Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Velence

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Velence is Hungary's third-largest natural lake, situated at the foot of the Velence Mountains between Budapest and Lake Balaton. Covering 26 square kilometers, the lake has an average depth of only 1.5 meters, allowing its waters to warm up rapidly to 26-28 degrees Celsius during summer. The southwestern part of the lake houses the Dinnyés Reedbed Nature Reserve, an internationally recognized bird sanctuary and breeding ground for waterfowl. Significant portions of the lake are covered by reeds, which support a rich fish population and a highly diverse ecosystem. Geologically, the lake basin was formed 12,000 to 15,000 years ago through subsidence, with its water supply primarily provided by precipitation and the Császár Stream. The water's high mineral content is considered refreshing, and the surrounding towns are popular resorts for tourism, sailing, and various water sports.

Location: Fejér, Hungary
Top sights: Park strand · H2O Akváriumház · Napsugár Strand
Nearby: Velence (Lake Velence) (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	6	12	17	21	24	23	18	12	6	0
Rain mm	37	41	39	34	63	67	62	60	59	50	42	42

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Lake Velence is easily accessible from Budapest or Székesfehérvár via the M7 motorway or by frequent train services to Gárdony and Velence stations. Local buses also connect the surrounding villages to the main beach areas and tourist hubs.

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Best season

The peak season is during the summer months of June to August when the water temperature is among the warmest in Europe. Spring and autumn are convenient for those interested in birdwatching at the nearby marshes or cycling around the lake.

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Terrain & paths

The area around the lake is predominantly flat, featuring well-maintained sandy or grassy beaches and a popular paved cycling path. Some marshes and reed beds characterize the western end, which is a protected natural reserve area.

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What to bring

Visitors should bring swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, and towels for enjoy the water, along with comfortable shoes or a bicycle for the perimeter trail. If planning to explore the reed beds, binoculars for birdwatching are highly recommended.

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Parking

Numerous paid and free parking lots are available near the public beaches, train stations, and shopping areas in Velence and Agárd. During peak summer weekends, these lots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable for a good spot.

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Safety

Always pay attention to the storm warning light signals around the lake; a yellow flash means caution, while red indicates immediate danger. The water is generally shallow, but children should still be supervised at all times near the shore.

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Time needed

Most people visit for a full day to combine swimming with a meal at a local restaurant or a short cycling trip. A complete bike ride around the entire lake typically takes between 3 and 4 hours at a leisurely pace.

Geography

Coordinates

47.20000, 18.59000

Facts

Total surface area of the lake is 26 square kilometers
Average water depth is only 1.5 meters
Water temperature can reach 28 degrees in summer
The lake basin formed 12,000 to 15,000 years ago
Dinnyés-fertő is an internationally recognized sanctuary
Császár Stream is the primary water source for the lake

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Velence<1 km · EExplore →

Velence Lake Bird Sanctuary1 km · SWExplore →

Agárd3 km · SEExplore →

Velence Mountains6 km · NWExplore →

Velence (Lake Velence)6 km · NEExplore →

Pázmánd Watermill10 km · NEExplore →

Bory Castle10 km · WExplore →

Lake Pazmand12 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Velence (10)

Park strand

Park Beach at Lake Velence. Public beach with sunbathing areas and swimming access.

🌐 parkkemping.hu💶

H2O Akváriumház

H2O Aquarium House at Lake Velence. Aquarium featuring freshwater fish and other aquatic life.

🌐 akvariumhaz.hu

Napsugár Strand

Napsugár Beach at Lake Velence. Family-friendly beach section.

🕒 08:00-20:00💶

Agárd, Tini Szabadstrand

Agárd Tini Free Beach at Lake Velence. Free beach for young people.

Katonai Emlékpark Pákozd🏛 museum

Pákozd Military Memorial Park at Lake Velence. Memorial site with military history exhibitions.

Látogatóközpont🏛 museum

Visitor Center at Lake Velence. Tourist information point.

Sukorói Szabadstrand

Sukoró Free Beach at Lake Velence. Public beach in Sukoró.

Nádasdy-kastély

Nádasdy Castle at Lake Velence. Historic castle building.

Don-kanyar Emlékkápolna

Don Bend Memorial Chapel at Lake Velence. Chapel commemorating the victims of the Don bend.

Pákozdi Pagony Vadaspark

Pákozdi Pagony Wildlife Park at Lake Velence. Animal park with native wildlife.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the 'Lake of Sunshine'?

Because it is one of the sunniest regions in Hungary and its water warms up extremely quickly.

How far is it from Budapest?

Only about 50 km, reachable in about 40-50 minutes by car or train.

Are there thermal baths there?

Yes, the Agárd Thermal Bath is popular with visitors all year round.

Can you do bird watching there?

Yes, the Dinnyés-fertő nature reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers.

What are the 'floating islands'?

Unique layers of reed and soil that have detached from the bottom and float on the water.

Lake Velence: where is it located?

Lake Velence is located in Fejér, Hungary.

Lake Velence: what is there to see?

Highlights include Park strand, H2O Akváriumház, Napsugár Strand.

Lake Velence: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lake Velence: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Velence is Hungary's third-largest natural lake, situated at the foot of the Velence Mountains between Budapest and Lake Balaton.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →