Lake Hévíz is the largest thermal bathing lake in Europe, a place where warm mineral water and drifting layers of mist create a scene that feels almost otherworldly. In summer, red water lilies imported from India float across its surface, giving the lake its distinctive postcard look.

Set on the border of the Zala Hills and the Keszthely Plateau, the lake is wrapped in a 50-hectare protective forest that shields it from wind and helps keep the water temperature remarkably stable year-round. In winter, steam rises off the surface while bathers soak in warm water surrounded by snow — a striking contrast that draws visitors in every season. Summer water temperatures reach 33-35°C, dropping to around 24-26°C in autumn and winter.

How to get there

• Hévíz town centre — short walk through the surrounding park to the lake entrance, a few minutes, easy
• Hévíz bus/train station — on foot to the bath entrance, approx. 15-20 minutes, easy

Practical information

• Entry to the lake area requires a paid ticket and follows spa regulations
• The mineral-rich water is used therapeutically for rheumatic, joint and post-injury conditions
• Red water lilies (Nymphaea rubra var. longiflora) bloom at night and close by late morning
• The lake is fed by a 38-metre-deep spring cave delivering 410 litres of water per second

Fun fact: the first raft-built bathhouse was constructed here in 1772 on the initiative of György Festetics, and the lake has been on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list since 2003.