Where is Zalaicostori nestled in the picturesque region of Hungary’s western frontier lies Zalalövő (formerly known as Zalaicostori), a charming small town with a rich historical heritage. This hidden gem sits at the confluence of the Zala River and Szőce Stream creating a natural backdrop that has attracted visitors for centuries.
The town’s strategic location along ancient Roman trade routes has shaped its identity throughout history. Once part of the Roman province of Pannonia the settlement served as an important stop on the Amber Road – a vital commercial pathway connecting the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Today Zalalövő continues to captivate visitors with its archaeological sites thermal springs and preserved medieval architecture that tell stories of its fascinating past.
Zalakaros sits in the southwestern region of Hungary, 47 kilometers from Lake Balaton in Zala County. The spa town’s coordinates are 46°33′N 17°08′E, positioning it strategically between major Hungarian cities.
Geographic Features
Located in the Zala Hills region
Bordered by vineyards on the eastern slopes
Surrounded by pine forests on three sides
Connected to Lake Kis-Balaton via walking trails
Key Distances from Major Cities
City
Distance (km)
Budapest
210
Vienna
280
Zagreb
150
Ljubljana
280
Transportation Access
Direct bus routes from Budapest South Station
Railway connection through Nagykanizsa station
Highway M7 connects to Budapest
Regional road 7511 links to surrounding communities
Thermal spa complex at town center
St. Anne’s Chapel on the hilltop
Botanical garden with native species
Wine cellars in surrounding hillsides
The town encompasses 17.17 square kilometers, combining urban amenities with natural landscapes. Its elevation ranges from 140 to 200 meters above sea level, creating a microclimate ideal for both wellness tourism and viticulture.
Getting to Zalakaros: Transportation Options
Where is Zalaicostori: Zalakaros offers multiple transportation options for visitors traveling from major cities. The town’s strategic location provides convenient access through various modes of transport.
By Car From Budapest
The journey from Budapest to Zalakaros spans 215 kilometers via the M7 motorway. Drivers take the M7 southwest toward Lake Balaton, then connect to Route 7 at Nagykanizsa. The drive takes 2 hours 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions with three main rest stops along the route at Martonvásár, Székesfehérvár and Siófok.
Route Section
Distance (km)
Estimated Time
Budapest – M7
120
1h 15m
M7 – Route 7
65
45m
Route 7 – Zalakaros
30
15m
Public Transportation Routes
Hungarian Railways (MÁV) operates regular train services from Budapest-Déli station to Nagykanizsa with connections to Zalakaros. The complete journey takes 3 hours 20 minutes including:
Direct InterCity trains departing every 2 hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Local bus connection from Nagykanizsa station to Zalakaros (30 minutes)
Combined train-bus tickets available at MÁV ticket offices
4 daily departures from Budapest Népliget station
Express routes completing the journey in 3 hours
Stops at key towns including Siófok, Keszthely and Hévíz
Exploring the Thermal Spa Town
Zalakaros’s thermal spa complex stands as a premier wellness destination in Hungary, featuring 10 indoor pools and 8 outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich thermal water from depths of 2,000 meters.
Famous Thermal Baths
The Zalakaros Thermal Bath complex spans 12,000 square meters with waters containing fluoride, iodine, bromine, and sulfur compounds at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 36°C.
Key features include:
4 adventure pools with water jets
2 medicinal pools designated for therapeutic treatments
3 children’s pools with interactive water features
1 Olympic-sized swimming pool for sports activities
Water composition statistics:
Mineral Content
Amount (mg/l)
Sodium
4,800
Chloride
7,650
Iodide
3.7
Fluoride
2.5
Health and Wellness Facilities
The medical center offers specialized treatments targeting specific health conditions:
Treatment options include:
Balneotherapy sessions in thermal pools
Medical massage therapy rooms
Physiotherapy programs with certified specialists
Inhalation treatments for respiratory conditions
6 Finnish saunas with varying temperatures
3 steam rooms with aromatherapy
2 infrared therapy cabins
1 salt chamber for respiratory health
4 relaxation zones with heated loungers
Top Attractions in Zalakaros
Where is Zalaicostori offers diverse attractions beyond its renowned thermal spa complex. These destinations combine natural beauty with recreational activities, creating memorable experiences for visitors throughout the year.
