Zalakaros Thermal Spa offers 4000 m2 of water area surrounded by large forested park. The indoor treatment centre which is open all year round, includes several relaxation pools with thermal water and a large thermal pool. Here you can also enjoy a huge sauna complex, wellness center, restaurants and cafes. The large thermal swimming pool is open during the summer months only. Waterpark offers an indoor pool with thermal water and various water attractions and the multifunction sport pool. Outdoor thermal park covers a total area of ​​10 hectares, where you can enjoy the thermal relaxation pool, multipurpose pool offering lots of attractions, swimming pool with artificial waves, a children’s pool and paddling pool.

Zalakaros is one of the newest spas, its 85-99 °C hot water was discovered during exploring of oil deposits. The springs provide the active iodine and bromine water, and feature highest fluorine content of all Hungarian spa waters. The baths are suitable for treating post-operative conditions, for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, for rehabilitation and are effective in treating chronic gynecological problems and other problems.

From the nearby attractions you should not miss the bird sanctuary in Zimány, which is located only 18 kilometers away. Among other “must see attractions” are watching herds of bison, stretched 10 km from the spa centre. These animals live in Europe only rarely in the wild. Nearby Zalavár is famous for its ruins of Slavic settlements and visitors arriving by car can also include a trip to Lake Balaton.

View Zalakaros Thermal Spa resort – new thermal aquapark in Hungary in a larger map

The post Zalakaros Thermal Spa resort – new thermal aquapark in Hungary appeared first on Europe Explored.

The miraculous effects of water were already known in the distant past. According to archaeological excavations, this place was inhabited since the Stone Age. And the mineral water has been used since the Middle Ages, first in the tannery, and later to medicinal baths. Lake Gyógy-tó has been adjusted as a private resort for the first time in 1795 by Count György Festetics from Keszthely.

Thermal lake is surrounded by park and is fed with the spring that rises from the crater about 40 meters below the surface. Thermal spring produce about 80 million liters of hot water daily. Thermal lake has a funnel-shaped ground with a depth of 36.5 meters. Almost throughout the whole year, the lake surface is covered with white and pink Indian lilies and with Egyptian lotus, which give the lake a special charm of romance.

Due to the favorable water temperature in the lake, it is possible to bathe here all year round. Fine cloud of steam over the lake creates a special look and high evaporation makes bathing more comfortable also in the coldest winter days. Various flows and pressures, including a pleasant water temperature allow visitors to stay longer in the lake.

In the spa area there is also a swimming pool for kids, as well as for children under 3 years.

Slightly radioactive lake water contains sulfur, alkali, bicarbonate salts and especially calcium salts. Medicinal baths are suitable for articulated diseases, rheumatism and even gynecological problems. As a drinking cure, it is recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. If you need further treatments, for example mud, local spa offers almost all types of thermal treatments that you can imagine. Mud from the bottom of the lake is made ​​up of 50% of organic materials rich in iodine and estrogen.

Hévíz is internationally recognized as one of the world-class spa resorts and is also a home to frequent professional medical conferences. It is well known spa center with everything that implies, including housing services, and cultural and entertainment options at a high level. Hotels in Hévíz represent the highest quality and offer various options of sauna, relaxing massages, baths and beauty treatments.

View Lake Hévíz – the largest thermal lake in the world Hungary in a larger map

The post Lake Hévíz – the largest thermal lake in the world | Hungary appeared first on Europe Explored.

Balaton lake, Hungary by Rain Rannu

The southern shore of Lake Balaton is known mostly for the resort towns which border it. Some of the towns surrounding the southern shore region include Balatonfured as well as Heviz, which are historically known for being a place for the wealthy to stay. Late into the 19th century landowners began to build summer homes around this part of the lake, renting them out at more affordable prices to working middleclass travelers.

Those who live in Hungary know this lake as “Balaton”, which is derived from the Slavic word meaning “swamp” or “mud”. Lake Balaton has a significant impact on the amount of precipitation that the area experiences each year. The Lake Balaton area receives around two to three inches more precipitation than the rest of the country. As a result this area experiences quite a few cloudy days along with milder temperatures.

Yachts on Balaton, Hungary by arth2o

Tourism is certainly a significant source of income for those who live in this region, with a number of major resorts which thousands of people travel to each year. A few of the larger resorts around Lake Balaton include Siofok, Zamardi, and Balatonfured. From the month of June till the end of August there is a significant amount of tourism, mostly due to the beautiful scenery which is made up of grassy beaches which attract those who like to sail and fish.

The post Balaton in Hungary – the largest lake in Central Europe called Hungarian Sea appeared first on Europe Explored.