Current time in Heviz:
(UTC 0)
Anyone who comes to the balneological resort of Heviz to improve their health is offered standard procedures:
- mud therapy,
- taking baths with carbonated water,
- hydrotherapy,
- relaxing therapeutic massage,
- electrotherapy.
How to get to Heviz
The easiest way to get to the lake and the balneological resort of Heviz is by car from Budapest. From the capital of Hungary you can get to the lake by car directly from the airport, or by private bus or taxi. In addition, you can get to Heviz by train. However, it is worth considering that if you use the train, you will have to travel with several transfers.
Budapest itself can be reached in several ways - by plane, train, bus, car, and even by water along the Danube. Read more about ways to arrive in Budapest.
Search for flights
to Heviz
Finding travel companions
on BlaBlaCar
Transfers
to Heviz
Search for a car
for rent
Search for flights to Heviz
We compare all available flight options based on your request, and then direct you to the official websites of airlines and agencies for purchase. The air ticket price you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.
We know where to buy cheap air tickets. Airplane tickets to 220 countries. Search and compare prices for air tickets among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.
We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not charge any commissions - the cost of tickets is absolutely the same as on the website.
Finding travel companions on BlaBlaCar
Where do you want to go?
A couple of clicks and you can hit the road right from the door.
Among millions of fellow travelers, you can easily find those who are close to you and who are on the same path as you.
Get to your destination without transfers. When traveling with fellow travelers, you don't have to worry about queues and hours spent waiting at the station.
| Heviz | Hollad | from 2403 p. | ||
| Heviz | Tapolca | from 3304 p. | ||
| Heviz | Balatonfeldvar | from 6157 p. | ||
| Heviz | Sharvar | from 7058 p. | ||
| Heviz | Balatonfured | from 7090 p. | ||
| Heviz | Siofok | from 7543 p. | ||
| Heviz | Nyugati station (Budapest) | from 8860 p. | ||
| Heviz | Budapest-Delhi train station | from 8860 p. | ||
| Heviz | Keleti Station/East Station | from 8860 p. | ||
| Heviz | Sopron | from 8935 p. | ||
| Heviz | Budapest Port | from 8935 p. | ||
| Heviz | Budapest bus station "Nepliget" | from 8935 p. | ||
| Heviz | Parndorf | from 9385 p. | ||
| Heviz | Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Baden | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vienna West Station | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vienna Bus Station "Stadion Center" | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Graz Airport Thalerhof | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Erdberg bus station Vienna | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Schwechat | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vienna Airport "Schwechat" | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vienna Meidling Station | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vein | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Vienna Central Station | from 9911 p. | ||
| Heviz | Budapest | from 9986 p. | ||
| Heviz | Bratislava main station | from 10361 p. | ||
| Heviz | Bratislava Miroslav Stefanik Airport | from 10361 p. | ||
| Heviz | Bratislava | from 10361 p. | ||
| Heviz | Graz | from 11262 p. | ||
| Heviz | Zagreb | from 11262 p. | ||
| Heviz | Zagreb Airport | from 11262 p. | ||
| Heviz | Rogaska Slatina | from 16443 p. | ||
| Heviz | Maribor | from 16443 p. | ||
| Heviz | Ljubljana | from 17419 p. | ||
| Heviz | Ljubljana Jože Plečnik Airport | from 17499 p. | ||
| Heviz | Portorož | from 25828 p. | ||
| Heviz | Prague Vaclav Havel Airport/Ruzyne | from 44148 p. |
We cooperate with RentalCars and do not charge any commissions - the rental price is absolutely the same as on the website.
Story
It is believed that life in the area of Lake Heviz began in the Stone Age. The ancient Lake Heviz, according to some historians, is more than 22 thousand years old. Of course, in comparison with it, the city itself seems like a mere baby - the first mention of it dates back to the 12th century.
The balneological resort of Heviz became popular in the 18th century thanks to the noble nobleman Count Festetics. He built the first wooden facilities for swimming in the lake.
In 1898, Indian lilies were brought here, which now cover the entire surface of the lake. Through the efforts of the Festetics family, the Heviz resort received a rebirth and began to be ennobled. With the light hand of the count, who set an example, the city began to be rebuilt. Architects and masters of architecture began to come here, and work to restore the city began to boil.
In the 20-30s of the last century, the first baths and changing rooms were equipped. The balneological resort of Heviz has become the most important in Hungary.
After the end of World War II, Lake Heviz was nationalized. In 1952, the first public hospital opened in Heviz, where doctors helped to get rid of rheumatic pain.
The balneological resort of Heviz received city status not so long ago, only 20 years ago. This happened after it was rebuilt and received what is called a rebirth. Now the city’s population is 4,685 residents, and more than 300 thousand people come to the resort every year to improve their health.
Lake Heviz is located in western Hungary in a small town of the same name. This popular holiday destination is open all year round and is the largest thermal lake in Europe.
