We have reported on several occasions that the extreme drought afflicting Hungary is not only impacting smaller lakes, but is also severely affecting Lake Velence. Water levels have already fallen so dramatically that, by late summer, the lake could approach complete desiccation. Urgent state intervention would be required, yet for now there is little sign of any such action.
Water levels nearing historic lows
According to Pál Árpád Eötvös, mayor of Gárdony, speaking to RTL Klub’s news programme, the lake is now within just 10 centimetres of its lowest recorded level. Experts suggest that this threshold could be reached as early as mid-June.
This, of course, refers only to official measurements. Historical records indicate that between 1863 and 1866 the lake dried out entirely—so much so that hussars from Székesfehérvár reportedly conducted military exercises on its bed. Over the past 1,500 years, Lake Velence has completely dried up at least 14 times, roughly once every century, due to natural causes.
The most intense heat of the summer is still to come. During such periods, water levels can fall by as much as 20 to 25 centimetres in a single month.
The real heatwave is only just approaching: during the hot summer months, the lake’s water level could fall by as much as 20–25 centimetres a month.
Tourism under strain
It is evident that tourism and hospitality businesses around the lake are already suffering considerable losses. While modern engineering could, in principle, mitigate the situation, any such intervention would entail substantial financial costs.
As reported by RTL Klub, water was previously replenished in 2023 from the Pátka reservoir. This, however, proved only a temporary remedy, and the lakebed has continued to dry ever since. Experts estimate that roughly two-thirds of the lake’s average water volume is currently missing. The mayor of Gárdony notes the tangible consequences: from an early-season level of 82 centimetres, the water has now receded to just 62 centimetres. In some areas, visitors must walk up to 20 metres from the shore before reaching the water.
Boats, anglers, and visitors departing
Pleasure boating on Lake Velence may soon cease altogether. Many hospitality businesses have opted not to open at all, while others attempt to attract visitors with events and programmes. Nevertheless, according to Mayor Eötvös, visitor numbers are declining in step with the falling water levels, and may soon reach historic lows.
Anglers, too, have largely disappeared from the lakeside, despite assurances from the national fishing association that fish stocks remain plentiful.
Should the water level fall further, pleasure boating could be suspended indefinitely. Many boat owners have already relocated their vessels to Lake Balaton. According to the owner of velenceitohajozas.hu, conditions could deteriorate to a critical point by August, forcing a halt to boat services for an unspecified period.
If you missed it – Lake Velence in critical danger: Continuous body of water could disappear
Limited options for intervention
As noted in our earlier reporting, several potential solutions for water replenishment exist. One option would be to channel water from the Danube; however, this would be a long-term and highly costly undertaking, albeit one that might attract European Union funding. An alternative would involve pumping water from wells in the vicinity of Érd.
The Ministry responsible for environmental affairs did not respond to RTL’s enquiries on the matter. Local mayors are urging immediate state intervention, while it is clear that the weather alone will not resolve the situation.
Meanwhile, one nearby lake has already succumbed: the Szálka Lake near Szekszárd has dried up this spring, and bathing there will not be possible this year.
Something unexpected is happening on the shores of Lake Balaton: and not everyone will benefit
