Xploring Hungary Video: Lake Velence Area
- 24 Apr 2025 11:39 AM
Velence is one of Hungary’s most popular resort spots, not just because of the great lake but also due to the marvellous natural environment of the Velence Hills - as the video below shows.
It is easily accessible from Budapest, either by a short train journey or a quick drive along the M7.
Lake Velence: A Young Lake with an Ancient Story
From a geological perspective, Lake Velence is still in its infanc - having formed just 12 to 15 thousand years ago. Throughout its 1,500-year documented history, the lake has dried up roughly every century, most recently between 1863 and 1866. It has also seen significant flooding, including one of the largest events in 1963.
Today, the lake is considered to be at the midpoint of its natural life cycle. In a few thousand years, it would normally undergo a natural renewal process - drying out and then slowly recharging. However, human intervention has significantly disrupted this cycle.
Continuous dredging not only challenges the survival of native plant and animal species, but also raises concerns about how to manage the sludge left behind.
In the 1960s, regulation and redevelopment of the lake began, often without consideration for long-term ecological preservation. Over time, parts of the former lakebed have been transformed into beaches, shopping centers, and holiday resorts - dramatically altering the lake’s natural landscape and ecosystem.
Photo courtesy of velencei-to.hu
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