Its area reaches 47,500 sq.m., and the water temperature ranges from +24 °C in winter to +36 °C in summer.
Despite its impressive size, the water in the lake is renewed within 48 hours.
The surface of the reservoir is covered with stunning lilies, brought specially from India in 1898 by the professor of the Keszthely Academy of Economics Sandor Lovassi. Lilies are the hallmark of the lake. Touching and tearing them is strictly prohibited.
History of Heviz
The first bath was built in the 18th century. In 1920, after the signing of the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary lost many bathing resorts and Heviz became the most significant of them. Construction work has been carried out here for several decades. In 1952, the Ministry of Health founded the Heviz State Spa Clinic here. In May 1992, Heviz received city status and became one of the most popular resort centers in Europe.
Holidays on Lake Heviz: prices in 2019
- Ticket for 3 hours - 3200 forints;
- Ticket for 4 hours - 3900 forints;
- All day ticket - 5500 forints;
- Additional ticket for 1 hour - 1100 forints;
- Additional ticket for wellness services - 2200 forints;
- “Hot & Cold” (includes visit to the lake and wellness services) for 2 hours - 3400 forints;
- “Relax” (includes a visit to the lake and wellness services) for 4 hours - 5000 forints;
- “Senior” entrance ticket from 60 years of age for 3 hours - 2700 forints;
- Children under 6 years old - free;
- Ticket for children 6-14 years old for 3 hours - 1800 forints;
- Tickets for students for 3 hours - 2700 forints;
- Ticket to visit the lake (without swimming) for 30 minutes - 1000 forints + 2000 deposit;
- Group entrance ticket for more than 20 people for 3 hours - 3000 forints/person;
- Additional payment for exceeding time - 30 forints per minute;
- Subscription for 10 hours (valid for 10 days) - 9000 forints + 1500 deposit;
- Subscription for 20 hours (valid for 20 days) - 17,000 forints + 1,500 deposit.
Some types of tickets are only available upon payment of a deposit, which is returned 72 hours after the ticket expires. If you stay on the lake longer than the paid time, the deposit will not be returned to you.
When purchasing discount tickets, you must present documents confirming the benefits (pension certificate, student ID, birth certificate).
Hotels near Lake Heviz
There are many hotels in the city to suit every taste and budget. Most of them are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV, and have their own spa centers, swimming pools, and fitness rooms. Judging by the reviews of tourists, the following hotels have the most comfortable rooms and convenient location relative to the beach:
Weather on Lake Heviz
The weather on Lake Heviz allows swimming all year round. In winter, frosts rarely occur, the water in the lake does not freeze, and the air temperature does not fall below +2 °C. From April until late autumn the weather remains favorable for relaxation. The peak of summer heat occurs in August; during the day the air warms up to +29 °C.
Properties of thermal water
Since water is very active, doctors advise staying in it for no more than 30 minutes, and then taking a break for 10-15 minutes. The total duration of bathing should not exceed 1.5 hours. You should not actively swim, because in such water it will be a big strain on the heart.
Doctors advise you to relax, hang on the swimming ring and not make sudden movements. This regimen promotes maximum health and stress relief.
There is a separate pool and beach for children.
The healing water of the lake has a unique chemical composition:
- Potassium - 6.8 mg/l;
- Sodium - 27 mg/l;
- Ammonium - 0.32 mg/l;
- Calcium - 81 mg/l;
- Magnesium - 36 mg/l;
- Iron - 0.04 mg/l;
- Chlorides - 23 mg/l;
- Bromides - 0.11 mg/l;
- Iodides - 0.021 mg/l;
- Fluorides - 1.4 mg/l;
- Sulfates - 64 mg/l;
- Hydrocarbonate - 378 mg/l;
- Sulfides - 3.2 mg/l;
- Metaboric acid - 0.5 mg/l;
- Metasilicic acid - 43 mg/l;
- Free carbon dioxide - 86 mg/l;
- Dissolved oxygen - 3.6 mg/l;
- Radon content is 3.8-0.8 Bq/l.
Total water mineralization is 754 mg/l.
Indications: metabolic disorders, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis, gout, gynecological diseases, inflammation of nerve endings, joint pain, polyarthritis, radiculitis.
Contraindications: malignant tumors, heart disease, lung disease, increased thyroid function, thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy.
Before using water, you should consult your doctor!
Treatment in a sanatorium on Lake Heviz
At the bottom of the lake, thanks to the interaction of thermal waters and peat, healing mud is formed, which contains all the ingredients of healing water in concentrated form. The unique composition of the mud opens up wide possibilities for physiotherapy. At a local sanatorium you can take courses in mud applications (wraps). Mud therapy is indicated for skin diseases, hormonal disorders, and gynecological diseases.
