Heviz Things to Do

The Thermal Lake here is a natural spa that never falls below 28 degrees centigrade. The lake is both indoors and outdoors. Indoors is beautifully warm although very overcrowded. You convince yourself that you are in a swimming pool until you put your feet on the ground and feel the earth. Go through a little cat-flap in the wall and you'll be outside. In winter, this is at first quite a shock as it's considerably cooler but you'll soon acclimatise and you'll have a hell of a lot more space to yourself.

There's meant to be healing powers in the water. Believe that if you wish but you'll definitely leave this place with a sense of well being (although your skin will be flakey for a day or two).

Optional extras are massages and heath and beauty treatments. I heard a romour that Hungarian citizens get treatment here for free, still for foreigners it is a lot cheaper and probably better than you'd get at an exclusive health resort.

The lake is very deep from the moment you enter it , I would recommend you get a swimming ring even when you think you are a good swimmer. You are not here to swim but rather to relax. If you want to hold onto something you will find wooden areas around the water where people meet to chat. Occasionally you will feel tiny warm water bubbles of thermal activity that tickle you and there are a few small fish.

I would recommend to anyone who wants a relaxing day out to visit the thermal baths. There are several car parks around if you are not staying in Heviz. Entrance to the baths can be at a daily rate or per 3 hours. Don't lose you entrance ticket or you will have to pay to get out again. I would recommend that you rent the swimming ring with which you can have happy hours floating in the water, cannot remember the cost, but it was cheap.

The lake is very deep from the moment you enter it and unless you swim like a dolphin I would recommend you get a swimming ring. It sounds like a thing only children would do, but actually you will find that everyone else is doing it! The aim of the thermal water after all is not to swim 100 lengths but to relax. With a swimming ring you can go anywhere you want in the pool and just float on the water and enjoy!! I had a great time especially as you can walk in the water when you have the ring! I felt more relaxed than in ages. If you want to hold onto something you will find wooden areas around the water where people meet to chat. Occasionally you will feel tiny warm water bubbles of thermal activity that tickle you and there are a few small fish. Absolute bliss!!!

This is a place I would recommend to anyone who wants a relaxing day out. There are several car parks around which charge around 160 HUF an hour or take the bus here from nearby Keszthely. Entrance to the baths can be at a daily rate (around 1300 HUF with money back if you leave earlier) or per 3 hours (around 750 HUF but you will have to pay extra if you go over the time). Don't lose you entrance ticket or you will have to pay 650 HUF to get out again. You can hire cabins (1000 HUF) or just use the lockers. You can also buy/hire swimwear. My best recommendation is the swimming ring with which you can have happy hours floating in the water for around 500 HUF (a deposit of money or admission card or key is needed). Then just get in the water and enjoy!!!

After you enter the complex you will come to an area of cabins. These cost around 1000 HUF to use and the key costs 500 HUF deposit. If this seems extravagant head for the central white building. Here you will find two indoor pools (useful in winter) and the changing areas. Inside the changing areas are lots of lockers. You put your stuff inside and insert your admission ticket into the slot. You then close it up and take the key which is on a wristband. Around this area there are several snack places, equipment hire and other amenities. From here you can easily get out onto the sundecks.

Once you find your sense of direction within the complex you will find that there are various areas to sunbathe. At one side is a large grass area perfect for families and groups with a nearby restaurant. To one side is also a children's playground. If you want a proper lounger you can hire these from various hire places within the complex. On the building islands on the lake you will also find sundecks with deckchairs where you can sit and soak up the rays.

Whilst you are at the lake you will often hear a message which tells you not to stay in the water longer than an hour at a time as is usual in all spas. Its such a relaxing experience but if you feel too sleepy you should get out of the water or you could find yourself in need of rescuing by the lifeguard in his little wooden boat!!
Spas are good for the health and Heviz has a lot of things on offer regarding massage and other therapies. In fact, scientist were already studying Heviz's waters by the end of the 18th century to learn about its healing properties and its not only the water but also the mud which can be beneficial (of course when properly controlled). As far as I know the water is good for you skin, the relaxation good for your wellbeing and stiff joints. If you want a 20 minute massage they cost around 3000 HUF. I did notice however that I ended up smelling a bit sulphorous thanks to the geothermic activity of the lake!!