closed<\/strong> (see map below).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nOpen areas include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nThe Festetics Day Spa and Therapy Center (Kinesio-Lab)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nThe Wellness Center<\/strong> (included in the entrance ticket price)<\/li>\n\n\n\nVital Bar<\/strong> and Medio Buffet<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nIndoor relaxation areas<\/strong> between the Festetics saunas and the Vital\/Medio buildings (\u201cC\u201d and \u201cD\u201d on the map)<\/li>\n\n\n\nOutdoor lakeside area<\/strong> between the main entrance and the Festetics Day Spa (open seasonally)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nOpening hours:<\/strong> Year-round. In high season, typically from 8:30 to 19:00 (winter closing around 16:00\u201317:00). Always double-check the current schedule online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Ticket Prices (During Renovation Period)<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n2-hour ticket:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nAdults: 3,000 HUF (~\u20ac7.70)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Seniors (60+): 2,500 HUF<\/li>\n\n\n\n Children (6\u201314 years): 1,500 HUF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n1-hour extension (one-time only):<\/strong> 1,500 HUFEvery additional 30 minutes:<\/strong> 1,000 HUF<\/p>\n\n\n\nSeason passes are available, with time tracked by the minute \u2014 perfect if you\u2019re staying in H\u00e9v\u00edz 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n10-hour pass<\/strong> (valid for 20 days, up to two visits per day): 13,000 HUF + 2,000 HUF deposit (~\u20ac33 + \u20ac5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n20-hour pass<\/strong> (valid for 30 days, up to two visits per day): 23,000 HUF + 2,000 HUF deposit (~\u20ac59 + \u20ac5)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nA map of the thermal complex for 2025\u20132026 shows closed zones marked in red.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>About the Water: Composition and Temperature<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDisclaimer: I\u2019m not a doctor and don\u2019t give medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The waters of Lake H\u00e9v\u00edz are rich in sulfur and chlorides<\/strong>, giving them that distinct \u201crotten egg\u201d smell \u2014 you\u2019ll get used to it quickly. The lake is especially popular among people with arthritis and other joint conditions; around 80% of visitors are seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe lake reaches a depth of 38 meters<\/strong>, and its thermal spring lies directly at the center, beneath the main structure on stilts \u2014 the building you see in most photos. Below, I\u2019ll show what it looks like inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of sunbeds and relaxation areas<\/strong>, as well as several access points<\/strong> into the water. Notice that almost everyone swims with foam noodles<\/strong> (yellow or blue floats) \u2014 I\u2019ll explain why later.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe hottest water<\/strong> is right beneath the central spa building, maintaining +30\u201338\u00b0C<\/strong> year-round. The farther you swim from the center, the cooler it gets, though even in winter the temperature never drops below +23\u201324\u00b0C<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nImportant:<\/p>\nYou 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 \u201cgates\u201d between the stilts to the open area. It\u2019s also possible to enter from the outdoor terraces<\/strong>.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nOnce outside, the water feels a bit cooler \u2014 around 26\u00b0C \u2014 but still wonderfully comfortable (this photo was taken in early November).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are many rest zones, loungers, and relaxation areas<\/strong>, plus caf\u00e9s where you can get coffee, tea, or beer. Food options are minimal (mostly snacks and sandwiches), but you\u2019re allowed to bring your own food and drinks<\/strong>, as there are no restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/span>Tips and Practical Advice for Visiting Lake H\u00e9v\u00edz<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHere are some final tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYour locker number is linked to your wristband. To find it, tap the wristband against the screen in the locker room. Don\u2019t take any random locker \u2014 you\u2019ll just have to move your things later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The changing area is shared, but there are private cubicles for dressing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The ticket price includes only admission and the wristband. Bring your own flip-flops, towel, and shampoo \u2014 none of these are provided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nRemember to tap your wristband on the tablet before looking for your locker.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to buy something in the caf\u00e9, you\u2019ll need to go back to your locker for cash or a card \u2014 the wristband cannot be used for payments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Bring a bathrobe, especially in autumn or winter. It gets quite chilly walking around the outdoor terraces without one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The lake is very deep \u2014 you can\u2019t touch the bottom anywhere. Everyone swims with foam noodles (aqua sticks)<\/strong>, which can be rented on-site for about \u20ac2 plus a \u20ac5 deposit, or bought in any H\u00e9v\u00edz shop for \u20ac4\u20135. If you\u2019re visiting for just a day or two, renting makes sense; if you plan to come daily for a week, it\u2019s better to buy your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEven confident swimmers prefer using a noodle \u2014 it allows you to float comfortably without effort. They\u2019re not mandatory, but once you try, you\u2019ll understand why everyone has one. There are handrails in the water for extra safety and comfort.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChildren are allowed in the lake, but honestly, it\u2019s not an ideal place for them \u2014 they\u2019ll likely find it boring, and the sulfur smell can be unpleasant. There\u2019s only one small children\u2019s paddling pool<\/strong>, located outdoors, which is closed in winter. Apart from that, there are no special activities for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The \u201cWine Hill\u201d and Private Wineries of H\u00e9v\u00edz<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother thing H\u00e9v\u00edz is famous for \u2014 its grapes, family wineries, and homemade wines. The town sits right on the border of two PDO-certified wine regions<\/strong> (Protected Designation of Origin) \u2014 the highest classification level in Hungary, meaning the wine\u2019s origin and quality are officially protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout 2 km from the center, on the town\u2019s edge, you\u2019ll find \u201cWine Hill\u201d (Borhegy \/ Weinberg)<\/strong>. The official street name is Dombf\u00f6ldi<\/strong>, with coordinates: 46.8028299919544, 17.188876310651015<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n