Zalakaros: Thermal Baths, Nature and Culture

Zalakaros combines the history of a thermal bath with nature, culture and wine traditions. The following local features offer specific points of reference.

Bathing History and Getting There

The history of bathing in Zalakaros began in 1962, when an exploratory borehole uncovered water at 96 °C. The bath opened on September 5, 1965. These two milestones mark the journey from discovery to use as a bath. Zalakarosi Fürdő is in the town center and can be reached by car, bus or bicycle. As connections may change from time to time, check the current options for your chosen mode of transport before setting out.

Termáltó, Ökopart and Nature

Termáltó and Ökopart was developed as an additional attraction alongside Zalakaros’s spa and bathing facilities. On the southern shore, a nature trail leads through the surrounding forest; information boards explain locally protected plants. In addition to the nature trail, Termáltó and Ökopart has a playground, a maze and an outdoor fitness park. This means the site offers both a nature trail with information boards and other leisure facilities. If you plan to follow the trail, check the current path conditions in advance.

Kis-Balaton lies on the outskirts of Zalakaros, and its diverse bird and plant life attracts visitors. Within the wider travel destination of Zala, Kis-Balaton is the largest body of water; it is under strict protection and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. The natural surroundings on the edge of town and the area’s broader significance in Zala offer different perspectives on this landscape.

There are hiking and cycling trails around Zalakaros. As routes and availability may change, check the specific route before setting out. Zalakaros also has a riding school. If you’d like to include horse riding in your stay, check its current operating status in advance.

Local History, Traditional Dress and Events

The Church of Divine Mercy in Zalakaros was consecrated on April 23, 2006. The Kannavirág Festival is held every year in summer, with a market and the lively atmosphere typical of a festival. Check the current dates for the exact festival days.

A distinctive element of the traditional dress of Zalakaros and its wider surroundings is the “Gyöngyös fejdísz.” Originally, this headdress was made from a “Necc” cut into pieces, crafted from a neckband. Zalakaros also has football, tennis and bowling facilities. If you’d like to use a particular sports facility, check its current availability in advance.

Tónai and the Zala Wine Region

Tónai is a local wine variety from Zalakaros, documented since the Middle Ages. It survived the phylloxera crisis; more recent research classifies it as the “Járdovány” variety. Today, Tónai is available only as new wine in a few local wine cellars. Check current availability before visiting.

Within the wider travel destination of Zala, the Zalai Borvidék provides a broader wine landscape. It developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység, and includes two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. Thus, the locally documented Tónai variety from Zalakaros and the broader wine landscape in Zala represent different aspects of the region’s wine tradition.

Discover more destinations: Balatonmagyaród, Zalamerenye, Zalaszabar, Zalasárszeg, Miháld, Kisrécse, Gelse, Garabonc.

Back to the wider travel overview: Zalakarosi.