Adventure Parks and Recreation
The Zalakaros Adventure Park features a 400-meter-long bobsled track descending from a 35-meter height. The park includes:
5 climbing walls ranging from beginner to expert difficulty levels
A 12-station high ropes course suspended 8 meters above ground
3 zip lines spanning distances of 120 meters 150 meters 180 meters
A laser tag arena covering 600 square meters
Mini golf course with 18 professional holes
Local Culinary Experiences
Zalakaros’s gastronomic scene showcases traditional Hungarian flavors through local establishments:
Restaurant Type
Quantity
Special Features
Wine Cellars
8
Local wine tastings
Traditional Restaurants
12
Regional dishes
Pastry Shops
5
Hungarian desserts
Farm-to-Table Venues
3
Seasonal menus
Zala-style stuffed cabbage with smoked meats
Traditional fish soup made with local freshwater fish
Summer brings optimal conditions for outdoor activities in Zalakaros with temperatures averaging 25°C to 30°C. The thermal pools see peak visitor numbers during these months with extended operating hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hotel rates increase by 30-40% compared to off-season prices.
Shoulder Season (April to May, September to October)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures between 15°C to 22°C with fewer crowds at attractions. Visitors enjoy:
Reduced waiting times at thermal baths
20-25% lower accommodation rates
Colorful spring blooms in April
Wine harvest festivals in September
Pleasant hiking conditions in the Zala Hills
Low Season (November to March)
Winter presents unique advantages for thermal bath enthusiasts:
Temperatures range from -2°C to 8°C
Hotel rates drop by up to 45%
Indoor pools maintain 28°C to 36°C
Christmas markets in December
Fewer tourists at medical facilities
Weather Patterns & Events
Season
Average Temperature
Rainfall
Key Events
Spring
15-20°C
45-60mm
Easter Festival (April)
Summer
25-30°C
65-80mm
Wine Days (July)
Autumn
12-18°C
50-70mm
Harvest Festival (September)
Winter
-2-8°C
35-45mm
Christmas Market (December)
Medical treatments: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Indoor pools: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM weekdays
Wellness facilities: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM weekends
Sauna sessions: Every 2 hours between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Where to Stay in Zalakaros
Luxury Hotels
The Karos Spa Resort & Hotel offers 5-star accommodations with direct access to the thermal complex. Each room features a balcony overlooking the gardens plus in-room amenities including climate control premium bedding.
Mid-Range Options
Hotel Venus provides comfortable 4-star lodging with 136 rooms equipped with mini-fridges air conditioning. The property includes an indoor pool restaurant bar plus complimentary breakfast buffet.
Budget-Friendly Choices
Pension Barbara presents affordable rooms 800 meters from the thermal baths. The guest house maintains 12 basic but clean rooms with private bathrooms shared kitchen facilities free parking.
Apartment Rentals
Several apartment complexes offer self-catering accommodations near the spa:
Karos Garden Family Resort features 2-bedroom units with full kitchens
Park Inn Apartments provides studios with kitchenettes balconies
Aphrodite Apartments maintains 1-3 bedroom options with living areas
Location Considerations
Accommodation prices in Zalakaros vary by proximity to attractions:
Location
Distance to Spa
Average Price/Night
City Center
0-500m
€120-180
Near Center
500m-1km
€80-120
Outskirts
1km+
€40-80
Peak (June-August): Base rates increase 30-40%
Shoulder (April-May September-October): Standard rates apply
Low (November-March): Discounts up to 25% available
Zalakaros and Zalalövő Stand as Hidden Gems in Hungary’s Western Region
Zalakaros and Zalalövő stand as hidden gems in Hungary’s western region offering unique experiences for every type of traveler. From the healing waters of Zalakaros’s thermal spas to the historical remnants of Zalalövő’s Roman past these destinations promise memorable stays year-round.
Whether visitors seek wellness retreats adventure activities or cultural experiences they’ll find diverse options at reasonable prices. The excellent transport connections modern amenities and warm local hospitality make these towns perfect for both short getaways and extended holidays.
The blend of natural beauty historical significance and modern comforts ensures that these Hungarian destinations will continue to charm visitors from around the world. They truly represent the perfect balance of tradition and contemporary tourism.
