HévízTours / Spa History Walk
A sightseeing walk in Hévíz, where you’ll discover how a swampy area once known as Hévíz marsh became a world-famous spa destination.
A guided sightseeing walk in Hévíz with a local guide, where you’ll learn how a swampy area once referred to as Hévíz marsh became a globally renowned spa destination.
It all began in 1795 when Count György Festetics I built the first bathhouse on Lake Hévíz. During the walk, I’ll share stories about why the first bath was called the mirror bath, what the ticket prices for the lake bath were, and what the bathing rules were. The first bathhouse was rebuilt several times, and there were even buildings that only stood for a few months.
Fascinating legends and stories have been passed down about how our ancestors discovered the healing properties of the spa. There are romantic tales, such as the miraculous recovery of Klára Pethő, the love of Sándor Rezi, and true stories like Nelly the elephant’s healing treatment in Hévíz. Much has changed over time—the Cupping House, the Spa Salon, and the Zander Institute have disappeared—but what remains is the Hévíz Traditional Cure, now a globally recognised trademark.
- Meeting point: Tourinform Office (Hévíz, Rákóczi u. 2)
- Guide: Krisztina Csorja, Information: +36 20 470 7058
- Duration of the walk: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 1.5 km, easy walk
- Participation fee: 2900 HUF/adult, free for children under 10, 1500 HUF for ages 10-16
- For private appointments: 4900 HUF/person
- Group rate for 20-45 people: 35000 HUF/group
- The Hévíz walk is guaranteed to start with a minimum of 2 participants
