We have collected a variety of exciting excursion opportunities in Zalakaros for you, which will allow you to fully enjoy this beautiful region and its rich cultural heritage.
Thermal Lake and Eco Shore – Zalakaros
- The first stop for visitors arriving at the Zalakaros Thermal Lake is the uniquely designed reception building, one of the most exciting features of which is the 15-meter-high observation tower attached to the building. From here, visitors can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the lake, the surrounding forest belt, and the entire complex.
- The nature trail starts on the southern edge of the lake, by the forest, on a wooden walkway supported by stilts. The path meanders between the trees, guiding us into the forest and back to the starting point. Along the way, benches provide opportunities to rest and enjoy the calming, beneficial effects of the forest. Children can run along the trail, and the many protected flowers hidden in the grass will remain unharmed. This trail offers a relaxing yet active experience throughout the year.
- A fairytale fairy awaits younger children at the base of one of the alder trees. Information boards about the local plants are provided, in case you don’t recognize them. Another favorite spot for children is the lakeside playground, where they can enjoy the sandbox, saucer swings, carousel, climbing frame, and playhouse while a little stream winds through them. Upon returning to the reception building, a hedge maze awaits. However, to truly get lost and find our way back, we will need to be patient for a few more years until the twigs grow into a proper hedge.
City Tour in Zalakaros with the Dotto Adventure Bus
- A guided adventure trip where you can explore our flower-filled little town, enhanced with a delightful wine tasting experience. As part of this Zalakaros program, guests arriving on the Kalandbusz will be hosted at the over 150-year-old Arany Pince or the Szent Orbán Wine Cellar.
- During the tour, you will have the chance to see the hotels, the thermal spa, the city center, the Dísz Square, the arboretum, the Church of Divine Mercy, the pastry shop, the restaurant row, the Szent István Square, the school, the kindergarten, and the pottery workshop, where you can learn about the process of ceramics production and purchase souvenir items. On the wine cellar row, you can visit the Szent Orbán statue, the Vow Stone Cross, and the heritage-protected "Csire Cellar". As part of the wine tour, you will enjoy a short walk to Zalakaros' highest and most beautiful viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic view. You will be able to see Badacsony, the Witness Mountains, the Little Balaton, Hévíz, Keszthely, and the small village of Zalamerenye hidden among the hills.
Zalakaros Buffalo Reserve Excursion to Kápolnapuszta with the Dotto Train
- Take part in a half-day excursion on the Dotto train: destination Kis-Balaton and the Kápolnapuszta Buffalo Reserve! Both children and adults can enjoy unforgettable experiences during the program: through an interactive exhibition, you will get to know the unique wildlife and history of Kis-Balaton, and you can explore the reserve, which is home to Hungary's largest buffalo herd! For departure times and meeting locations, please contact us!
Zalakaros lookout point
- The hillside above Zalakaros is covered by a forest, which serves as the city's "lungs." On the edge of the forest, along Park Street, lies one of Zalakaros' notable landmarks, the Forest Ranger's Lookout. Located at the edge of the village near Zalamerenye, it offers a stunning panoramic view from above. On clear days, you can see Kis-Balaton and the Balaton Highlands. The Park Forest area features pleasant walking paths, and hikers can rest and refresh themselves at the Lookout's wine bar.
- The forest occasionally hosts sports events, including circuit mountain biking races, hiking tours, and family and sports days.
- This charming visitor spot is one of the most popular, as the park offers a delightful experience for adults, families, and the elderly. This Zalakaros program is definitely a must-see!
Snail trail educational path – Zalakaros
- In our fast-paced world, everyone needs a quiet hour, a leisurely walk, or a family outing. These moments recharge the soul and provide strength for the often monotonous everyday life. With the Snail Trail educational path in Zalakaros, we aim to offer everyone the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. This beautifully designed walking path through the forest is an excellent place for this purpose. While moving in the fresh air, we can observe the changing of the seasons, and by reading the signs, we will enrich our knowledge with useful information. The educational trail is located to the west of Zalakaros and southeast of Zalamerenye, within the Zalakaros Park Forest, and spans 1152 meters.
Sightseeing Flight – Zalakaros
- If you think of ZALAKAROS, it's not just wellness, but even FLIGHT!
- Visit us and admire the unique beauty of Hungary from the sky: you can discover the western basin of Lake Balaton from above, Keszthely with the Festetics Palace and Szigetfürdő, Hévíz with its Thermal Lake, and the surrounding castles like Szigliget, Sümeg, Rezi, Tátika Castle ruins, and last but not least, the Kis-Balaton! The pilots will gladly share stories about the sights of our region... and if you wish, you can even take the "steering wheel" into your hands.
Wavy boat tour - Zala Tour
- Completing the tour does not require above-average physical performance: it offers a pleasant relaxation for beginners, young people, and older generations alike, and no swimming skills are necessary. What the tour organizer provides: equipment (canoes, paddles, life jackets, waterproof barrels), instruction, guided tour, barbecue supplies (bacon, onion, bread), a souvenir gift, and optional photography.
