Located in Zala County, Hungary is the well known spa town of Hévíz. Hévíz is said to be the country’s most popular provincial town and is located near the world famous Lake Hévíz. The town has numerous...more
Located in Zala County, Hungary is the well known spa town of Hévíz. Hévíz is said to be the country’s most popular provincial town and is located near the world famous Lake Hévíz. The town has numerous sights and attractions, like the lake as well as countless other natural and man-made attractions, which are waiting to be explored. The town of Hévíz is filled with sculptures and statues as well as historic buildings and green areas. It is however mostly visited by those seeking to use the medicinal waters of the lake. Muslim visitors must be warned that it will be difficult to locate Halal-friendly facilities like halal food and prayer areas in Hévíz.
Located near the western end of Lake Balaton, just 6 kilometres away, in fact, is Lake Hévíz. A visit to this lake should be on every visitor’s itinerary. Lake Hévíz is the second largest thermal lake in the world and is said to be the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake. It is visited by individuals from all over the world seeking its medical properties. The lake is what makes Hévíz a thriving health tourism industry. Those suffering from rheumatic diseases, locomotor disorders, as well as other diseases have been said to be benefited by the lake’s waters. The healing water is said to contain radium, sulfur, and minerals. Apart from bathing in the lake, visitors can also indulge in mud packs and massages. There are also nine indoor thermal pools in the area. Visitors to the lake are also sure to come across several unique species of flora and fauna, due to the temperature and chemical composition of the water.
A great way to see the surrounding area is to visit the Dr. Schulhof Vilmos Promenade. The Promenade is located on one side of the thermal lake and is bordered by benches and trees. It is a peaceful area where visitors can relax as well as learn more about the town. The historical buildings of Szent András Reumakórház that were built in the 1870s are also located here.
Other mist-visit sites include; the Roman ruin garden, the Tomb of the Roman soldier, City Hall, the Hévíz Museum Collection and Hévíz’s Farmers’ market. Visitors to the market will be able to find home-made food items as well as craft items like pottery and baskets. Hand-made soaps can also be bought here, along with other top-quality and chemical-free products. The market is an initiative for healthy living. If time permits; tourists can also pay a visit to the charming town of Keszthely, which is located 8 kilometres from Hévíz, by Lake Balaton.
The closest airport to Hévíz that offers international flights is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is located in Budapest; approximately 174 kilometres from the center of Hévíz. There is a company that handles transfers of passengers from the airport to Hévíz. Hévíz is about a two hour drive from Budapest and there are buses and trains that tourists can take.
There are no known Halal restaurants in Hévíz. Muslim visitors, who have the facilities to prepare their own meals, can ask the locals for information on shops that sell Halal items. They can also dine at local seafood or vegetarian restaurants after making sure the dishes served do not consist of any non-Halal items. They should be aware that restaurants in Hévíz do serve alcohol.
There are no known Islamic Centers or mosques in Hévíz, and therefore Muslim travelers will find it difficult to locate prayer facilities in the city. The best option is to offer their prayers in the privacy of their hotel room or to simply enquire with locals for a private area in the vicinity that can be made use of when traveling outdoors.