Hungary in Bloom: Hévíz Water Lilies, Tihany Lavender and the Margaret Island Rose Garden

Hungary is known for its thermal baths, but water and flowers often meet in the same place here. A thermal lake is covered with water lilies, a peninsula on Lake Balaton smells of lavender, and floral patterns decorate even the walls of houses. Here is a route for anyone who wants to combine the springs with flowers.

A lavender mood: flowers in a box and spray roses.

View full-size photo

Where to go

• Lake Hévíz. One of the largest thermal lakes in the world where you can swim. In summer its surface is covered with red water lilies planted more than a century ago, and the water stays warm even in winter.
• Tihany peninsula, Lake Balaton. Lavender fields by an ancient abbey bloom in June and early July, when a lavender festival takes place.
• Margaret Island, Budapest. A park in the middle of the Danube with a rose garden of hundreds of varieties, a Japanese garden and a musical fountain.
• Kalocsa. The town is famous for bright embroidery and wall painting with floral motifs, as well as paprika.

View full-size photo

Thermal baths

• Széchenyi, Budapest. One of Europe’s largest bath complexes, with yellow buildings and outdoor pools used even in winter.
• Gellért. An Art Nouveau bath with mosaics and stained glass.
• Miskolctapolca. A bath set in a natural cave.

Thermal treatments are not for everyone: if you are travelling for health reasons, check with a doctor first.

View full-size photo

We covered lavender in detail in lavender gift ideas, and other flowering countries in Croatia in bloom and Italy in bloom.

FAQ

When do the water lilies bloom on Lake Hévíz?

From May to September, peaking in midsummer.

When should I go to Tihany for the lavender?

In June or early July, during the lavender festival.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →