A big review of Hungary’s small thermal resort town – Hévíz – and the world’s largest natural thermal lake, which bears the same name. This spa town and wine region is incredibly popular with Austrians and Germans. People come here for a week or two to restore their health, enjoy local wines, and relax both body and soul.

Heviz: General Information

  • Coordinates and Map: 46.79034810589519, 17.18670859743909
  • Hévíz is located about 185 km from Budapest and only 5–6 km from the town of Keszthely.
  • The first written mentions of Hévíz date back to the 14th century.

Good to Know:

Despite its long history, Hévíz is a tiny town with mostly modern buildings, lots of private houses, and small hotels. Don’t expect the grand historic architecture you’d find in Budapest — there are no 300–400-year-old buildings here.
pedestrian street in Hévíz
You’ll find a few pedestrian streets, a local market, a supermarket, and countless cozy cafés.

Interesting fact: Hévíz officially became a town only in 1996. Before that, it was just a village.

  • Today, the permanent population is around 5,000 people, but during high season it easily triples thanks to tourists.

Important:

You can visit Hévíz and its thermal lake all year round — winter is actually one of the best times! Winters in Hungary are mild; in January the average temperature is around +3 to +5°C. All about the weather and seasons in Hungary.

Many travelers ask about prices in Hévíz — for accommodation, food, and so on. The answer is simple: overall, Hévíz is slightly more expensive than other regions of Hungary, mainly when it comes to lodging. For everything else, prices are about average, similar to Budapest. About prices in Hungary.

How to Get to Hévíz: by Bus, Train, or Car

The easiest option is to drive: about two hours on good roads and you’re there. Renting a car in Hungary is pleasant, safe, and gives you the freedom to explore many more amazing places than public transport would allow.

There are no transport issues either:

  • Regular buses (routes 1188, 1193, 1194) run from Budapest to Hévíz. The trip takes 2–3 hours depending on the route, with 5–10 departures per day. A one-way ticket costs around €8.
    • You can check schedules and ticket prices on the carrier’s website: Volanbusz
Bus schedule Budapest Heviz
For example, in December there are about eight buses daily from Budapest; in summer, more than ten.
  • As for the train — it’s not the most convenient option since Hévíz has no railway station. The nearest one is in Keszthely. You can take a train from Budapest to Keszthely for €10–12, then continue by local bus or minibus (6 km, departures every 20 minutes). The Keszthely train and bus stations are right next to each other — about 50 meters apart.

Useful to Know:

Keszthely is a beautiful and relatively large town (around 20,000 residents) located on the shore of Lake Balaton. It’s the biggest town on the lake and, unlike Hévíz, has lovely medieval architecture, palaces, and plenty to see for history lovers. Many visitors from Hévíz come here for a day trip — to swim in Lake Balaton, visit the Festetics Palace, or simply stroll around the charming streets.
What to see in Heviz attractions
The Festetics Palace in Keszthely is open year-round and located just 6 km from Hévíz.

You can also check out my Keszthely city guide: where to eat, what to see, and the best beaches.

Where to Stay: Prices, Hotels, and Booking Tips

The most popular type of accommodation in Hévíz is small boutique hotels with 5–15 rooms. Location doesn’t really matter — everything in town is close by. There are also many apartments within private houses, where the owners live in one part and rent out another with a separate entrance.

heviz hungary
It’s not uncommon for such guesthouses to have their own small restaurant with delicious home-style food.

Here are a few important things to know:

  • If you stay in a hotel, you usually won’t have a kitchen — at best, a kettle in your room. Choose an option with breakfast included, as most cafés in Hévíz are closed in the morning.
  • If you need a kitchen, look specifically for apartments in the private sector.
  • The largest collection of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in Hévíz can be found on Trip.com. You can even rent rooms in private wineries, complete with wine cellars and homemade wine.
hungary heviz prices
The most common hotels in Hévíz are small, two- or three-story buildings with 5–10 rooms. Rooms typically don’t have kitchens.

