Hévíz
The most important attraction of the city is the Hévíz Lake. The Lake of 4,4 hectares is the largest thermal lakeof curativ power in Europe which is surrounded by a protective forest of 50 hectares. The water of Hévíz is heated by geothermal energy, its temperature is the result of the mixture of warm spring waters and karst water gushing from the depth of the earth.
The water output totally changes in 2-3 days. The temperature of the water fluctuates around 24-28 degrees Celsius, so it's also suitable for swimming in winter.
The water of the Lake is rich in soluble and gaseous materials and the bottom of the Lake is covered by mud, which is used for healing treatments. It's also very relaxing spending your time by floating on the soft water and wawatching the waterlilies. This water can't only be used externally but also is good for stomach and digestive diseases.
Bathing in the Lake and the treatments are recommended for all rheumatic diseases, arthroses, spondylosis, discopathy, inflammatory diseases of joints, secondary joint diseases, injuries resulting from accidents and condition after operations of motor organs, pre- and post-treatment of join operations. The recommended duration of stay on one occasion is 31 minutes, but first take the doctor's advice into account in all cases!
Near the Lake you can find the St. András Rheumatic Hospital, which offers you many kind of massages and treatments. There is a Winter Bath with a thermal pool, traction bath and spa. At the hospital you have an individual curative program (mudwrap, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, body exercises).
Because of it's living word and invaluable curing activity the Hévíz Lake was put on the heir apparent list of the World Heritage.
You can find many curiosivities and programmes in the surrounding of Hévíz. Keszthely, the capital of Lake Balaton with the Festetics Castle and park area, the Georgikon Museum, the gothic church, the Balaton Museum, the Marzipan Museum, Snail-Parlament and Doll Museum, the mole and the beach. Visiting the Kányavári-island at Little-Balaton could be a nice trip for families with children. Here you can see the unique bird world of this area and it is also possible to make a pic-nic. A few minutes from the island there is a buffalo-reservat in Kápolnapuszta. There is a large spa in Kehidakustány which offers a good time for children and adults as well. A bit farther in Sümeg you can find an old castle with lot of programes.