Lake Hévíz
Hévíz, Hungary
A thermal lake fed by a hot spring and widely billed as Europe's largest natural thermal lake, where you can swim among water lilies in warm water. Bring flip-flops for the changing area and plan to go in the cooler months for the steam.
Lake Hévíz has a surface area of about 47,500 square metres and a maximum depth of 38 metres. It is fed by two thermal springs in a cave; the main spring supplies about 90 per cent of the water at 41 °C. The water is completely replaced every three and a half days. In summer the lake reaches 33 to 35 °C, in winter it falls to about 22 °C. Red water lilies have grown here since 1898.
You can bathe in the lake and, as is usual at thermal spas, make use of the healing water and mud; the water is considered beneficial for rheumatic complaints. Hévíz is about 8 km from Keszthely on Lake Balaton. Allow two to three hours for a bathing visit. In winter steam rises from the lake, and it is quieter than in summer.
- Nearest town
- Hévíz, Hungary
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.7906, 17.1883
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Hungary: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hévízi Castrum Gyógykemping és PanzióCampsite1 km from Lake Hévíz
- Tündérkert KempingCampsite8 km from Lake HévízTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Eldorádó Kemping, CampsiteCampsite11 km from Lake HévízTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWi-Fi
- Kócsag kempingCampsite12 km from Lake HévízTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- TekergőCampsite14 km from Lake HévízTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Badacsony CampingCampsite24 km from Lake HévízTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
All campsites in Hungary · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lake Hévíz?
Lake Hévíz is in Hévíz, Hungary, at GPS 46.7906, 17.1883. It is about 5 km from Keszthely.
Can you camp near Lake Hévíz?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hévízi Castrum Gyógykemping és Panzió, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Lake Hévíz?
Places worth a stop nearby: Festetics Palace (5 km), Tihany Abbey (55 km), Veszprém Castle District (64 km) and Kőszeg Old Town (83 km).
When is the best time to visit Lake Hévíz?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)