Hévíz, a quaint spa town nestled in Zala County, western Hungary, lies about 8 kilometers southwest of Keszthely and roughly 190 kilometers from the capital, Budapest. Renowned globally for its extraordinary natural thermal lake—the largest biologically active thermal lake in the world—Hévíz serves as a premier destination for health, wellness, and relaxation tourism. The name "Hévíz" translates from Hungarian as "hot water," aptly capturing its geothermal essence. Spanning a modest 8.31 square kilometers with a population density of 558 people per square kilometer, the town harmoniously merges stunning natural landscapes, rich historical layers, and state-of-the-art spa amenities, positioning it as one of Hungary's most sought-after spots beyond Budapest.
Protected Wetland, Protected Forest, and Park
The area surrounding
Lake Hévíz encompasses a 50-hectare protected forest and park, which
contributes to the region's unique microclimate beneficial for
respiratory health. This deciduous woodland acts as a natural shield,
moderating temperatures and humidity while supporting local
biodiversity. Adjacent wetlands, part of the lake's ecosystem, are
safeguarded to preserve the peat bogs and rare flora, such as water
lilies, that thrive in the geothermal environment. These protected zones
offer walking paths and observation points, emphasizing sustainable
tourism to mitigate environmental impacts from visitors.
Dr.
Vilmos Schulhof Promenade and Walking Street (Rákóczi Street)
The Dr.
Vilmos Schulhof Promenade is a scenic walkway encircling the thermal
lake, starting from the "winter bath" building at the end of the
pedestrian zone and extending to the lake's main entrance. Lined with
shady sycamore trees, benches, and views of the lake on one side and
historic buildings of the Szent András Reumakórház (built in the 1870s
and remodeled in the early 1900s) on the other, it's ideal for leisurely
strolls. Connecting to it is Rákóczi Street, a vibrant pedestrian zone
linking Széchenyi Street (the main thoroughfare) to the promenade. This
street features boutiques, cafes, ice cream parlors, restored 1920s
villas now serving as apartments and eateries, and the Tourinform Office
for tourist info and bike rentals. Midway, the id. Dr. Moll Károly
Square hosts a fountain and a bronze statue of Dr. Károly Moll, inventor
of the weight bath therapy in the 1950s. The promenade and street
together form a hub for relaxation and exploration, enhanced by seasonal
events.
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church
In 1998, the
striking seven-towered Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church was
consecrated, though its foundation stone was laid in May 1996 by Bishop
József Szendi, with construction completing in three years based on
architect János Bocskai's plans. As Hévíz's largest church with a
seating capacity of about 1,000, it blends modern and traditional
elements, featuring seven towers symbolizing the Holy Spirit's gifts.
The interior boasts wooden paneling for excellent acoustics (hosting
organ concerts), colorful handmade Gothic-style windows by local artist
Endre Simon, a restored 200-year-old torso cross on the sanctuary wall
by Gyula Károlyi, bronze statues of Christ by László Marton, and lustre
glaze pictures by László Morvay. Four bells ring from the towers,
honoring saints and donors. Surrounded by garden statues, it serves as a
landmark visible from afar, guiding visitors to the town center.
13th Century Church in Egregy
The 13th-century Árpád-era church,
dedicated originally to St. Catherine of Alexandria and later to St.
Magdalena after a 1731 Baroque renovation, stands in Egregy, a formerly
independent medieval settlement now part of Hévíz. First documented in
1341, this oriented church with a straight sanctuary, single nave, and
three-story tower (featuring double and triple windows and an octagonal
helmet roof) survived damages from the 16th-17th centuries and multiple
restorations (1860, 1912, 1964-65, 1990, 1991, 2015). Surrounded by a
graveyard, it includes Roman-era baptizing pool fragments and a medieval
consecrated cross. The interior's northern wall chambers and
folk-art-inspired wall paintings (non-medieval) add to its charm.
Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views and represents one of three
intact Árpád-age churches near Lake Balaton.
