Hungary's Lake Velence hits historic low water level, beaches shut

Lake Velence, Hungary’s third‑largest natural lake, recorded water levels of just 53 cm at the Agárd gauge on 16 June, matching the 2022 record low. The severe drop, driven by an unusually dry spring and heatwave, has led authorities to close several popular beaches, including Sirály Beach in Gárdony, Napsugár Beach in Agárd and the Panorama stretch, and the Velence Pagony camping site has halted bathing services.

The low water has also forced the suspension of sightseeing boat traffic and the relocation of the University Canoe Sprint World Championships to Szeged. Local officials are monitoring water quality while the government has pledged special legislation and is considering measures such as diverting water from the Danube to preserve the lake and its tourism‑dependent economy.