Hévíz Gyógyfürdő

Hévíz Gyógyfürdő near Lake Balaton in Somogy county is one of the world's most remarkable natural phenomena — the largest biologically active thermal lake on Earth, covering 4.4 hectares with a maximum depth of 38 metres, fed by a volcanic spring that pumps 86 million litres of sulphurous mineral water per day at 38°C, completely renewing the lake's water every 72 hours. The lake's surface water never falls below 23°C even in winter, allowing outdoor bathing year-round in an extraordinary experience of floating amid thermal steam clouds surrounded by pink and white water lilies — the lotuses (Nymphaea lotus thermalis) that bloom here year-round are found in nature only in Hévíz and in the Nile basin. Hévíz's sulphurous waters have been enjoyed in a thermal tradition stretching back over 2,000 years, and the lake is one of Hungary's most visited attractions with over a million visitors annually.