National Blue Tour
The National Blue Tour (Országos Kéktúra), Europe's oldest long-distance
hiking trail established in 1938, passes through Hévíz as part of its
1,170 km route across northern Hungary from Írott-kő Mountain on the
Austrian border to Hollóháza village in the east. Divided into 27
sections with a total elevation gain of over 30,000 meters, it traverses
diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and historic sites. In
Hévíz, hikers can stamp their trail passports at designated points,
enjoying the thermal area's paths that connect to broader routes like
the European E4 Path. It's popular for its blend of natural beauty,
cultural heritage, and accessibility, attracting thousands annually for
multi-day treks or day hikes.
Egregy Wine Bars
Egregy's wine
bars and cellars, nestled on the vineyard-covered hills, are famed for
their gastronomic offerings and hospitable atmosphere. This district,
with its rolling vineyards and panoramic views, features traditional
cellars serving local varietals like Olaszrizling and Kékfrankos, paired
with hearty Hungarian dishes. Visitors can enjoy tastings, rustic meals
in cozy pubs, and summer festivals. The area, reachable by tourist train
or bus, combines wine culture with nearby historic sites, making it a
perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon walk or evening dining.
Reformed Lutheran Church
Built between 1995 and 1998 based on 1941
plans by architect Bálint Szeghalmy, the Reformed Lutheran Church serves
both Calvinist and Lutheran communities in Hévíz. Featuring marble
decorations reminiscent of Transylvanian Hungarian churches and
intricate woodworks, it includes a bell donated by the Borsos family
under its open tower arch. Constructed with local government support and
donations, it hosts services and gatherings, reflecting the town's
Protestant minority while welcoming international visitors.
Church of the Heart of Jesus in Egregy
The Church of the Heart of
Jesus in Egregy comprises a Roman-style belfry from the early 20th
century (1905, with a third floor added in 1937) and a nave built in
1994-1995 by architect János Bocskai, consecrated in 1995. Known as the
"Fradi Church" due to support from the Ferencváros Sport Club (reflected
in its green-and-white interior and memorial corner), it houses bells
honoring Maria Magdalena and war heroes. Surrounded by Roman ruins
(excavated in 2004), it includes World War memorials: a stone table for
WWI victims with planted trees and a tablet for WWII fallen. This small
church blends history with community ties in the picturesque Egregy
district.
Town Hall and the Square in Front, with Nymphae
Fountain
Hévíz's Town Hall, at 1 Kossuth Lajos Street, was built
between 1998 and 1999 on the former townhouse site and inaugurated on
September 9, 1999. Spanning 3,367 m², it houses government offices, a
200-seat conference/theater hall, and an elliptical tower with an
18-bell carillon that plays daily, accompanied by parading puppets
(e.g., the mayor, mermaids, and a child). The front square features the
Nymphae fountain, evoking mythical water nymphs, and serves as a
gathering spot for events, blending administrative function with
artistic charm.
Pantheon of the City of Hévíz
The Pantheon,
unveiled on June 8, 1996, on the external wall of the winter bath
building, commemorates Hévíz's 200th anniversary as a spa town.
Sponsored by political organizations, the town, and the Spa-Hospital, it
honors key figures in the city's history. Inside the foyer, the Jupiter
stone artifact attests to ancient Roman habitation from 2,000 years ago,
linking past and present.
Sculpture Park
The Hévíz Sculpture
Park, located in the Lake Spa's green spaces, showcases public artworks
across the town, with statues on nearly every street—many by renowned
sculptor László Marton. It includes busts of Hungarian literary icons
like Zsigmond Móricz (by László Kutas), Mihály Csokonai Vitéz (by József
Rátonyi), and Dániel Berzsenyi (by Tibor Rieger), blending art with
nature for an open-air gallery experience.
St. Andrew on the
Cross
This refers to a historic 200-year-old torso cross in the Holy
Spirit Church's sanctuary, restored by Gyula Károlyi, symbolizing St.
Andrew's martyrdom on an X-shaped cross. As the patron saint of the
rheumatism hospital, it ties into Hévíz's healing heritage, with nearby
statues and reliefs enhancing the spiritual landscape.
