Lake Hévíz is a geologically active natural thermal lake, which is also considered to be the biggest one in Europe, but the second biggest in the world, and it is located in the vicinity of the City of Hévíz, from where it gets its name, within the western part of Hungary.
With a surface area of about 47,500 square km (18,340 square mi), Lake Hévíz is quite close to the western end of Lake Balaton, another natural lake. Since the flow of water in Lake Hévíz is very strong, it is strongly believed by the locals that Lake Hévíz is completely replenished every single day from this other lake.
Surrounded by some 60 hectares (148 acres) of nature conservation area, the springs of different temperatures diffuse in a narrow cave, from where the water reaches the lake and has a constant temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Once in the lake, the temperature of the water is somewhat 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), however, in winter the temperature reaches around 22 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit) making it very pleasant even in winter time. The depth of the lake varies, whereas along the shores it is some 130 cm (51 inches), and the deepest part is the center of the lake, which is measured to be at 38 meters (125 feet).
The flora and fauna are quite unique due to the temperature and chemical composition of the water, even though it is slightly radioactive and contains reduced sulfuric compounds as well as oxygen in solution, and there are several species that are endemic to the lake.
The largest group of life forms in the lake, besides the humans, is the bacteria that are supposed to have a curative effect. There are also plenty of water lilies that are dotting the lake, which were brought to Hungary at the end of the 19th century, supporting the eco-life, with leaves slowing down evaporation, and creepers protecting the medicinal mud on the bottom of the lake.
Nonetheless, the thermal baths that are built on the lake offer every visitor a unique experience from Hungary, and as the bathing is the main activity, together with mud packing and massages, it will offer peace and tranquility to those who need to calm their nerves a bit, as well as it will be beneficial to those suffering from rheumatic diseases and locomotor disorders.