Several hotels in Hévíz have their own spas and thermal pools. Here are the main ones:

  • Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa*** – Six pools with temperatures from 30 to 39°C. From €160 per night. Day spa entry for non-guests: from 12,000 HUF (about €30).
  • Ensana Thermal Hévíz** – Huge 200 m² pool with water jets, jacuzzis, and underwater massages, plus four thermal pools of varying temperatures. From €100 per night. Non-guests can also access the spa.
  • Hotel Spa Hévíz – The official hotel of the Tófürdő complex and the only one offering guests unlimited, free access to Lake Hévíz itself. Just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance. Downsides: an older building and high prices.
  • Ensana Thermal Aqua** – A newer hotel in the Ensana chain with a spa center for guests and a kids’ entertainment zone. Slightly pricier than the first Ensana — from €150 per night.
  • Bonvital Hotel Hévíz Superior Adults Only** – Adults 14+ only. From €110 per night. Includes its own spa center.
  • Hotel Carbona Thermal Spa** – Very upscale and luxurious (from €450 per night), though it only has two pools (indoor and outdoor).
  • Hotel Europa Fit** – Six pools, including children’s pools. From €160 per night.

Where to Eat in Hévíz: Restaurants and Street Food

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Hévíz — everything is tasty, and you can safely choose any restaurant you like. Most places serve European cuisine — pasta, pizza, Austrian sausages — but you’ll also find authentic Hungarian dishes. Below are a few of my personal dinner favorites.

  • On the main square (which also serves as the main parking area) there’s a cluster of cozy Hungarian restaurants. They pour local house wine and always have goulash and pörkölt on the menu. There are about six or seven restaurants in a row. One of the best is Kocsi Csárda (46.792000240217384, 17.191948811658456).
  • You’ll also find several lángos stalls around town — a beloved Hungarian street food made from fried dough topped with cheese and sauce. Absolutely delicious! The best lángos in Hévíz: 46.790043143725285, 17.190983431218136 — though the opening hours are a bit unpredictable; it’s closed more often than open, but worth checking when it is!
Hungary Heviz treatment
They serve amazing lángos and more — with draft beer and a few outdoor tables, perfect for a casual snack.

For more on traditional dishes, portion sizes, and what to try as a visitor, see my Guide to Hungarian Cuisine.

Lake Hévíz Thermal Bath: A Complete Guide

Now we move on to the main attraction of Hévíz.

Good to Know:

Hévíz doesn’t have any notable landmarks or medieval architecture — for that, you should go to nearby Keszthely. People come here for one reason: to experience the thermal lake of Hévíz. The town itself is tiny and cozy, with pedestrian streets, a small wine quarter, and a compact center you can walk through in about two hours. Life here flows slowly and peacefully, just as it should in a small spa town.
  • The lake is located almost in the very heart of Hévíz — and it’s the largest natural thermal lake in the world! Nearly perfectly round, it spans about 450 meters in diameter.
  • The water comes entirely from a thermal spring and is completely renewed every 48 hours.

On the lake sits the Tófürdő therapeutic and recreational complex, built directly over the source.

hungary lake treatment and sanatorium
Yes, Lake Hévíz is 100% thermal. You’ll notice the large wooden building in the center — that’s part of the complex, built on stilts above the spring. I’ll describe it more and show the interior below.

Prices, Opening Hours, and Renovation Updates

Between 2025 and 2027, the Hévíz thermal complex is undergoing major renovation. The information below is current as of November 2025.

Open areas include:

  • The Festetics Day Spa and Therapy Center (Kinesio-Lab)
  • The Wellness Center (included in the entrance ticket price)
  • Vital Bar and Medio Buffet
  • Indoor relaxation areas between the Festetics saunas and the Vital/Medio buildings (“C” and “D” on the map)
  • Outdoor lakeside area between the main entrance and the Festetics Day Spa (open seasonally)

Opening hours: Year-round. In high season, typically from 8:30 to 19:00 (winter closing around 16:00–17:00). Always double-check the current schedule online.