Hévíz Spa
and St. Andrew's Rheumatism Hospital
The Hévíz Spa complex and St.
Andrew's Rheumatism Hospital form the core of the town's wellness
offerings, utilizing Lake Hévíz's thermal waters for treatments since
the 19th century. The hospital, established in the 1870s and expanded in
the early 1900s, specializes in musculoskeletal and nervous system
therapies like mud packs, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and underwater
traction. Over two dozen spa hotels provide carbon dioxide baths,
massages, and cryotherapy, attracting European patients for
doctor-recommended cures in a setting that evolved from Roman bath
traditions.
Tomb of a Roman Soldier
Discovered in 1925 in
Egregy, this 4th-century brick tomb from Emperor Constantinus II's era
contained artifacts like a bronze belt, iron knife, coins, and a
skeleton (now mostly in the Balaton Museum). It highlights Roman
presence, with the site open for viewing amid other ruins, offering
insights into ancient burial practices.
Historic Villas
Scattered along Rákóczi Street and the promenade, these elegant 1920s
villas have been restored into apartments, cafes, and shops, preserving
Art Deco and eclectic architecture. They reflect Hévíz's interwar
prosperity as a spa destination, adding charm to the pedestrian areas.
Roman Ruin Garden
The Roman Ruin Garden in Egregy features
excavated sites from the 1st-4th centuries AD, including a Villa Rustica
(2001-2004 dig), a late-1st-century cottage, a brick-burning kiln, and a
clay pot with 276 coins. With barefoot walking tracks, playgrounds, a
botanical garden, and a wish-ribbon bridge, it combines history with
interactive elements, showcasing Roman settlements drawn to the area's
therapeutic microclimate.
Museum Collection / Fontana Cinema
The Hévíz Museum Collection, on the top floor of a Setáló Street
building, offers permanent exhibits on town history, a memorial room for
Dr. Károly Moll, thermal bath memorabilia, and artist József Simon's
works, plus temporary art shows. Adjacent, the Fontana Cinema (renovated
in 2005 with digital tech) is a 104-seat art house theater screening
films in a historic setting.
Egregy Museum
Opened in 2016, the
Egregy Museum highlights the district's heritage through exhibits on
local viticulture, Roman artifacts, and medieval history. It complements
the area's wine cellars and churches, providing educational displays on
Egregy's evolution from an independent settlement to a vibrant part of
Hévíz.
Positioned in the temperate zone near Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, Hévíz benefits from a mild climate shaped by the surrounding Balaton uplands. At an elevation of 120-140 meters above sea level, the town is enveloped by rolling hills, lush forests, and protected wetlands that foster a tranquil environment. The centerpiece is Lake Hévíz, a unique peat-bottomed thermal lake spanning 4.4 hectares (47,500 square meters), nourished by a vigorous underground spring that discharges 410 liters of water per second at 40°C (104°F). This rapid replenishment cycle renews the lake's water entirely every 3.5 days, ensuring pristine quality and therapeutic efficacy. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally, averaging 33-35°C (91-95°F) in summer and staying above 24°C (75°F) in winter, enabling outdoor bathing year-round, including amid snowfall. The lake's mineral-rich mud, laden with sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and mild radon, is harvested for treatments targeting rheumatic, musculoskeletal, and inflammatory conditions. The area's ecosystem supports rare species, such as endemic bacteria that aid in natural purification, and it's recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity. Coordinates place Hévíz at 46°47′32″N 17°11′06″E, with the nearby Hévíz-Balaton Airport (formerly Sármellék International) facilitating access through seasonal charter flights from Europe and efficient train or bus links from Budapest (about a 2-hour drive).