In addition to mud wraps, the sanatorium offers a wide range of services:
- electrotherapy (iontophoresis, diadynamics, myotest, interference, ultrasound treatment);
- magnetic therapy;
- mechanotherapy (physical therapy, massage);
- phototherapy;
- underwater extension;
- hydrotherapy;
- drinking course.
In reviews, tourists often note that the best time to visit is the off-season. Due to the fact that there are a lot of vacationers at the resort in summer, prices for hotel services and accommodation are noticeably higher. Therefore, if you want to save money, do not plan a vacation in the summer, during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
To purchase tickets, you must stock up on Hungarian forints, as the ticket office does not accept other currencies. After payment, visitors are given electronic bracelets, which must be applied to the turnstile at the entrance. There are three ways to enter the lake: through the Schulhof entrance, through the Festetics bathhouse and through the entrance from Deak Square. You can use any of them, but you should remember that you need to enter and exit through the same entrance where you bought your tickets.
For swimming, it is advisable to take a swimsuit, towel, slippers and a robe with you. The ticket price includes the service of storing things in a special locker. To use it, you need to attach an electronic bracelet to a special display in the locker room. Your locker number will be displayed on it. It also closes with a bracelet.
Tourists are advised not to take valuables with them, even if you intend to leave them in the storage room. If a locker is broken into, the administration is not responsible for lost items.
More useful information can be found in the best reviews about Lake Heviz on Turister.Ru:
- Do your joints hurt, your back ache, are your nerves frayed and everything is irritating? You urgently need to go to Heviz!
How to get to Lake Heviz
The road to Heviz will not take much time and effort. Those wishing to visit the famous resort can choose the most suitable route and mode of transport.
Taxi, transfer to Lake Heviz
The most convenient way is to use the KiwiTaxi transfer. Unlike a regular taxi, the service allows you to pay for the trip in advance, rather than looking for a currency exchange office at the airport and worrying that the cost will be too high. The order must be placed in advance, then upon arrival, a driver with a sign will be waiting for you. This option eliminates the problem of the language barrier and long waits for a car.
Search for transfers to Heviz
Show transfers from Heviz
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Heviz | Hollad | from 2403 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Tapolca | from 3304 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Balatonfeldvar | from 6157 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Sharvar | from 7058 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Balatonfured | from 7090 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Siofok | from 7543 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 8860 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Nyugati station (Budapest) | from 8860 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Budapest-Delhi train station | from 8860 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Sopron | from 8935 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Budapest Port | from 8935 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 8935 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Parndorf | from 9385 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Vienna Central Station | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Baden | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Vienna West Station | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Graz Airport Thalerhof | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Erdberg bus station Vienna | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Vienna Airport "Schwechat" | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Vienna Meidling Station | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Vein | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Schwechat | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Budapest | from 9986 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Bratislava | from 10361 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Bratislava main station | from 10361 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 10361 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Zagreb Airport | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Graz | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Zagreb | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Rogaska Slatina | from 16443 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Maribor | from 16443 p. | show | |
| Heviz | Ljubljana | from 17419 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 17499 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Portorož | from 25828 p. | show | |
| Heviz | from 44148 p. | show | ||
| Heviz | Opatija | show | ||
| Heviz | Keszthely | show | ||
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Hollad | Heviz | from 2403 p. | show | |
| Tapolca | Heviz | from 3304 p. | show | |
| Balatonfeldvar | Heviz | from 6157 p. | show | |
| Sharvar | Heviz | from 7058 p. | show | |
| Balatonfured | Heviz | from 7090 p. | show | |
| Siofok | Heviz | from 7543 p. | show | |
| Keleti Station/East Station | Heviz | from 8860 p. | show | |
| Nyugati station (Budapest) | Heviz | from 8860 p. | show | |
| Budapest-Delhi train station | Heviz | from 8860 p. | show | |
| Sopron | Heviz | from 8935 p. | show | |
| Budapest Port | Heviz | from 8935 p. | show | |
| Budapest bus station "Nepliget" | Heviz | from 8935 p. | show | |
| Parndorf | Heviz | from 9385 p. | show | |
| Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vienna Meidling Station | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Graz Airport Thalerhof | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Schwechat | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vein | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vienna Central Station | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Baden | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vienna West Station | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vienna Airport "Schwechat" | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Vienna Bus Station "Stadion Center" | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Erdberg bus station Vienna | Heviz | from 9911 p. | show | |
| Budapest | Heviz | from 9986 p. | show | |
| Bratislava | Heviz | from 10361 p. | show | |
| Bratislava Miroslav Stefanik Airport | Heviz | from 10361 p. | show | |
| Bratislava main station | Heviz | from 10361 p. | show | |
| Graz | Heviz | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Zagreb | Heviz | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Zagreb Airport | Heviz | from 11262 p. | show | |
| Rogaska Slatina | Heviz | from 16443 p. | show | |
| Maribor | Heviz | from 16443 p. | show | |
| Ljubljana | Heviz | from 17419 p. | show | |
| Ljubljana Jože Plečnik Airport | Heviz | from 17499 p. | show | |
| Portorož | Heviz | from 25828 p. | show | |
| Prague Vaclav Havel Airport/Ruzyne | Heviz | from 44148 p. | show | |
| Opatija | Heviz | show | ||
To get to the city of Heviz from Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport or Sarmellek Airport in Ballaton, you can use the transfer service by ordering it from the resort administrator. The journey from Budapest takes 2.5 hours. The ticket price includes meeting at the airport and waiting in case of flight delay. Cost from 39 euros per person one way.
