Velencei Lake reaches record low water level, beaches shut

The water level of Hungary’s third‑largest lake, Velencei, has fallen to near historic lows, with measurements at Agárd showing just 56 cm – only three centimetres above the 2022 minimum of 53 cm. Experts warn the level could drop another 25–30 cm in the next month, potentially reaching as low as 30 cm by the end of summer.

Low water has forced the temporary closure of several beaches, including Velence Resort & Spa, Sirály, Napsugár, and Panorama, and a swimming ban was imposed at Velence Resort due to poor water quality. The decline threatens local tourism and the lake’s ecosystem, prompting sailing schools to relocate to Lake Balaton.

Authorities attribute the crisis to climate‑change‑driven drought and decades of water‑management errors, such as drainage for agriculture. Environment Minister Gábor Gajdó has met with civil groups, mayors and experts, pledging improvements in water quality and plans for sustainable water replenishment, including upgrades to nearby reservoirs (Zámolyi and Pátkai).