Human utilization of Hévíz's thermal waters traces back to the late Stone Age, with archaeological evidence revealing prehistoric settlements that exploited the lake for bathing and healing. During the Roman era (1st-4th centuries AD), as part of the Pannonia province, the site flourished with villas, bathhouses, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for organized spa culture. Following the Roman withdrawal, the area saw intermittent activity through the Middle Ages, including Árpád-era churches. The modern resurgence began in the 18th century under the influential Festetics family, lords of nearby Keszthely Castle. Count György Festetics commissioned the first scientific analyses of the lake's medicinal benefits in the 1790s, spurring the construction of initial bathing facilities and establishing Hévíz as a recognized health resort. By the 19th century, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it attracted European elites, prompting expansions in hotels, promenades, and amenities. After World War II, under communist governance, the spas were nationalized and upgraded to emphasize medical tourism. Preservation efforts continue, safeguarding Roman ruins like soldier tombs and medieval sites, while blending historical charm with contemporary appeal.
Lake Hévíz stands as a geological marvel, formed over thousands of years by geothermal forces, and ranks as the world's second-largest thermal lake overall. Its waters, a blend of hot and cold springs from a 38-meter-deep cave, maintain biological stability and contain beneficial elements like radon, which enhance blood circulation, alleviate inflammation, and promote detoxification. The surface often features vibrant water lilies that flourish in the warmth, creating a scenic, almost ethereal atmosphere. Bathing involves floating in the buoyant, mineral-saturated waters—visitors frequently use inflatable rings for support given the lake's depth reaching 38 meters at the center. The Hévíz Spa complex encircles the lake, offering a range of facilities including indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, mud therapies, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and massages. Ongoing research validates its efficacy for ailments like arthritis, fibromyalgia, spinal issues, and post-operative rehabilitation. The lake's self-sustaining ecosystem, with unique microorganisms, ensures cleanliness without heavy chemical intervention.
Tourism, particularly wellness-focused, dominates Hévíz's economy, drawing over one million visitors annually and generating substantial revenue through spa services, accommodations, and related activities. Major hotel chains such as Danubius and Hunguest operate luxury properties, while local vineyards in the Egregy district produce wines that enhance the visitor experience. Proximity to Lake Balaton amplifies appeal, combining thermal relaxation with boating, hiking, and cultural events. However, growth poses environmental challenges like increased pollution from traffic, addressed through sustainable initiatives such as water conservation and eco-friendly zoning. Recent economic boosts include the opening of Le Primore Hotel & SPA in spring 2025, Hungary's largest premium spa hotel, expected to elevate regional competitiveness and indicators. EU funding supports infrastructure, maintaining Hévíz's edge in the international wellness sector.
Hévíz's population stands at 4,634 (2015 figures), yielding a density of 558 per square kilometer. Predominantly ethnic Hungarian, the community includes minor German and other European groups, echoing its Central European crossroads history. The demographic profile leans older, attracted by the town's retirement-friendly wellness lifestyle, yet tourism infuses a cosmopolitan flair.
Cultural life in Hévíz revolves around its thermal heritage, with events celebrating local traditions. Annual highlights include Egregy wine festivals in summer and autumn, featuring tastings of regional varietals like Olaszrizling and Kékfrankos, paired with folk music and dances. Christmas markets offer artisanal crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. Cuisine emphasizes fresh, hearty Hungarian fare: goulash, fish soups from nearby Balaton, and spa-inspired light meals incorporating local herbs and produce. Cafeterias and restaurants along the promenade serve international options alongside traditional dishes like lángos (fried dough) and strudel.
As of 2025, Hévíz has seen several enhancements. In spring, the Le Primore Hotel & SPA opened, boosting luxury accommodations. July brought government funding of 381 million HUF (about 954,000 EUR) for a temporary bathhouse at the lake baths, alongside plans for long-term redevelopment, potentially reopening historic facilities. A new community event space was inaugurated on July 12, revitalizing public gatherings. August marked the completion of investments in public spaces, improving infrastructure for residents and tourists. These initiatives underscore Hévíz's commitment to sustainable growth, positioning it as an affordable, less-crowded alternative to famed spas like Bath, UK.
Hévíz exemplifies Hungary's thermal legacy, with internationally certified medical spas integrating tradition and innovation. Neighboring attractions like buffalo reserves and imperial castles enrich excursions, while sustainability efforts— including pollution mitigation—preserve its allure. The town hosts art exhibitions, live performances, and wellness workshops, making it a holistic retreat for body and mind.