If you want to get to the lake on your own, you can order a taxi through the Uber app, rent a car, or find travel companions. It is especially convenient for passengers with children and large groups to use the car.
Directions from Liszt Ferenc International Airport - Google Maps
Trains and buses
You can get to Heviz from Delhi and Keleti railway stations by train. Since there is no direct flight, you will have to make a transfer in the city of Keszthely, which is located 5 kilometers from Heviz. Travel time is 3-3.5 hours. You can find a suitable flight on the website elvira.mav-start.hu.
From Keszthely you can get to the lake by bus. The bus station is located next to the train station. Buses with the Hévíz sign leave almost every hour. The trip takes 15-20 minutes.
There are also buses from Budapest to Heviz. At the Nepliget bus station you can buy a ticket and be at your destination in 3 hours. Bus schedules can be found on the website menetrendek.hu.
Heviz is a resort for those who are looking for peace, solitude, walks in the fresh forest air, as well as youth and beauty for their body.
Heviz - the famous Hungarian thermal spa
The resort town of Heviz is located in western Hungary, at the foot of the Bakony Mountains, in the valley of Lake Balaton. It stands on the shore of the thermal lake Heviz. The distance from Heviz to Vienna is 180 km, to Budapest – 190 km, to the city of Keszthely – 6 km, to Lake Balaton also – 6 km.
Comfortable sanatoriums and private hotels with spa complexes have been built here. The city is very cozy: clean, well-groomed, with neat houses and plenty of greenery. The most beautiful street in Heviz is the flowered alley of Vilmos Schulhoff (Dr. Schulhof Vilmos sétány).
Lake Heviz
Lake Heviz is decorated with Indian water lilies. Bright flowers have become a symbol of the town. The lake is considered the largest thermal reservoir in Europe (47,500 m²). The water is very clean: it is completely renewed every day from springs gushing at the bottom of an underwater cave, from a depth of 38 m. In summer, its temperature averages 34 ° C; in winter it does not fall below 23°C. In the pools of the main bathhouse the temperature is kept at 30°C.
Natural factors of the balneological resort of Heviz: bathing, healing mud, mineral pump room. Here they treat problems of blood vessels, joints and spine, nervous system, metabolism. Drinking therapy with local water is indicated for gastrointestinal diseases.
Sights of the city of Heviz
Thermal bath
Alley named after Dr. Vilmos Schulhof
Cross of St. Andrew the First-Called
Rakoczi Street
Temple of the Holy Spirit
Arpad dynasty church
Temple in the name of the Heart of Christ
Cinema Fontana
The first mention of the settlement of Heviz is found in a charter of 1328. In ancient times there was an ancient Roman settlement here. Where scientists found fragments of a Roman villa, the Ancient Roman Archaeological Park (Római kori romkert) is now established.
In the town, Egredy district, a temple from the era of the Árpád dynasty (Árpád-kori templom) from the 13th century with an adjacent cemetery has been preserved.
In the 20th century, two amazingly beautiful churches were built: the Temple of the Heart of Christ (Jézus szíve Templom) and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Church of the Heart of Christ was added in 1995 to the neo-Romanesque bell tower that had stood here since 1905. There are two bells installed on the bell tower: a small one, cast in honor of Mary Magdalene in 1905, and a large one, created in 1937, which bears the names of 16 Egredskiz soldiers who died in World War I.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit (Szentlélek Római-katolikus templom) serves as the architectural dominant feature. Its blue pointed towers rise above the Town Hall Square. The church has a unique organ and sacred music concerts.
Town Hall and Nymphaeum Fountain
Nymphaeum Fountain, photo Sergio Goncalves
The first stone of the city hall (Városháza) was laid in 1998 by Bertalan Farkas, a Hungarian astronaut. There are 18 bells installed on the facade, which emit melodious ringing several times every day.
The sculptural symbol of Heviz is the statue of a nymph on the Nymphaeum fountain (Nymphae című díszkút) near the Town Hall.
Rakoczi Street
In the city center, on the pedestrian street Rákóczi utca, there is the Fontana Cinema (Fontana Mozi) and the History Museum (Muzeális Gyűjtemény).
