Hévíz – the old spa
That is good for the body and good for the soul – taking a bath, relaxing in the mildly sulfurous scented lake and enjoy the beautiful bunches of waterlilies floating on the water.
There is a lake in Hungary wherein taking a bath sorrow dies– as a Finn writer says. Hévíz is the Mecca of the ones suffering from rheumatism, a piece of Mediterranean landscape that remained behind in the middle of Transdanubium – says the other. A separate world that cannot be compare to anything which excels from Pannonia because of its significance.
The biggest thermal lake of Europe whit its curative effect covers an area of 44,4 hectare and 50 hectare of the forest reserves surrounds it. The lake commands a picturesque view with its period spa buildings and the image of red waterlilies swimming on the surface of the water. The very first spa building was built in 1795. The bottom of the lake is covered by peat. This special kind of natural formation can be found only on one of the isle of New Zealand. The water gushes out from 38 m deep. The average temperature of the lake is 33 – 35 Celsius in summer as a result of the blending of the cold and warm water gushing out of the spring crater, in winter never dropping below 22 Celsius either. The light steam above the surface of the lake allows outdoor-bathing in winter as well. The spring flowing into the lake makes the water circulates towards the shores constantly. The steady and constant drift keeps stroking and massaging us continually. The surface of the Hévíz Lake does not stand still so the water shifts about in every three day.
Water components:
Potassium 9,6mg, sodium 25mg, ammonium 0,13mg, calcium 87mg, magnesium 37mg, fluoride 1,3mg, chloride 27mg, bromide 0,12mg, iodide 0,023mg, sulphide 2,5mg, sulphate 63mg, carbonate of hydrogen 353mg, metasilicic acid 19,76mg, free carbonic acid 36mg, dissolved oxygen 3,8mg.
A water-cure at Hévíz is interdisciplinary thanks for the temperature and the chemical compound of the water, the mud, the air and the weather. According to the age-long medical experiences taking a spa therapy is suggested just like the balneotherapy and mud packing as well. You can enjoy different kinds of electrotherapy and mechanotherapy also. What is the water at Hévíz good for. Indications:rheumatic disorders, arthritic and spine disorders, as a post-treatment after fracture, accident and locomotor disease, arthritic, some kind of gynecological disease, gingivitis, etc. In the case of a disease of the intestines the water of the thermal wells can be drunk.
Sights of Hévíz and its neighborhood
That is simply good is – taking a walk in the peaceful and flowered streets of Hévíz, going into a shady restaurant, a nice Café or just having a cold drink somewhere. Hévíz became a city in 1992 and it has been being a well known spa for 200 years which guarantees a real recreation for the visitors. The Thermal Bath and the Spa Hospital can be found in a beautiful park with hundred years old trees in the center of the city. The visitors arriving here can find sanatoria, medical hotels, different kind of pensions and private ones also at Hévíz. The many beautiful old villas which were built at the beginning of the 20th century are delightful. The developing city is tidy, clean and full of life. A new city hall, church and sport center was inaugurated in 1999. Library, movies, galleries and museums can be enjoyed also in the city. There are high level programs year round like buskers, folklore programs, operetta music or wine tasting. There is a swimming pool at Hotel Carbona which is allowed to be used by anyone against a fee. Children are welcome as well.
There is a riding-hall within 3 Km where beginners are awaited also. The ones who prefer to play tennis have more opportunities. Bike-fans can rent a bike and take a tour outside of the city. You can walk to Egregy or take the “dotto” to get there. There is a belfry in the center of this ancient town which is a World War I. monument.
After this pleasant but tiring walk you should go in the wine cellars at the hill side. Now we are at the “Hévíz Grinzing”. Enjoy the clean air, the beautiful view and the silence! Taste the different kind of wine of the neighborhood with a delicious Hungarian meal! Everyone should visit this place at least once until leaving the town.
The neighborhood of Hévíz:
Nemesbükk – is situated among gently sloping hills. It is a very nice place for outings.
Cserszegtomaj – is one of the biggest Hungarian towns. Its highest point is the “Csókakő Rock” where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Keszthely, Lake Balaton, Hévíz and the hill of Egregy. The botanic garden and the fort-theater is also remarkable.
Gyöngyösi outlaw-wayside /l729/ – is one of the most likable place to go and the most beautiful relics of the folk architecture at the surroundings of Lake Balaton. The old village inn where you can enjoy the Gypsy-music was the best-known hostelry all over Transdanubium-west. The place has its own outlaw legends.
Fort of Rezi – was built in the XIII – XIVth century and protected the country against the Turkish troops. It is a bit tiring but a wonderful trip. It is worth to go to Zalaszántó from here.
Zalaszántó – here can be found a Buddhist choir of peace. This is the biggest one in Europe.
Kis-Balaton and the island of Kányavár – is a very popular place for outings. It is the home of birds that are dying out, animals and plant living in the marsh. Sheltered national park!
Keszthely the “capitol of Lake Balaton” – is situated 8 Km from Hévíz. It is a city of university and cultural life. The castle of Festetics was built in 1745 which is one of the most beautiful castles of Hungary. Its wonderful park and museum of old coaches appeals to thousands visitors. You can enjoy theatrical performances in the garden in summer and concerts in the “room of mirrors” year round. You should visit the Georgikon Croft-museum which was built in 1797. This was the first agricultural school in Hungary. Since Keszthely is at the shore of Lake Balaton you can take boat-trips to the most frequented towns of the lake like Szigliget, Tihany, Badacsony, Siófok, etc. Swimming, sailing and boating is allowed on the lake. According to season fishing is allowed also. Flying with a balloon or a glider the wonderful view of Transdanubium can be enjoyed from above.
