A calm lakeside resort town 40km from Budapest, with thermal springs and Hungary's second-largest natural lake, popular for swimming and sailing in summer.
Velence lies 47 kilometers from Budapest on Lake Velence, Hungary's third largest natural lake. The lake's water temperature reaches 28°C in summer, making it one of Europe's warmest lakes. You can relax at Sunshine Beach with its children's playgrounds, cycle the 30-kilometer lakeside path, or spot herons and egrets in the reed beds that cover one-third of the lake.
Lake Velence's Physical Features
Lake Velence spans 26 square kilometers, with reed beds covering one-third of its surface area. The lake's average depth of 1.5 meters and the region's sunny climate heat the water to 26-28°C during summer months. The Velence Hills rise along the northern shore, with rows of grape vines and oak woods stretching above the town.
Summer Activities at the Lake
The sandy beaches have a gentle slope into the water, ideal for families with children. You'll find pedalo and water ski rentals at the waterfront. Sunshine Beach includes five playgrounds, marked swimming zones, and changing rooms. In July and August, the beaches fill with swimmers and sunbathers from 10 AM to 6 PM, while bird watchers gather in the reed beds between 6 AM and 8 AM.
Getting Around Velence
The drive from Budapest takes 45 minutes via the M7 motorway. A 30-kilometer paved bicycle path circles the lake, linking Velence with Gárdony, Agárd, and Sukoró. Buses stop at the main beach area every 30 minutes, and trains run hourly to Budapest (50 minutes) and Székesfehérvár (20 minutes).
Cultural Events and Entertainment
Local musicians perform musicals and operettas in Castle Park on Saturday evenings throughout July and August. The St. Stephen's Day festivities on August 20th include wind instrument concerts in the town square and food stalls along the waterfront. In September, local wineries host tastings and grape-pressing demonstrations during the annual harvest celebration.
Velence Korzó
The Velence Korzó opened in 2014 as the town's main commercial area. The complex includes a 9,670-square-foot beach, 15 shops, and eight restaurants. Maple trees line the waterfront walkways, making this area a central gathering spot where you can watch boats on the lake or grab an ice cream.