Thermal complex
The main entertainment of the town is swimming on Lake Heviz. A large thermal complex (Hévízgyógyfürdő) with a wellness center and four swimming pools was built here. It has existed since the 18th century, and in its current form since the beginning of the last century.
Access to water is paid; tickets are sold in the lobby of the complex. You can swim not only in the pools: there is access to the entire lake. The time of stay is noted on special bracelets using controller devices. You should not swim for a long time: the radon water of Heviz has a powerful effect.
Entertainment and holidays
Around the lake there is a large eco-park with an area of more than 50 hectares, where traditional shepherd's buildings, a post station for carriages, working taverns and inns serving Hungarian cuisine are preserved.
The opening of the holiday season in Heviz is a memorable event. A bright light show takes place on the lake. Performances by folk groups and gypsy ensembles, street balls and operetta evenings, football matches are held throughout the season.
At the local market
Local entertainment includes the Heviz Market. Vendors will offer you delicacies from the surrounding villages: homemade baked goods and sausages, cheeses and dairy products, lard and homemade preparations, jams, syrups, honey, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. But they sell not only farm products, but also handicrafts and handicrafts and antiques.
The town has several restaurants serving local grape wines and national dishes. On a pleasure train from the center, tourists are taken to wine cellars located in the Egredy area.
What's in the surrounding area?
The attractions around Lake Balaton are worth visiting: the Balaton Museum, the Marzipan Museum, the Georgikon Farm Museum, the Puppet Museum, the Panopticon and a model of the Parliament building made of 5 million shells, the Tapolca Cave and the Sümeg Fortress.
In the city of Keszthely, the medieval Festetics Palace has been preserved.
How to get from Budapest to Heviz?
The distance between Heviz and Budapest is approximately 190 km. There are different ways to get to the resort. Let's consider all cases.
How can I save up to 20% on hotels?
It’s very simple - look not only on booking. I prefer the search engine RoomGuru. He searches for discounts simultaneously on Booking and on 70 other booking sites.
By the will of fate, one autumn we found ourselves at one of the most famous health resorts in Hungary - Lake Heviz. Those few of my friends who were already familiar with Heviz were perplexed what we would do at the “retirement resort”, but despite the sarcastic ridicule, we still went on a trip and, I must say, did not regret it. As in any business, the main thing in travel is the emotional mood. Personally, I set out on the road with the firm intention of taking a few days off both physically and mentally from household chores, childhood colds and the whirlwind of everyday life. Perhaps, for those who crave wild and endless entertainment, it is indeed better to choose another tourist destination, since epithets are more suitable for a holiday in this town - measured, calm, peaceful, etc. Although, perhaps, in Heviz there will be something to suit those who like to indulge, but we did not have such a task, therefore, I cannot recommend such places. Luckily, everything coincided - the place, the time, the mood, the needs and the opportunities.
How to get there
Of course, direct flights are the most convenient and logical solution, but by the time we got ready for the trip, the airlines had not yet opened new direct flights from St. Petersburg, so we had to fly through Vienna. On the one hand, it’s not very convenient in terms of logistics, but on the other hand, it’s a great opportunity to walk around this beautiful city at the very beginning of your trip.
People also travel from Moscow to Heviz via Bratislava, Zagreb, Vienna and other cities.
By the way, today from St. Petersburg and Moscow you can easily buy a ticket for a flight to Budapest. From Pulkovo, for example, planes from Wizz Air, Aeroflot, Air France, airBaltic, etc. fly from Pulkovo to Hungary. Moreover, in the autumn, according to statistics, the cost of tickets is cheaper, therefore, by planning a vacation for October or November, you can save on travel, especially since the weather in Heviz at this time is still pleasant.
Regular Wizz Air flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And from May 2018, it is planned to operate four flights a week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. A320 tickets start from €59.99 one way, including mandatory fares and fees.
There is also an airport near Heviz - Heviz-Balaton, which accepts regular and charter flights in the spring, summer and autumn. Charters from Moscow can be found if you search, but tickets from St. Petersburg could not be found. One way or another, after walking around beautiful Vienna and admiring the beauty of the city’s architecture, we went to our hotel in Heviz. By bus. The transfer was ordered in advance, because... our group was quite large. You can also get from Budapest to Heviz by train, however, the station is not in the resort town itself, but in neighboring Keszthely, which is about 5 km from the lake (buses constantly run from Keszthely to Heviz). The schedule, ticket prices and conditions for purchasing railway tickets can be found on the official website of the Hungarian Railways. The road from Vienna to Heviz by bus takes at least a couple of hours, this time can be spent usefully: reading, sleeping, thinking, or watching from the window the everyday life of ordinary Hungarians.
It is interesting that late in the evening there is not a soul on the streets of the towns; it is not customary here to walk under the moon and sigh languidly or throw noisy night parties in the open air. Night is the time to sleep, early in the morning it’s time to go to work.
