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Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment: iconic bathhouse faces demolition plans
Hungary has launched a major design competition that could reshape the future of Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment, one of the country’s best-known health tourism destinations. The plans cover not only the lakeside bath complex built over Europe’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake, but also the adjoining Szent András Rheumatology Hospital in Hévíz, western Hungary.
What is happening now?
According to Hungarian construction and tourism industry reporting, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has opened a design competition for the комплекс (spa + hospital) with a submission deadline at the end of July. A professional jury is expected to decide by late September, after which the state plans to select a team to produce the permitting and detailed construction designs.
The project has been presented as strategically important for the long-term operation of one of Hungary’s flagship health tourism hubs.
Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment: why the central building became urgent
The competition follows technical and structural concerns around parts of the bath complex built over the lake. Magyar Építők reports that a section of the over-water structure had to be closed due to structural issues, while the lake itself and other related units continued operating, signalling the need for a long-term, system-level solution.
The over-water bathhouse has a demanding engineering setting: it stands on piles in the lake. The same report notes that the building has been monitored with geodetic measurements since 2008, and a 2023 investigation indicated notable movement in the central section.
A three-phase plan: bath complex, hospital, then tourism upgrades
The design brief breaks the development into three main phases:
Phase 1: Lake Bath Buildings first
Partial demolition, reconstruction and renovation of bath buildings closest to the lake, plus plans for new structures in the immediate spa zone.
Phase 2: hospital-related functions
Reorganising and modernising buildings and functional units linked to the Szent András Rheumatology Hospital.
Phase 3: new tourism attractions
Designing tourism-focused functional units to broaden the visitor offer and overall experience.
Timeline: what could happen in 2027 and 2028?
Termál Online reported earlier that local leaders discussed a timeline in which 2027 would focus on finalising detailed plans and 2028 could be the year when major construction begins, with the project delivered in “blocks” rather than all at once.
A more recent Termál Online update says the jury is expected to announce results by late September, and that after the competition the state would select the designer for permitting and detailed plans. Officials quoted in that report said the selection process could conclude in the first quarter of 2027, followed by around a year for detailed design work. The same update notes that phased demolition and construction could start in the second half of 2027, while keeping the facility operational.
Will the iconic central bathhouse be demolished?
Yes, demolition is explicitly being discussed. Termál Online reported that Hévíz mayor Péter Naszádos said it had already been decided the central bathhouse must be demolished, and he wanted that done as early as 2027. He also urged that the central bath building be prioritised first within the phased approach (economic/service buildings, hospital, bath building).
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Practical visitor update: what “partial operation” means right now
For travellers planning a visit, bathing in the lake is currently outdoors only, and entry is via the Ady Street entrance through the Festetics Bathhouse. Several services remain available, including therapy-related facilities, wellness areas, and on-site food and drink options, alongside covered resting areas.
It also notes accessibility measures, including a mixed-gender changing room in the Festetics Bathhouse and a patient lift at the outdoor sitting pool near the “C” building.
Background for foreign readers: why Hévíz matters in Hungary
Hévíz is built around Europe’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake, whose certified medicinal water is widely associated with musculoskeletal treatments and rehabilitation. Over time, a broader ecosystem developed around the lake: medical services, spa facilities, accommodation and tourism functions that draw large visitor numbers and support the region’s economy.
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FAQ: Hévíz in plain English
What is Lake Hévíz, and why is it famous?
Is the spa closed right now?
No. Parts of the over-water structure were closed due to technical issues, but the lake and several spa-related services have continued operating.
What should tourists expect if visiting during “partial operation”?
Lake bathing is currently outdoors only, and visitors enter via the Ady Street entrance to the Festetics Bathhouse, with multiple services still available.
What exactly is being planned in the redevelopment?
A three-phase programme: (1) the lake bath buildings and immediate spa zone (including partial demolition/renovation and new structures), (2) hospital-related buildings and functions, and (3) tourism-focused additions.
When could demolition and construction actually start?
The reporting suggests results by late September, a designer selection process concluding around Q1 2027, then roughly a year for detailed plans, with phased demolition/construction potentially beginning in the second half of 2027—and larger works discussed as possible from 2028.
