Discover Zala: Wine, Nature and Culture

• The Zalai Borvidék comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements.
• Kis-Balaton is Zala’s largest body of water, covering 14,745 hectares.
• Lake Hévíz is the world’s largest naturally occurring, biologically active thermal lake.
• Experiences include a walking trail in the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum and the Water Buffalo Festival in May or June.

Kis-Balaton is strictly protected and combines a large body of water with literary significance: it is the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. The Rezi vár offers a very different landscape. Its ruins stand on the summit of a 418-metre-high dolomite ridge on Meleg-hegy, with views over the Zalaszántó Basin. In spring, Azáleás-völgy in Zalaegerszeg’s Alsóerdő is another special attraction for day-trippers. Nature here ranges from a strictly protected body of water to a striking ridge and a seasonal attraction.

The Zalai Borvidék developed in Zala on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. The wine region comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. This description identifies both the landscape on which it is based and its regional structure. If wine-growing is important to your trip planning, you can consider these hillside areas as a distinct focus alongside the water and nature sites.

The Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum can be explored via a 1.5-kilometre walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints along the way. The distance gives you a specific indication of the route length without suggesting a walking time or difficulty level. During opening hours, visitors may pet the tame animals every day. The Water Buffalo Festival is also held at the reserve every year in May or June; the exact date may vary from year to year.

The water-based experiences also vary considerably: Lake Hévíz is known as a natural thermal lake, while Gelse Termálvölgy offers seven pools and wellness services. These include sports, family and thermal-water experience pools, as well as a children’s pool. In Zalaegerszeg, AquaCity Vízicsúszda- és Élménypark offers a large scale and special attractions for those seeking relaxation. At the Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó, you can see a working 390 cm overshot waterwheel mechanism.

The places mentioned offer different starting points for exploring these interests.

For more targeted inspiration, you can also explore the subregions individually: Keszthelyi, Lenti, Nagykanizsai, Pacsai, Zalaszentgróti, Zalakarosi, Hévízi, Zalaegerszegi and Letenyei.

When is the Water Buffalo Festival held?

The festival at the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum is held every year in May or June. As the exact date may vary, check the latest event information before your trip.

Which buildings can you visit for free at the Zalavári Történelmi Emlékpark?

The Millenniumi Emléképület and the Szent István kápolna can be visited free of charge during opening hours. Check the latest opening times before your visit.

Can you receive therapeutic treatments at Lake Hévíz without an appointment?

No. Therapeutic treatments are available only by prior appointment. You can book appointments at the therapy reception of the Festetics Bath House.

How large is the Festetics kastély in Keszthely?

The Festetics kastély is Hungary’s fourth-largest palace and has 101 rooms.

For the wider travel overview: Hungary.