This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hévíz.
Hévíz, Hungary, is a town constructed around the Hévíz thermal lake, near Lake Balaton. The thermal lake is a large spa complex, known for its healing properties of skin and bones. It is a mecca for older people looking to improve their health as well as those who enjoy a good spa day and swimming. There are a few Hévíz, Hungary hostels as well as a few apartments, so be sure to book in advance, especially during the European summer (June through September).
As the city is based around the Hévíz thermal lake, this is the main reason for tourism. The thermal lake is warm all year round and the water is naturally refreshed every two days. In addition to swimming or floating in the thermal water either inside or outside the spa complex, you can use mud and salt baths, get massages, and receive certain medical treatments (physiotherapy). Passes to the spa vary in price depending on how long you want to stay there and which services you would like to receive (don't forget a student ID if you are a student, as there are student discounts!). One strange thing about the spa is that the locker room is unisex (however, the shower stalls are private and private changing stalls are available). Also, be sure to bring a bathing suit you don't care about, as the lake will leave your suit smelling like sulfur!
If you're interested in activities outside of the spa, there is plenty to do. Along the perimeter of the spa is a nature trail, and in town you can find beautiful churches, museums, restaurants, wineries, a cinema, shops, and a food market. You can also find a variety of massage parlors, including those for Thai and Chinese massages. As the weather heats up, sometimes small Roman festivals are put on out by the Jézus Szíve-templom Church, providing amazing food and entertainment. The town is small, so it is possible to explore it by foot, however, there are also plenty of places to rent bikes or segways.
You should be able to find a bed in Hévíz most times of year if you make a reservation a little bit in advance. However, if you stay elsewhere in Hungary, Hévíz is easily accessible by bus from many towns and cities.
Written by local enthusiast for Hévíz hostels
Kari