Quick Bit of Background

Geologically speaking, Lake Velence is a youngster - 'only' 12–15 000 years old. While documented history spans around 1 500 years, the lake has paradoxically emptied and refilled throughout centuries, most recently drying up between 1863–66. 

Today, thanks to human regulation, it's maintained at a stable midpoint in its natural cycle - which has implications for ecology and species survival.

European funding has supported a €44 million restoration effort to modernize uneven embankments, protect habitats, and improve water quality. Dredging operations and the addition of new fish nurseries are part of the plan to reduce algae blooms and restore natural water flow.

Covering nearly 2 000 hectares, Velence-Dinnyés has bird reserves with reedbeds, wetlands, and floating bogs that support breeding egrets, ducks, and migrating geese - 20 000–35 000 bean geese pass through annually.

Warm Waters & Water Sports

As Hungary’s third-largest natural lake (10.8 km × 3.3 km), Velence averages just 1–2 m deep - making it one of Europe's warmest lakes.

Summer water temps regularly reach 26–28 °C. This creates idyllic conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking. You can rent locally at Velence, Agárd, and Gárdony.

Cycling, Hiking & More

Round-the-lake cycling path: A gently rolling 30‑km route hugs the shore. Bike rentals are plentiful—and the trip is ideal for a relaxed day out.

Velence Hills excursions: Nearby trails climb gently toward panoramic ridges, with options like the Pákozd‑Sukoró Arboretum & Wildlife Park (where you can spot deer, peacocks, and birds from lookout towers).

Pázmánd’s quartzite gorge: Less traveled but worth a detour—this mini-gorge in the hills reveals volcanic quartzite rock formations and vineyards that produce local Kékfrankos blends.

Local Tourism

Nearby Velence-area towns like Gárdony and Sukoró have seen tourism triple during summer festivals like EFOTT. That summer fest alone brought tens of thousands of visitors for short‑stay boosts to local accomodation and campsites.

For expats, it's a tranquil yet vibrant escape - that just about an hour away. Whether you’re into swimming, birdlife, cycling, hiking, or sampling local wine, you'll find something meaningful here, including local events around the year.

Top 5 Travel Tips

If you're planning a visit to Velence, consider starting at Agárd, which is both a transport hub and one of the best-developed lakeside towns.

* Beach Life: The strand at Agárd has clear entry points for swimming, along with rental spots for SUP boards, pedal boats, and kayaks. It's family-friendly and walkable, with cafés and ice cream shops dotted along the shore.

* Birding at Agárd: The Chernel István bird-watching center and canoe tours let visitors observe herons, reed warblers, ferruginous ducks, and other waterbirds in their natural habitat.

* Train & Bike Escape: Train travel from Budapest’s Déli Station gets you to Agárd in about 50 minutes, making it ideal for a spontaneous day trip. Bikes are allowed on most trains, so you can cycle the lakeshore without worrying about transport back if you wish.

* Wine Tasting: If you're after a good drink, check out one of the local cellars in the Velence Hills, particularly around Nadap and Pázmánd. They produce some lesser-known but high-quality Hungarian wines, for sure check out Zenit, Kékfrankos, and Szürkebarát.

* Velence’s Sunsets: As the sky reflects off the lake and the distant hills take on a golden hue, it becomes clear why this modest destination is cherished by locals - and why more expats are adding it to their go-to list of Hungarian trips.

Photo courtesy of velencei-to.hu