Ticket Prices (During Renovation Period)

2-hour ticket:

  • Adults: 3,000 HUF (~€7.70)
  • Seniors (60+): 2,500 HUF
  • Children (6–14 years): 1,500 HUF

1-hour extension (one-time only): 1,500 HUF
Every additional 30 minutes: 1,000 HUF

Season passes are available, with time tracked by the minute — perfect if you’re staying in Hévíz for a week and plan to bathe daily for just an hour or two. Passes activate upon purchase and include a refundable deposit (returned within 5 days after expiry).

  • 10-hour pass (valid for 20 days, up to two visits per day): 13,000 HUF + 2,000 HUF deposit (~€33 + €5)
  • 20-hour pass (valid for 30 days, up to two visits per day): 23,000 HUF + 2,000 HUF deposit (~€59 + €5)
heviz closed
A map of the thermal complex for 2025–2026 shows closed zones marked in red.

About the Water: Composition and Temperature

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and don’t give medical advice.

The waters of Lake Hévíz are rich in sulfur and chlorides, giving them that distinct “rotten egg” smell — you’ll get used to it quickly. The lake is especially popular among people with arthritis and other joint conditions; around 80% of visitors are seniors.

The lake reaches a depth of 38 meters, and its thermal spring lies directly at the center, beneath the main structure on stilts — the building you see in most photos. Below, I’ll show what it looks like inside.

lake heviz hungary
There are plenty of sunbeds and relaxation areas, as well as several access points into the water. Notice that almost everyone swims with foam noodles (yellow or blue floats) — I’ll explain why later.

The hottest water is right beneath the central spa building, maintaining +30–38°C year-round. The farther you swim from the center, the cooler it gets, though even in winter the temperature never drops below +23–24°C.

Important:

You can swim anywhere in the lake. The best way to enter the water is from inside the main building via staircases that lead directly into the lake. From there, you can freely swim out through “gates” between the stilts to the open area. It’s also possible to enter from the outdoor terraces.
Healing waters of Lake Heviz
Once outside, the water feels a bit cooler — around 26°C — but still wonderfully comfortable (this photo was taken in early November).

There are many rest zones, loungers, and relaxation areas, plus cafés where you can get coffee, tea, or beer. Food options are minimal (mostly snacks and sandwiches), but you’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks, as there are no restrictions.

Tips and Practical Advice for Visiting Lake Hévíz

Here are some final tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:

  • Your locker number is linked to your wristband. To find it, tap the wristband against the screen in the locker room. Don’t take any random locker — you’ll just have to move your things later.
  • The changing area is shared, but there are private cubicles for dressing.
  • The ticket price includes only admission and the wristband. Bring your own flip-flops, towel, and shampoo — none of these are provided.
health resort Heviz Hungary
Remember to tap your wristband on the tablet before looking for your locker.
  • If you want to buy something in the café, you’ll need to go back to your locker for cash or a card — the wristband cannot be used for payments.
  • Bring a bathrobe, especially in autumn or winter. It gets quite chilly walking around the outdoor terraces without one.
  • The lake is very deep — you can’t touch the bottom anywhere. Everyone swims with foam noodles (aqua sticks), which can be rented on-site for about €2 plus a €5 deposit, or bought in any Hévíz shop for €4–5. If you’re visiting for just a day or two, renting makes sense; if you plan to come daily for a week, it’s better to buy your own.
hungary lake heviz treatment
Even confident swimmers prefer using a noodle — it allows you to float comfortably without effort. They’re not mandatory, but once you try, you’ll understand why everyone has one. There are handrails in the water for extra safety and comfort.

Children are allowed in the lake, but honestly, it’s not an ideal place for them — they’ll likely find it boring, and the sulfur smell can be unpleasant. There’s only one small children’s paddling pool, located outdoors, which is closed in winter. Apart from that, there are no special activities for kids.

The “Wine Hill” and Private Wineries of Hévíz

Another thing Hévíz is famous for — its grapes, family wineries, and homemade wines. The town sits right on the border of two PDO-certified wine regions (Protected Designation of Origin) — the highest classification level in Hungary, meaning the wine’s origin and quality are officially protected.

About 2 km from the center, on the town’s edge, you’ll find “Wine Hill” (Borhegy / Weinberg). The official street name is Dombföldi, with coordinates: 46.8028299919544, 17.188876310651015

Heviz hotels hungary
Follow the signs through town — they all lead to Wine Hill.

During the day, it looks like an ordinary residential street. But by late afternoon, families bring out menus, light up outdoor fireplaces, and open cozy home-style restaurants serving their own wine. Every house here is a small private winery with its own cellar.

Come after 3–4 p.m. — there’s little to see earlier. Enjoy hearty Hungarian food, taste the wines, and soak up the atmosphere. Prices are moderate to slightly above average, but the experience is authentic and full of character — this is real Hungarian cuisine paired with wines you won’t find in any store.

resort heviz hungary wine street
During the day, it’s just an ordinary street in the village with not much going on.

At the end of the hill stands a beautiful old Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and several houses nearby offer terraces with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Take your time, stroll along, and don’t fill up at the first restaurant — some places offer simple wine tastings, while others are full-fledged eateries serving traditional Hungarian dishes.

hungary thermal heviz
My wife and I usually order two soups (the goulash is our favorite) and a carafe of wine. Portions are always generous, and soups are served in small iron pots — just like at home.

Bring cash, as not all places accept cards. And if you know a bit about wine or simply get lucky to meet the owner, you might even be invited down to the wine cellar to see how the local wine is made.

For Wine and Local Food Lovers

Hévíz also has a small farmers’ market and a flea market at coordinates 46.79102886156215, 17.192533480561693. It’s open on: Tuesdays: 8:00–13:00, Thursdays: 12:00–17:00, Saturdays: 8:00–13:00. (Closed on Tuesdays during winter.) You can find the official Facebook group via the link on the town’s site. Local farmers and winemakers from the region gather here to sell Hungarian bacon, sausages, local wines, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. It’s also a hub of community life — small festivals and concerts are often held here.
heviz hungary official
It’s a small market, but don’t skip it — it’s worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.

About 20–30 km from Hévíz lies another wine village — Hegymagas — filled with family-run wineries. If you have a car, it’s an easy drive, and along the way you can stop in Tapolca to explore its famous underground lake caves and take a boat ride through them. You can read more about this in the article “Wine and Spirits of Hungary.”

In conclusion: Hévíz — the spa town with the world’s largest thermal lake — is one of Hungary’s true gems. It’s not a grand, bustling Budapest; it offers a different kind of rest. Here, your days flow in a gentle rhythm: mornings in the thermal waters, evenings with wine and hearty Hungarian meals.

And if you ever crave more adventure, the beautiful town of Keszthely and Lake Balaton are just 7 km away.

Wishing you a wonderful stay at Hungary’s most famous thermal resort — Hévíz!

IMPORTANT: Below are useful links that will help organize your trip to Hungary and Budapest:

  • Flight: WayAway – compares prices for flights among 30+ airlines flying to Budapest.

  • Tours and excursions:
    • Viator and GetYourGuide – the best services for finding tours in Budapest and Hungary with the largest database of activities in Hungary. They offer river cruises on the Danube, tickets to baths, and 1000+ tours (available in different languages).

  • Accommodation, apartments, hotels, hostels:
    • TripAdvisor – compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price

    • Trip.com – the most popular booking platform

  • Car rental: DiscoverCars and LocalRent – the leading and largest car rental services in Hungary.

  • Travel Insurance: EKTA.

  • eSIM – Airalo virtual SIM card in Hungary.

  • Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel