The town was well known by the Romans and in the middle ages for its salt mines, first written mention of Vízakna is from 1263. Since the 16th century it is also known as a spa, because of the unique salty lakes around the town, which formed on the places of the salt mines.

The fortified Reformed Church was built in the 13th century in Romanesque style. It was rebuilt in the 16th century. The still working clock of the churchtower was made in 1787.

The Orthodox Church is from the 17th century, Wallachian styled.

On the 4th of February 1849 beside Vízakna, in the bloodiest battle of the war of independence, the troops of general Bem lost against the Austrian army led by commander Puchner.