Hotels in Hévíz

Hévíz: Europe's Largest Natural Thermal Lake

Hévíz, in western Hungary's Zala County, sits 6 km northwest of Keszthely on the southern shore of Lake Balaton. The town's defining feature is Lake Hévíz — a 4.4-hectare volcanic spring lake fed by water rising at 38–41 °C year-round, making it the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in Europe. The lake has been used for therapeutic bathing since at least 1795, when Count György Festetics opened the first bathhouse. Today the Hévíz Thermal Lake complex operates every day of the year, including winter, when steam rises above open water surrounded by snow.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Hotels cluster within 500 m of the lake entrance along Rákóczi utca and Dr. Schulhof Vilmos sétány. Most 4-star spa hotels offer direct thermal pool access on-site. The town centre is walkable in under 15 minutes end to end. Buses connect Hévíz to Keszthely railway station every 20–30 minutes; the journey takes about 10 minutes.

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: April–October for outdoor lake bathing; the lake operates year-round but winters are cold outside the water.
• Packing: Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops; rental costs extra at the bathhouse.
• Day trips: Keszthely's Festetics Palace, built in 1745, is 6 km east by bus.
• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF); most hotels accept cards.