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The lake Hévíz is located in a 60.5-hectare nature reserve, of which 4.44 hectares is the lake surface. The bogs surrounding the lake are protected by law. Lake Hévíz is a geological rarity; unlike other hot water lakes in the world, which are usually located in clay or rock soil of volcanic origin, the Hévíz peat-bed spring lake is a spring lake.
Spring cave
Discovered in 1975, the karst water of several cold and hot springs mixes with each other in this large cave. From there, the mixed medicinal water continues through a narrow corridor and then flows from the spring cave to the medicinal lake at a uniform temperature of 38.5 °C. Due to the location of the spring cave, it can only be visited if strict regulations are observed, with the permission of the operator and the competent nature conservation authority, and in compliance with the rules of cave diving.
The lake’s wildlife
The lake’s wildlife is unique due to the temperature and specific composition of the water. The microorganisms in the water and mud contribute greatly to the healing power of the lake. Sulfur bacteria extract sulfur from the water, while other bacterial strains play an important role in the decomposition of peat and the formation of the healing mud. The “Micromonospora heviziensis” is the only one in the world that occurs here, which is a powerful protein and cellulose decomposer. The diversity of the wildlife is indicated by the fact that some plant species can only be found here in Hungary, and even in Europe.
The thermal world and depth of the lake
The water temperature is 35-36C° in summer and 26C° in winter. The thermal world and depth of the lake are also divided, the water gradually cools down as it moves away from the closed bathing area under the building and the middle of the lake towards the outlet, so in the summer heat, or for those who cannot stand warm water, they can find pleasant cooler areas on the lake. Two-thirds of the lake is 1.5-2m deep, the deepest part is located north of the bathhouse in the middle of the lake. Handrails throughout the lake help ensure safe bathing.
Water lily
The most beautiful plant in the lake, the water lily, has become the symbol of Hévíz and is included in the city’s coat of arms and flag. The Indian red water lily was introduced into the lake by Sándor Lovassy, a professor at the Keszthely Academy of Economics, in 1898. Thanks to the introduction experiments on the lake, the Egyptian blue and white water lilies also flourish in the water, as do the lighter-colored versions of the red water lily. The native white water lily is more common in the drainage canal. The flowering of these strictly protected plants begins in early summer and lasts until the end of November. The water lily leaves slow down the evaporation of the lake, and the creepers that spread across the bottom protect the radium-rich medicinal mud.
The lake from a medical point of view
The water of the lake is rich in gaseous substances, containing hydrogen sulfide, carbonic acid, methane and radium gases. The gases that enter the body in small quantities are absorbed through the skin and have a direct effect. The pancreas stimulates the functioning of the thyroid gland, the pituitary gland and the gonads, as a result of which sleep disorders are reduced, and as a result, the general well-being improves. Thanks to its mild radioactivity, osteoporosis symptoms are alleviated and the function of bone-forming cells is enhanced.
Bathing in the medicinal water is recommended in the following cases:
non-inflammatory diseases of the spine and joints
soft tissue rheumatism
disc diseases
rehabilitation
gout
stress, overload, muscle pain, static disorders
posture disorders, lack of movement
Bathing is not recommended in the following diseases:
malignant tumors
severe heart failure, circulatory disorders due to heart valve stenosis
acute infectious diseases
severe pulmonary asthma
pregnancy
hyperthyroidism
open wounds
pulmonary asthma
The mud of Hévíz is unique in the world, containing 80% inorganic and 20% organic matter. Due to its radon content, it has an excellent analgesic effect. The healing mud (peloid) lines the entire interior of the lake like a real bed. Numerous mud wrap cures are based on this mud.
Mud packs are not recommended for the following conditions:
edema caused by heart failure
certain internal medicine problems
certain musculoskeletal disorders
neurological disorders
