget, Badacsony, Tapolca et sa célèbre grotte ou se trouve un lac, et Sümeg avec son châteua. De belles excursions permettent de découvrir les beautés de Hévíz (1 km), station thermale de grande renomée, Keszthely (2 km), Kisbalaton (9 km), Kallósd (9 km), Kehidakustány (9 km), Zalaszántó (15 km), Zalakaros (30 km), ou Zalaegerszeg (40 km). Les nombreuses pistes cyclables à la découverte de de cette belle région vallonnée. De nombreuses activités sportives, tennis, squash, minigolf, centre de remise en forme, quiles, bowling, bobsleigh, go-cart, tir à l'arc, deltaplane, chasse et équitation peuvent être exercées.

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Páhok Vendéglő-Panzió  (Alsópáhok)Customer rating: 84% (2)

Stylish country guesthouse near two healing spas. Only 1 km away from HÉVIZ and 8 km away from KEHIDA public beach and aquapark. "Páhok" Panzió also lies 7 km away from Balaton, 30 km away from Zalakaros and 35 km away from AquaCity in Zalaegerszeg. The delicious Hungarian cuisine and broad... more »Stylish country guesthouse near two healing spas. Only 1 km away from HÉVIZ and 8 km away from KEHIDA public beach and aquapark. "Páhok" Panzió also lies 7 km away from Balaton, 30 km away from Zalakaros and 35 km away from AquaCity in Zalaegerszeg. The delicious Hungarian cuisine and broad selection of local wines await the visitors.

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