Hotel in Heviz We checked into a hotel Danubius Health Spa Resort Aqua is a hotel with treatment, near Lake Heviz. The undoubted advantages of the hotel, in addition to various wellness treatments, are an outdoor heated swimming pool, a convenient location next to the thermal lake, the main attraction of the city, and breakfast/lunch/dinner according to a schedule. Interestingly, soups were served both during the day and in the evening, in addition, for dinner there were several types of wine to choose from, and, in my opinion, beer. We preferred rose wine or Rose. 
Morning in Heviz, view from the hotel window
Set available at the hotel spa treatments can be easily found on the booking website, I will only say that thermal baths should be taken wisely - there are restrictions on the time spent in the healing water! But in the outdoor pool you can swim as long as you like, fortunately the water is warm, and you don’t feel the coolness of the autumn street at all. True, the pool is not very large, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to surf the water surface endlessly, and more than five or six people at the same time are uncomfortable, in my opinion. To avoid crowds, it is better to come early in the morning or later in the evening, when you can enjoy the water treatments exclusively in your own company. 
Hotel in Heviz, outdoor pool
By the way, there were plenty of people of retirement age in the hotel in October, but either they swam mostly in the baths of Lake Heviz, or they had their own time for procedures, but we did not often see crowds of elderly pilgrims wanting to improve their health. Mostly at dinner, and perhaps because we had a leisurely dinner - over a pleasant conversation and a glass or two of wine.
Information about the hotel in Heviz is available in Russian on the official website - https://www.danubiushotels.com/ru/gostinitsy-heviz/danubius-health-spa-resort-aqua
Lake Heviz
It would be unforgivable to visit Heviz and not go to the famous lake, so we went to the baths, having familiarized ourselves in advance with the operating hours of the baths and ticket prices. 
The therapeutic effect of the unique thermal lake Heviz is aimed mainly at restoring the musculoskeletal system, but is also used in the treatment of other diseases.
You can enter the territory of the hydrotherapy center both from the main entrance of the lake bath of the health center and from the Deak Square (this entrance is open only in the summer). But we chose the third entry point - Bath named after Festetics, since we met it first during our walk, and we wanted to look from the inside at the beautiful old building with turrets. Swimming in the lake is allowed until 17.00, ticket offices close at 16.30. There are preferential offers 2 and 3 hours before closing, one of which we did not fail to take advantage of.
Please note that a ticket to visit the lake and a ticket to swim in it are two different things! In addition, each ticket has a time limit on the lake, exceeding which, you can say goodbye to the deposit made in advance. Before visiting, it would be a good idea to find out more about the thermal lake itself, the composition of the water, indications and contraindications, and also choose the optimal package of services, this can be done.
After changing clothes and wandering through the corridors with panoramic windows, we reached the central indoor bath, where, at first glance, chaos reigned. A huge number of people - both old and young (although, of course, there were more of the former), soak in warm, even very warm, water, moving around the perimeter, touching the handrails with their hands. The experience was not the most pleasant in my life - it’s stuffy, crowded, and the specific smell of the healing lake is concentrated to the maximum here. No, it's better to go outside. 
Thermal lake Heviz
There is beauty here! Romantic water lilies sway on the surface of the lake, there are almost no people (compared to the indoor bath), the water is warm. They say that in summer it warms up to 36 degrees, but on this autumn day it was about 23-25 degrees - very comfortable. Of course, the water temperature is not uniform, so when cutting through the surface with a brace or drifting on a circle, we experimentally find the warmest place and enjoy the moment. Again, it is not recommended to stay in the water for a long time, so after swimming a little, you can lie on a sun lounger on the covered terrace. In the summer you can sunbathe in the open area, but in October it’s somehow cool to get out of the water, I wanted to go straight indoors. Before leaving, we took another dip in the waters of Europe's largest thermal lake and headed out for dinner, deciding to explore the city the next day. 
What to see in Heviz
Heviz is a small but very cozy city. Hiking– this is a special pleasure, because there is where to walk here: pedestrian zones, green squares and simply pretty streets. Shady parks, one might say, literally surround Lake Heviz. It’s nice to wander here and ride a bike. But, if you decide to walk around, then it’s better to go on a pedestrian Rakoczi street. It is very popular both among the local population and tourists, so there are a lot of people walking here, as well as shops, cafes and souvenir shops. On the same street, which is considered the most beautiful in Heviz, there is a city historical museum, but we didn’t get into it, I don’t remember why. The Fontana Cinema is located in the same building as the museum; concerts of Hungarian artists are also held here. The building is noticeable - on the white facade there are plant and animal ornaments, and on top there is a large circle in which, in addition to these ornaments, an elderly man in a hat and a naked girl are depicted. Rakoczi Street is small, so you won’t be able to take a long walk just along it; you should go further into the city. And although attractions There are a few here, frankly speaking, you will probably pay attention to some of them:
- City Hall (there are 18 bells hanging on one of the walls, they even ring at certain hours);
- the blue Church of the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, which, according to rumors, gives an organ music concert once a week; the poster can be found right in the church, and you can buy tickets here;
- an archaeological park from the times of ancient Rome (we never got there, so no personal impressions were preserved);
- the burial place of an ancient Roman warrior - in my opinion, this attraction is not worth a special visit, but while walking around the city, it is quite possible that you will come across this find, there is even a sign in Russian.