- What to bring: good mood, swimwear, sports equipment, hat, shoes or sandals that you don't mind getting wet. One thing is for sure, you will experience unique excitement!
Bobo Fun Park - Alsópáhok
- The active leisure center of Balaton. An indoor adventure park where the weather doesn’t limit the fun. Bobo Fun Park is more than just an air-conditioned playground; it is the coolest meeting spot in the area. With its challenges, it pulls teens out of the online world and brings out the inner child in adults. It’s a place for courage tests, fun, and dates, but it’s also perfect for team-building activities.
Kőszikla Gorge - Nagybakóna (22 km from Zalakaros)
- Thanks to the sandstone bedrock, during rainy weather, visitors can enjoy the rare phenomenon of a "weeping wall." The gorge's microclimate provides ideal conditions for species not typically found in the hills, such as liverwort, horse-tongue miracle berry, bird's nest orchid, and more. Near the village, you will find the fascinating natural formation of the Kőszikla Gorge, as well as the Árpád (Esperanto) springs, a well-known and pleasant resting spot.
- In this beautiful and cool environment, the excellent quality spring water is wonderfully refreshing, and the seating areas provide a perfect spot for relaxation. There is also a fire pit available.
- Csibiti Lake, Nagybakóna: A man-made pond. In addition to being a great hiking destination, it also serves as a home for some turtles.
Nagykanizsai Viewpoint
- The Nagykanizsa viewpoint, located near the Boating Lake, is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. From one of the highest viewpoints in the country, visitors can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city, the nearby rolling hills, and in the distance, the Croatian mountain ranges. There are 230 steps leading to the upper level. At night, the viewpoint is illuminated by floodlights and LED light strips, standing out among the surrounding Boating Lake forests and visible from the M7 highway.
- The Nagykanizsa Park Forest offers more than just the viewpoint. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, running, fishing, and picnicking. To the southeast of the viewpoint, the 1-kilometer-long Bird Forest trail provides informative signs about the local bird species. This trail is also perfect for trail running, either on its own or combined with other forest paths, or with a Csótó loop, which is about 5 kilometers long.
Opening hours:
- From March 1 to March 31: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- From April 1 to August 31: Daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- From September 1 to October 31: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- From November 1 to February 28: Daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wine Tour Routes
We invite you to a special journey filled with flavors, experiences, and beautiful sights! Dive into the world of delicious flavors and discover the authentic wine cellar experience of Zala!
- WINE TOUR IN THE ZALA VALLEY
- WINE TOUR AROUND ZALAKAROS
- WINE TOUR IN ZALAKAROS
- INTERACTIVE TOUR IN DOBRONAK
For more details: Pincenavigátor
Lower Forest Sports and Adventure Park - Zalaegerszeg
In a magical green environment, with birdsong and fresh air, the Lower Forest Sports and Adventure Park awaits all guests who are looking to relax and engage in sports, spanning over more than 3 hectares!
In the adventure park, zip lines and climbing walls guarantee muscle aches, while you can prepare for skiing on the instructor's ski slope. You can play basketball, football, or handball on the high-quality outdoor sports fields or work out in the outdoor fitness park (street workout). As a parent, you can let your child roam freely in the playground or teach them the basics of safe traffic on the traffic safety course (KRESZ course). In the virtual play area, thanks to VR glasses, you can explore new worlds or even ski, regardless of the season, with the SkyTechSport ski simulator.
Looking to rest? After your adventures, you can relax and refresh yourself at the park's buffet.
Wine Tasting at the Balogh Winery in Zalakaros
- The Balogh Winery is a family-run wine cellar and vineyard, where they cultivate grapes on 1 hectare of land. This vineyard has been in the family’s possession for about 200 years. The characteristic wine variety of the Zalakaros wine region is white wine, with 80% of the wines produced here being of this type.
- Their famous Olaszrizling won the title of "Wine of the Year" in both 2007 and 2008.
- The winery is within walking distance from the hotel (approximately 15-20 minutes) and offers the opportunity to taste 4-5 types of wine, along with traditional snacks like scones and lard bread.
Kránicz Winery – Garabonc
- The winery is based on a vineyard where multiple generations of the family have learned and practiced the noble craft of winemaking. They warmly welcome guests to taste their excellent, high-quality wines, aged in oak barrels, with a noble character, all made from their own harvest. These wines meet all expectations and requirements.
- Award-winning wines include: Zöld Veltelini, Szürkebarát, Oportó, Zweigelt, Kékfrankos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Királylányka, Olaszrizling, and Muscat.
Please request more information regarding Zalakaros programs!
For additional program options, feel free to contact the staff at Hotel Karos SPA, who will be happy to provide you with up-to-date information and recommendations for a fulfilling experience! For more details about the aforementioned Zalakaros programs, please reach out to the Zalakaros Tourinform office:
