Attractions around Zalaegerszeg and popular tourist destinations

Göcsej

Anyone who keeps their wits about them can discover countless beautiful sights to see while roaming Göcsej. The secluded, almost fairytale-like settlements surrounded by forests are a great attraction for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Fans of active tourism can take guided hiking, cycling and even motorbike tours. Local specialties can be sampled at the events.

Őrség

Őrség, the ethnographic and historical region adjacent to Göcsej can be reached by a short drive from Zalaegerszeg. It is hidden in the southwestern corner of our country, bordering Austria and Slovenia. Its hillsides, countrysides filled with woods and folk monuments are very similar to Göcsej’s. Visitors can find wooden belfries, country houses and gastronomic delicacies. We recommend Őrség for those who do not insist on bustling holiday destinations, but prefer close to nature relaxation.
If you choose this region as your destination instead of noisy festivals, you can learn about the secrets of local craftsmen and the natural values of the region. You can explore any of the 16 educational trails in the Őrség National Park, including the famous Szőce peat moss marsh or even use a bike to traverse this wonderful area. The atmosphere of Őrség can best be felt in the Pityerszer village museum, where log cabins unmoved in their original place evoke times gone by. During your trip you can get insight into the workshops of potters and you can also get to know the work of the traditional essential oil distillery. You can learn about the making of pumpkin seed oil, the gastronomic product of Őrség that is also called green gold of the region. Hikers are welcome at numerous guest houses, where in addition to accommodation, they host events such as gastronomic samplings and various events. We can taste culinary delicacies at several points in Őrség. Apart from regional restaurants, some places offer traditional flavors in bistro style.

Video about Őrség: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3jGgygid84
Őrség National Park: https://www.orseginemzetipark.hu/
Őriszentpéter: http://www.oriszentpeter.hu/varosunk/video-galeria/oriszentpeter-imazsa

West-Balaton region

The landscapes in and nearby Zalaegerszeg offer plenty of sights and experiences in the West-Balaton region all year round. National parks, historical sights and spas are all close-by, in addition to gastronomic specialties and refined wines which add to the experience. The depths of the Pannonian landscape contain a natural treasure: thermal water. It affects both body and soul aiding those who want to relax and heal in the baths of the area. Hévíz is the largest hot water lake in Europe. This cozy little town offers high-quality wellness and medical wellness hotels that provide health-preserving and medical services. Zalakaros is a popular bathing place for families, where in addition to a medical center and fitness services, water playgrounds, saunas and spa parties guarantee carefree entertainment. In the spas and water parks of the nearby Kehidakustány you can almost feel a Mediterranean atmosphere. In addition to therapeutic appointments, children’s programs also contribute towards your relaxation.

Built heritage

In addition to its natural values, the magical landscape also hides special architectural wonders. The Nádasdy-Széchenyi Castle in Egervár is the only Renaissance castle in the area. A popular trip destination for many is the medieval castle of Sümeg. Here guests can view horse shows and even take part in feasts evoking the middle ages. True aristocratic splendor can be found in the Baroque-style Festetics Castle of Keszthely. Not only can we get a glimpse of the aristocratic way of life, but also view the only private aristocratic library in Hungary that was preserved in its original state. After seeing the ornate halls take a stroll into the meticulously well-kept castle park. The carriage museum, palm-house and hunting exhibition will be a sure hit with anyone interested in how people lived in the previous century.

Videos:
Hévíz and its immediate surroundings (from Kis-Balaton to Szigliget):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPG9weXBQEM&t=1s
Keszthely image film:
https://www.facebook.com/keszthely.hu/videos/8
Balaton Uplands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sgWxByqwTc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB8tkAySFsw
National Park of Balaton-uplands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyZtmlo3UXM
„Kis-Balaton”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtK8g1IuYpM

BALATON

It only takes less than half an hour to get to Lake Balaton, one of the most popular destinations and holiday locations in the area. This is the largest lake in Central Europe and it captivates travelers all year round with its unique charm. When spring arrives hikers can enjoy educational nature trails, hiking trails and lookouts. The summer months give opportunity for bathing at well-equipped beaches, while in autumn we can experience the pleasant atmosphere of grape harvest and finally during cold winters we can skate on designated tracks on the frozen, seemingly endless lake. Various events are held throughout the year, and as such lovers of all musical genres can find a festival to suit their tastes, where many worldwide known stars take to the stage every year.
At Lake Balaton, lovers of active recreation can also indulge their passion. You can sail on the lake, go kayaking, surf or swim. You can get familiar with the lake and its surroundings on two wheels thanks to a 204 km long bicycle path surrounding Lake Balaton.
Golf courses await sports enthusiasts in quite a few places. In the nearby Zalacsány a course recognized on a European level can be found which is also suitable for holding international championships.

You can also test our skill and courage in numerous adventure parks, the largest of which is located in our county called the Zobor KalandoZoo. On the other hand if you want to take a leisurely, quiet break in nature you can go fishing on the piers built around the lake.
The nature reserve National Park of Balaton-felvidék is also located here. Thanks to its geological spectacles, volcanic buttes and areas that inform you about Lake Balaton’s wildlife this is also a popular destination. Kis-Balaton, a one-of-a-kind avian paradise of Hungary is also part of the national park. The iconic Kányavári Island is where all the waterfowl of the area can be seen from the lookout tower in the middle of the island. Those in search of a more thrilling adventure can explore the unique formations of the Csodabogyós-barlang (Wonder Berry Cave) with the help of trained guides or go boating on the underground lake of the Tapolca Spring Cave.

Keszthely
Programs, tourism more information in English: https://www.keszthely.hu/en

Festetics Castle
http://helikonkastely.hu/hu/
Balaton Theatre
http://goldmarkmk.hu/
Summer outdoor events
https://www.keszthely.hu/programok
Music pavilion on the shores of Lake Balaton
https://www.koncert.hu/helyszin/zenepavilon-keszthely

Hévíz

Photo and video collection in English: https://www.heviz.hu/en/picvid

Gyenesdiás
Website in English: https://www.gyenesdias.info.hu/en/
Attractions – Website in English:
https://www.gyenesdias.info.hu/en/programmes/sights/
Photos – Website in English: https://www.gyenesdias.info.hu/en/fotogaleria/https://www.gyenesdias.info.hu/programok/latnivalok/

Zobor KalandoZoo – Zalaszabar

Endless adventures await the visitors of Zalaszabar in the Zobor KalandoZoo just 10 km away from Zalakaros next to Kis-Balaton. The wonderful spectacle is refreshing in itself and when you arrive at the adventure park an unmatched adventure oasis awaits its visitors. Once you reach the top of the mountain a breathtaking panorama gets revealed before you, which is guaranteed to captivate all who see it. The numerous games of the park enthralls children and adults alike and only the sunset can end the fun. ADVENTURES REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER! Thanks to the outdoor and indoor services of the adventure park sudden showers can no longer interrupt your adventures here at the Zobori Kalandozoo. A 4XD CINEMA awaits all our guests and a slide with an indoor playhouse brings fun to kindergarteners.

https://www.zobori.hu/

https://www.zobori.hu/en