Zalakaros Thermal Bath
Zala
Zalakaros Thermal Bath, located in Zala County, Hungary, is one of the country's largest and most popular spa complexes. Established in 1965 following the discovery of a 96°C mineral-rich thermal water well, the bath has evolved into a multifaceted facility featuring medicinal, wellness, and recreational areas. Officially recognized as a medicinal spa since 1978, it boasts unique alkali-chloride, hydrogen carbonate, iodine, bromine, and hydrogen sulfide-rich waters with significant fluoride, boric acid, and metasilicic acid content. The complex includes indoor and outdoor medicinal pools, a wave pool, family pools, a children's paddling pool, a sports pool, and a comprehensive sauna complex. Continuous development over decades has expanded its offerings to include a modern wellness center, therapeutic treatments, and a large sauna world. The spa has played a significant role in the growth of Zalakaros town, which gained city status in 1997. Recent investments include geothermal heating, extensive renovations of the medicinal garden and center, and a mobile app enhancing visitor experience. Easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle, the bath welcomes both domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation, therapy, and family fun.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Zalakaros Thermal Bath during weekdays or outside peak summer months to avoid crowds. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended, especially for access to wellness and sauna areas. The spa accepts bank cards and SZÉP cards, and offers various discounts and packages. Parking is available nearby, and the facility is accessible by public transport and bicycle. Downloading the official mobile app enhances visitor experience with updates and special offers.
Interesting facts
- •Zalakaros Thermal Bath is Hungary's 6th largest spa complex.
- •The thermal water discovered is unique in Europe for its diverse mineral and organic compound content.
- •In 1988, the bath reached its peak visitor number with 891,503 guests.
- •The bath transitioned to geothermal heating in 2023, using water from its own well.
- •The spa offers a unique two-story sauna complex accommodating nearly 200 visitors.
- •Zalakaros town gained city status largely due to the bath's influence in 1997.
History
The thermal water was discovered in 1962 during oil exploration at a depth of 2307 meters.
Construction of the bath began in 1964, and it opened in September 1965.
In 1978, it received official recognition as a medicinal spa by the Hungarian Ministry of Health.
Over the years, the bath underwent continuous expansions: a sports pool and changing rooms were added in 1968, an indoor bath in 1975, a water block in 1991, a medicinal center in 1994, and a medicinal garden in 2001.
The adventure bath was built in 1998 and expanded in 2002 and 2005.
The bath contributed significantly to the development of Zalakaros, which was granted city status in 1997.
Recent major renovations were completed between 2018 and 2019, including the medicinal garden, medicinal center, and a new sauna complex.
In 2023, the bath transitioned to geothermal heating using its own well water.
Place Guide
Medicinal and Thermal Pools1965–present
Indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich thermal water, including a 30 m² indoor medicinal pool, a saltwater pool, and a large outdoor medicinal garden pool heated to 34-36°C, ideal for therapeutic bathing.
Adventure Bath and Family Pools1998 and expanded in 2002 and 2005
A variety of pools designed for families and fun, including a wave pool, family pool, children's paddling pool, and a sports pool with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 34°C, suitable for all ages.
Sauna Complex2019
A modern two-story sauna facility with a 60-seat sauna, steam cabins, infrared sauna, plunge pools, and jacuzzis, accommodating up to 200 visitors, opened in 2019 after a major renovation.
Medicinal Center and GardenGyógycentrum opened in 1992; major renovations 2018-2019
Facilities dedicated to therapeutic treatments and relaxation, including a variety of wellness services, a medicinal garden with a large thermal pool, and specialized medicinal water treatments.
Contact
Phone: (06 93) 340 420
