Hévíz

The city of Hévíz is located in the eastern region of Zala county, Hungary. Hévíz, with a population of around 4,500 and covering only 830 hectares, is recognized as the smallest administrative town in Zala county and the Transdanubia region. This locale, despite its modest size, has established itself as a leading tourist destination in Hungary, attracting visitors from Europe and beyond.

The primary attraction of Hévíz is its namesake, Lake Hévíz. This natural phenomenon is a warm water lake characterized by a distinctive peat bed, unmatched in Europe. The therapeutic properties of the lake have significantly influenced the city’s development and remain the main attraction for the numerous visitors who arrive at its shores annually.

Hévíz is located 10 kilometers from Lake Balaton and 35 kilometers east of Zalaegerszeg, the county seat, in Hungary’s western region. The closeness to these significant landmarks has increased its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

The historical significance of Hévíz as a bathing location dates to prehistoric periods, with indications that its therapeutic attributes were acknowledged and employed by multiple civilizations over time. Archaeological evidence, such as coins retrieved by divers in the early 1980s and an altar stone found near the lake, suggests that the Romans were among the first to recognize the lake’s therapeutic properties. Later Germanic and Slavic groups that inhabited the region utilized the lake, as indicated by artifacts from the migration period.

The earliest recorded reference to Hévíz appears in 1328, identified in official documents as “locus vulgarites Hewyz dictus.” In 1769, Ferenc Szlávy published the first scientific study of the lake, initiating a systematic approach to understanding and utilizing its unique properties.

The emergence of Hévíz as a spa destination is significantly attributed to the Festetics family, who possessed the spring and its adjacent territories in the mid-18th century. Count György Festetics played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the spa complex, establishing the groundwork for a globally recognized health tourism destination.

The contemporary city of Hévíz was established in 1946 by the amalgamation of two villages, Hévízszentandrás and Egregy. This integration facilitated swift progress, resulting in Hévíz attaining city status on May 1, 1992. This increase in status indicated the rising significance of the settlement and its developing tourism sector.

Tourism has been essential to the economy of Hévíz and a key factor in its development. By 2012, the city recorded one million guest nights in commercial accommodations, establishing itself as Hungary’s second most frequented tourist destination, following the capital, Budapest. The international appeal of Hévíz is reflected in its visitor demographics, with Germany, Russia, and Austria as the primary source markets, contributing 258,000, 181,000, and 97,000 guest nights, respectively.

The Hévíz spa complex, with a history spanning over two centuries, remains the primary attraction for visitors. Annually, hundreds of thousands of tourists seek the therapeutic benefits of thermal waters and extensive wellness offerings. The sustained popularity of the spa reflects the natural healing attributes of Lake Hévíz, alongside the superior facilities and services established in its vicinity.

Hévíz is positioned for continued expansion in the realm of international tourism. The proximity of Sármellék airport has significantly enhanced accessibility for international visitors, and its ongoing development is anticipated to result in a rise in foreign guest arrivals.

Hévíz acknowledges the significance of its spa heritage and the necessity for collaboration with comparable destinations, thus becoming a member of the National Association of Hungarian Spa Cities. This affiliation highlights the city’s dedication to upholding high standards in health tourism and facilitates knowledge sharing and the collective promotion of Hungary’s spa culture.

The success of Hévíz as a tourist destination results not only from its natural assets but also from strategic planning and development efforts. The city has effectively balanced the preservation of its natural and historical heritage with the ongoing enhancement of its infrastructure and services to accommodate the changing demands of contemporary travelers.