Lake Velencei
Owing to its favourable geographical and natural characteristics, the lake is one of Hungary's most popular resorts. It is aptly named the 'lake of sunshine', for the sun is out an annual average of 2,050 hours. It has an area of 26 square km, an average depth of 1.2 m and is rich in minerals. Its silky water is refreshing and relaxing. Winds blowing from the Velence Hills make the lake ideal for sailing. Secluded sedge marshes are favourite spots for anglers. Gárdony is the centre of tourism along the lake. One of the oldest resorts here is Velence, where a yacht club was started 70 years ago. The sunlit slopes of Bence Hill are dotted with rows of protected cellars, press houses and wine cellars. The hilltop gives a superb view of the lake. The 55oC thermal water gushing into the thermal baths of Agárd is recommended mainly for the treatment of locomotor disorders and gynaecological complaints.
Occupying one-third of the lake, the bird reserve among the reeds, which are segmented with narrow waterways and inner bays, is home to rare waterfowl. Twenty-eight species hatch here regularly. The lake is also fun in the winter, offering skating and ice-sailing. In the summer, pleasure boats cruise the lake from the jetties of Agárd and Velence to Szúnyog-sziget ('Mosquito Island').
Of the two historical monuments in Pákozd, one commemorates victory, the other defeat; nevertheless, both are reminders of the heroism of Hungarian soldiers. Dedicated to the victorious Battle of Pákozd on 29 September 1848 during the 1848-1849 War of Independence waged against the Hapsburgs, a memorial exhibition offers a re-enactment of the battle on a plotting board. The obelisk was erected to commemorate the centenary of the battle. The other monument is an ecumenical chapel, built in memory of the Hungarian soldiers who perished in the massacre along the bend of the River Don in the winter of 1942. The granite stones of Pákozd in the shapes of a dog, lion, sphinx and bear are rare finds in Europe. The bird reserve at the foot of Mészeg Hill is an important ornithological farm. The Pákozd-Sukoró Arboretum is the habitat of nearly 250 trees and shrubs, where there is a nature trail and a hide for bird watchers, which also functions as a lookout point. The lookout gives a splendid panorama of Lake Velence and its patches of reeds.
