Hévíz

Hévíz
Lake HévízLake Hévíz
Flag of HévízFlagCoat of arms of HévízCoat of arms
Hévíz is located in HungaryHévízHévízLocation of Hévíz
Coordinates: 46°47′32″N 17°11′06″E / 46.79234°N 17.18497°E / 46.79234; 17.18497
Country Hungary
CountyZala
Area
 • Total8.31 km2 (3.21 sq mi)
Population (2015)
 • Total4,634
 • Density560/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code8380
Area code83

Hévíz is a spa town in Zala County, Hungary, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the city of Keszthely.

Description of the lake

The town is located near Lake Hévíz, the world’s second-largest thermal lake, but biologically the biggest active natural lake. Its temperature is affected by the combination of hot and cold spring waters, coming from 38 meters underground. The water breaks out from a spring cave, at approximately 410 liters per second, with a temperature of 40 °C (104 °F). The biological stability of the lake is shown by the temperature of the water, which has not changed for years and even on the coldest winter days does not drop below 24 °C (75 °F). That makes bathing possible in the lake year round. In the summer, the water temperature can reach 37 °C (99 °F).

History

The lake's healing properties have been well known for centuries by people who lived here, as far back as the end of the Stone Age. The foundation of bath culture was laid by the Romans in the 2nd century. The city and the bath began developing significantly in the 18th century, related to the Festetics family, who started scientific research about using the water for healing.

Attractions to the city

The city provides facilities for visitors seeking to use the medicinal waters of the lake, including entertainment, hotels, parks, and sports.

See also

Gallery

References

  1. ^ Gazetteer of Hungary, 1 January 2015. Hungarian Central Statistical Office.
  2. ^ "Spa Hévíz". Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  3. ^ "Spa Hévíz". Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  4. ^ "Spa Hévíz". Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  5. ^ "Evolution of the bathing culture in Hévíz".
  6. ^ "Sights in Hévíz".

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hévíz. Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Hévíz.