Discover Zala: waters, wine growing and history
Accommodation in Zala
Zala offers a wide variety of discoveries: a biologically active thermal lake, a strictly protected wetland, vineyards on hills and plateaus, and historic sites. There are also specific experiences, such as a walking trail through a buffalo reserve and an unusual waterwheel mechanism. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first considering the themes that interest you most, then looking for a suitable holiday apartment as a base for the activities you choose.
Experience water in different ways
Lake Hévíz is the world's largest biologically active natural thermal lake. If you are particularly interested in therapeutic treatments, please note that these are available only by prior appointment. Appointments can be booked at the therapy reception of the Festetics Bath House. A visit to the lake does not automatically include a treatment; arranging an appointment is part of planning for this kind of visit.
The Kis-Balaton is a different kind of waterscape and Zala's largest wetland. It covers 14,745 hectares and is strictly protected. It is also the setting for István Fekete's classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. Nature and literature come together here, though they need not be experienced in the same way: you can appreciate the Kis-Balaton as a protected landscape or use its role in the novels as a starting point for learning about the region.
If you are looking for pools rather than a lake, Gelse Termálvölgy has seven pools. These include sports, family and thermal-water experience pools, as well as a children's pool; wellness services are also available. AquaCity Vízicsúszda- és Élménypark in Zalaegerszeg offers another option for those seeking relaxation, with its impressive size and special attractions. The two have different characters: pools and wellness services on the one hand, and an adventure park on the other.
Nature, activities and special encounters
At Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, you can explore the grounds along a 1.5-kilometre walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints. During opening hours, visitors can pet the tame animals every day. The Water Buffalo Festival is held there every year in May or June. The trail, animal encounters and festival are different reasons to visit, which you can take into account separately when planning the timing of your trip.
The ruins of Rezi vár also offer a striking view: they stand at the summit of a 418-metre-high dolomite ridge on Meleg-hegy, overlooking the Zalaszántó Basin. In spring, Azáleás-völgy in the Alsóerdő forest in Zalaegerszeg is a special attraction for day-trippers.
Wine growing, history and culture
The Zalai Borvidék wine region developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság hills and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. These details put wine growing in Zala into regional perspective: the subject is not limited to a single place. If you are interested in wine growing and landscapes, you can include this part of Zala in your plans alongside its water and nature experiences.
At Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó, you can see a working, overshot waterwheel mechanism measuring 390 cm. The focus here is on a specific technical insight. Zalavári Történelmi Emlékpark offers a historical perspective and invites visitors to learn about the history of Zala County. The Millenniumi Emléképület and Szent István kápolna can be visited there free of charge during opening hours.
Festetics kastély in Keszthely is another cultural destination: it is Hungary's fourth-largest castle and has 101 rooms. If you would rather focus on castle history and architecture during your stay, this offers a different theme from a trip centred mainly on water, nature or wine growing.
Explore the subregions further
For further information about Zala: Keszthelyi, Lenti, Nagykanizsai, Pacsai, Zalaszentgróti, Zalakarosi, Hévízi, Zalaegerszegi and Letenyei. Compare which subregion could serve as a base for the experiences that interest you. This lets you choose a holiday apartment to suit your personal priorities, rather than considering accommodation and day-trip interests separately.
For the broader travel overview: Hungary.
