Plizio Visual Lab

Zalakaros

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°116
Zalakaros (Hungary)
ℹ️

Practical info — Zalakaros

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Adventure Bath is well-suited for families, while the thermal water is best for relaxation.
  • Rent a bike to explore the scenic Zala hills surrounding the town.
  • Climb the lookout tower near the 'Kilátó' winery for a panoramic view of the area.
  • Visit the decorative thermal water fountain in the park; it's free of charge.

🍽 Food

🍽
Dödölle

A traditional Zala potato dish, usually served as a filling side or main.

🍽
Wild Game

Try wild boar stew in the local traditional Hungarian restaurants (csárda).

🍽
Acacia Honey

Look for local beekeepers at the market selling high-quality Zala honey.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Crafts Yard

Located near the bath entrance, offering ceramics and hand-woven textiles.

🛍
Zala White Wines

Check local wine shops for the fresh and crisp white wines of the region.

🧘
Thermal Lake and Eco-park

A modern park with a lake and quiet walkways for relaxation.

🧘
Zalakaros Park Forest

Many well-marked hiking trails offer silence among old trees.

Zalakaros is one of Hungary's youngest and most rapidly developing spa towns, whose thermal significance stems from a chance discovery in 1962. During exploratory drilling for oil, geologists struck 96-degree Celsius thermal water at a depth of approximately 2,300 meters. The water's chemical composition, featuring high concentrations of sulfur, iodine, bromine, and fluoride, is considered unique in Europe and received official medicinal certification in 1978. The Gránit Thermal Bath and Experience Center now spans over 12 hectares, offering more than 20 pools designed for both clinical treatments and leisure. Since the 1960s, the settlement has transformed from a small village into an internationally recognized tourism hub known for its manicured parks and clean environment. The surrounding region is also famous for its viticulture and its proximity to the Little Balaton nature reserve. With over one million visitors annually, Zalakaros continues to modernize its facilities to cater to medical tourists and families alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1161116212323171160
Rain mm394747457576727183655650

Geography

Population
1,748
Coordinates
46.55000, 17.11670

Facts

  • Year of thermal water discovery: 1962
  • Water outflow temperature: 96°C
  • Depth of the original borehole: 2,300 meters
  • Medicinal certification year: 1978
  • Spa complex surface area: over 12 hectares
  • Number of pools: more than 20 units

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zalakaros (11)

St. Anne Chapel🏺 historical

Built in 1845 in Neoclassical style, this chapel is located on the vineyard hill of Zalakaros. It serves as a key site for local traditions, including the annual St. Urban Day celebrations.

Batthyány Monument Group🏺 historical

The work by sculptor Ferenc Farkas includes a bust of Lajos Batthyány and reliefs of members of the first independent Hungarian government. It is situated in a well-kept park area in the town center.

Statue of Chieftain Árpád🏙 civic

Created by Erzsébet Tőzsér, this monument depicts the conquering leader Árpád. The statue is a prominent symbol of Hungarian history and a central landmark in the town.

Zalakaros Bath🎡 recreation

The town's main attraction, a large spa complex known for its sulfuric healing water. It features medicinal pools, a water park, and extensive wellness facilities.

Zalakaros Lookout Tower🌿 nature

A wooden observation tower at the edge of the forest, providing views of the town, surrounding vineyards, and the nearby Little Balaton region.

Pálos malom🏛 museum

A functional water mill located in nearby Zalamerenye, serving as an industrial heritage site.

Éger tanösvény🌿 nature

A nature trail passing through a unique swamp alder forest in Zalakaros, featuring rich biodiversity.

Erdészkilátó🌿 nature

A wooden lookout tower on the outskirts of Zalakaros, offering a great view of Kis-Balaton.

Szőlőprés📍 landmark

An old wooden wine press symbolizing the winemaking traditions of Zalakaros.

🕒 24/7

hullámmedence👨‍👩‍👧 family

A wave pool in Zalakaros providing fun artificial waves for swimmers of all ages.

sportmedence👨‍👩‍👧 family

A sports pool in Zalakaros suitable for lap swimming and fitness activities.

Frequently asked questions

Is the bath suitable for small children?
Yes, the 'Vízipók-Csodapók' children's area gives safe adventure pools and slides for the youngest guests.
What healing effects does the Zalakaros water have?
The sulfurous medicinal water is excellent for treating rheumatism, joint disorders, and post-orthopedic surgery rehab.
Are there nature attractions nearby?
Kis-Balaton is only 15 km away, offering unique birdwatching opportunities and nature trails.
Can you rent bicycles in Zalakaros?
Yes, the Tourinform office and many hotels rent bicycles for tours to the surrounding vineyards.
What is a local culinary specialty?
Be sure to try 'dödölle', a traditional potato and flour-based dish with fried onions, typical of the region.
Zalakaros: where is it located?
Zalakaros is located in Zala, Hungary.
Zalakaros: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Anne Chapel, Batthyány Monument Group, Statue of Chieftain Árpád.
Zalakaros: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zalakaros: why is it worth visiting?
Zalakaros is one of Hungary's youngest and most rapidly developing spa towns, whose thermal significance stems from a chance discovery in 1962.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Hungary →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places