Here, perhaps, are all the main attractions of the city. Although I would recommend visiting another one - this is the wine library. More precisely, Vinoteka & Winebar. We noticed this original place earlier in the day, but we couldn’t go in – it was closed. As it turned out later, the wine bar is open from 16.00 to 22.00. When we arrived, it was already dark, so the cafe had dim lights on, creating a pleasant, almost intimate atmosphere. Comfortably seated at a table on the open terrace, we wanted to ask for a wine list, but it wasn’t there. This is the originality of the establishment. The owner of the bar approached us and, after asking a couple of questions about our preferences, left. He returned with a glass of wine for each of us, and very interestingly told whom he recommended which wine for tasting and why. Surprisingly, the owner guessed right! What we liked most was the variety that the owner of the wine bar presented to each of us. Wrapped in blankets that had been thoughtfully left on the outdoor terrace seats, we happily chatted with our new acquaintance and learned a lot about Hungarian winemaking, the types of wines, and even a little about the life of this slightly strange but interesting person. I definitely recommend visiting! The price of the issue is not very high, considering that the wine is sold by the glass, but if you wish, you can buy a whole bottle. For example, as a souvenir, because all the wines presented here are exclusively Hungarian. The next day we decided to commit.
Olga Pervushina Heviz - St. Petersburg 2018
The Hungarian thermal lake Heviz attracts tourists not only because of its healing power and indescribable beauty. Many independent travelers choose it because of the opportunity to relax very economically while receiving a range of medical procedures. Another positive point is that flight options and methods of moving from the airport to Heviz itself are easily accessible to the average resident.
Lake Heviz – a world-famous health resort
The 4.7 hectare lake is located in the center of a large park. The source, which releases about 85 million liters of hot water daily, ensures that the water ball is completely renewed within 28 hours. The maximum depth is about 36 m. Summer water temperature is 34-36 degrees, winter – not lower than 23-25 degrees.
There are recreation centers and sanatoriums on the lake and around it. They operate all year round, so tourists planning a holiday on their own do not need to worry about choosing the optimal time to travel.
Features of healing Heviz water
The history of the hydrogen sulfide lake as a mineral spring dates back to 1975. Then its owner was Count Dyorgy Fashtetic. He was the first to use his entrepreneurial skills and open Heviz as a resort and health complex. The lake also has a significant history - after swimming in it, the daughter of a count from the Tatika castle, paralyzed on both legs, recovered.
Multiple medical studies and repeated cases of recovery do not question the effectiveness of water. Welcome to the most economical and truly therapeutic Hungarian resort!
How to get there
The main point: to Hungary you need a valid Schengen visa (you can get it at the Hungarian consulates in the cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg). The service fee is 35 euros. See the website mfa.gov.hu for all the information you need.
Via Vienna (180 km)
Austrian Airlines provides direct flights to Vienna from Domodedovo (by the way, they have flights from St. Petersburg), Aeroflot sends from Sheremetyevo, and Transaero is also successfully engaged in transportation. The minimum price of a two-way ticket is approximately 7 thousand rubles. If you book a ticket through the airline’s website, you will have to pay about 500 rubles more.
In order to “fit” the hotel reservation to the departure of the plane and thus not overpay for the hotel if the time is slightly different, we do this: when issuing an air ticket, indicate cash payment, the system will issue an automatic plane reservation for 72 hours (so that you have time to pay in cash). Next, we search for a hotel and book it specifically for the time of arrival. After booking the hotel, we call the airport operators and ask them to change the form of payment to electronic. We pay for the ticket. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email. The registration itself takes place one day before departure.
There is a regular bus from Vienna to Heviz. Another cheap way: airport-metro-train station-Keszthely or Balatonszentgyorgy-bus to Heviz. In total, both methods cost 25-40 euros.
Transfers. The pricing policy of travel agencies on average is 100-120 euros for 2-3 people one way (taxi - over 120 euros). For example, you can use the services of www.foxtransfer.eu.
Via Budapest (200 km)
The best option is to use Wizz Air airlines (you can book on the company’s website). The plane lands in Sarmallek (Hévíz-Balaton airport). The price of a two-way ticket is from 70 euros. The distance to Heviz is 13 km, there are buses (for example, a tourist bus costs 25 euros/person in two directions; one of the transfer companies is www.volanbusz.hu). Schedule of regular buses on the website bc.hu.
