Lake Vadása: once again the secret favorite of the summer in the heart of Őrség

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 02. 10:20

There is life beyond Lake Balaton – and what a life! Hidden deep in the Őrség, between the quiet slopes of the western border, Lake Vadása has quietly but spectacularly returned to the Hungarian beach map in recent years. The small pond, fed by streams, offers an exceptional refuge for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet, while its radically renewed infrastructure has now made it a full-fledged bathing spot.

However, a few years ago, gloomy predictions were circulating about it: due to silting, the proliferation of blue-green algae and the neglected shoreline, Lake Vadása had a rather bad reputation. The turning point came in the late 2010s: the lake was drained, the silt was dredged, the dam and the lock system were renovated, and a human environment was finally created around the beach. The complete reconstruction was carried out with an investment of 107 million forints, as a result of which by the summer of 2025, Lake Vadása will once again become one of the most popular seaside destinations in the region.

The lake is located on the outskirts of Hegyhátszentjakab and consists of two parts: one is municipally owned, the other is privately owned. The water is fed by 12 springs, which guarantees its purity and freshness – this is also clearly noticeable while swimming, as the water is pleasantly warm and crystal clear. The surroundings of the 200-meter-wide, 350-meter-long lake are in no way reminiscent of crowded, built-up holiday resorts: no concrete, no luxury holiday homes, only forest, grass and silence. According to the locals, the name of the lake comes from the fact that many foxes – “vad-ásta” – lived along the stream, hence the name Vadása.

Vadása is not only special because of its natural features: the hiking trails of the Őrség National Park meet here, so bathing can easily be combined with hiking, gastronomic experiences or exploring the sights in the area. The prices are also extremely friendly: adult admission is 1200 HUF, for under-18s and pensioners 1000 HUF, and after 5 pm all tickets are 300 HUF cheaper. The beach is open from 9 am to 7:30 pm.

Comfort is provided by showers, wooden cabin changing rooms and plenty of shade, and although the lake is not suitable for extreme water sports – being a nature reserve, you cannot go jet skiing, for example – calm beaching, floating on a rubber mattress or playing ball fits perfectly with the spirit of the place.

So Lake Vadása is alive again – and it is very worth getting to know. Nestled amidst the magical backdrops of the Őrség region, this bathing spot can be an excellent alternative to the crowded large lakes, where true relaxation awaits visitors. The beach is now not only the pride of the locals, but also one of the country’s hidden treasures.