You can fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (ticket prices from Moscow, St. Petersburg from 60-70 euros), from there order a transfer or get to Heviz by regular bus. By the way, popular travel companies that can take you to Heviz are Robinson Tours, 1000 Roads, Vedi Tour Group Hungary, etc.
Accommodation and meals
We all understand that if a town is a resort town and world famous, then there are plenty of options for living in it. You can choose a hotel for yourself on many websites, for example, booking.com. Among the most popular and positive hotels in Heviz are “Carbona”, “Evropa Fit”, “Danubius”, “Lotus Therme Rogner”, “Palace Hotel Hévíz”, etc. Prices are indicated on the websites of hotels or from tour operators. Nutrition and procedures are an individual choice. At the hotel, the average price for breakfast is 10 euros, dinner – 20 euros. When making a reservation, pay attention to bank commissions and who is charged this commission. There are cases when, due to the presence of intermediary banks that do not advertise themselves during the transaction, the total commission amount was equal to 30%!
Another accommodation option is renting apartments. The cheapest ones cost from 10 euros/day for 2 people. For a complete therapeutic holiday, you can go to any hotel and purchase a package of procedures without staying on site. The package amount is on average 150 euros/6 procedures. A huge plus is that for this money you get access to swimming pools and a thermal complex. If we consider the price range of each individual procedure, it is 10-20 euros (for example, a general massage is about 16 euros/50 minutes).
Meals in the apartments. Many shops, catering establishments, cafes, restaurants and a functioning market 3 times a week will not let you die of hunger. By the way, vacationers prefer to buy cheeses, local sausages, smoked meats, domestic chickens, berries and fruits, honey, nuts, and various preserves at the market (the signature thing is “smiling” jars). Prices in stores and on the market are approximately equal to Russian prices, and in some cases food is even cheaper than at home. For example, you can treat yourself to a sweet cake for about 70 rubles or three scoops of ice cream in a bowl for 35 rubles.
Special mention should be made of Heviz wines. Dry wines in Hungarian are “szaráz”, sweet wines are “edes”, semi-sweet wines are “feledes”. Not far from the lake there is a “Wine Hill” - the choice is incredibly chic. Here you can try homemade wines by the glass - 500 forints/liter. Vintage wine "Heviz" costs 2200 forints/bottle - it has a very special and memorable taste. The average price for wine is 2000-2500 forints.
Features of relaxation on the lake
To get to the lake itself, you need to buy a subscription. For example, a 20-hour subscription costs 40-50 euros. For a deposit of 3 euros, you will be given a special bracelet, which is an electronic key to all services in the bathhouse. When entering, this bracelet must be applied to the turnstile. Your personal locker will be displayed at a special display using a bracelet. When leaving the bath, you must put on a bracelet to stop time.
Apartment owners often offer discount coupons to their tourists. Do I need to take anything to the lake? It is advisable to take bathrobes, dry towels, beach slippers, swimming circles (in stores their price ranges on average from 3.8-4.5 euros, but you can ask for a circle in the pool, then it will cost free).
The Heviz pass includes mud in the open part of the lake and a salt cave. If you have any questions, please contact the staff; among them there is always at least one Russian speaker (by the way, the badges indicate the flags of the countries whose language the employee speaks). In addition, there are a lot of Russians on the lake - it’s incredibly easy to find a soul mate!
- Many vacationers recommend buying a ten-hour pass. In total it is much cheaper than all the others.
- There are Sberbank ATMs in Heviz, which is very beneficial for saving money while traveling. There are also ATMs with a choice of Russian menus. Try to use cards when paying for services, food, rent, etc. Terminals are available at most service locations. Think about how much you can save in euros without cashing them out unnecessarily (of course, you should always have the cash you need to enter the country with you, but smart tourists take it home later).
- (especially for those staying in apartments). It is best to make an appointment with your chosen doctor by email! The hotel will most likely tell you that there are no places available or will offer you a date in a week or a week and a half.
What to see in the area
All life in this place is centered around the lake, but, nevertheless, if you want to see the surrounding area, soak in the history and see colorful Hungary, pay attention to the excursions advertised everywhere. The price of these is 40-80 euros for a variety of directions.
While relaxing on Lake Heviz at your leisure you can see:
- Festetics Castle in Keszthely;
- Balaton coast;
- Badacsonytomaj distillery and Peter Varga distillery;
- Sümeg fortress (knight tournaments);
- surroundings of Tihany, Zalakaros, Tapolca, Kehida, etc.
Useful information: renting a car in Heviz costs about 40 euros/day. The longer the car is rented, the cheaper the cost. For example, from 15 days it turns out to be 25 euros/day. Speed limits are 40-90 km/h. Paid parking – 1-2 euros/hour.
