Hills, forests, vineyards: the Zala wine region awaits you

The Zala wine region, which belongs to the Balaton wine region and is located west of Lake Balaton on the north-western slopes of the Zala Hills and the Keszthely Hills, is mainly known for its white wines, especially the Riesling Italian, ‘Rizlingszilváni’, Grüne Veltliner, Chardonnay and ‘Zalagyöngye’. However, in the wine cellars, which have a history of more than 100 years and are carved out of logs and plastered inside and out with clay, you can also taste the wines ‘Cserszegifűszeres’, ‘Sárgamuskotály’ (Yellow Muscat) and Tramini, along with regional dishes such as dödölle, deer stew, pumpkin soup or ‘prósza’ (pone) with curdled milk, served with forest fruit jam.

The Zala wine region, which geographically covers the Mura River, the area around Small Balaton and the western side of the Keszthely Hills, offers more than just gastronomic experiences. There is so much to see here that it is worth returning several times, as you may only get to enjoy a slice of the landscape on any one occasion. Arriving from the Slovenian border, you can feel like a tiny part of the vast forest on the untrodden paths: you can return to unspoilt nature in places such as the Vétyém ancient beech forest on the edge of Tormafölde. There are also wonderful hiking trails in the Kerka Valley, and while you are here, don’t miss the Water Mill Museum. Between Csömödér and Kistolmács you can take a narrow-gauge train to the hidden corners of nature, but it is also worth admiring the plant specialities of the Jeli Arboretum and taking a walk in the Azalea Valley on the outskirts of Zalaegerszeg. From the Újhegyi Lookout in Pusztaszentlászló, 25 kilometres from Zalaegerszeg, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the top of the hill, which is located next to the vineyards.

The area around Small Balaton is an easy place to revisit the story of Tüskevár (Thorn Castle), as the legendary youth novel is set in this landscape. You can also visit Uncle Matula’s hut on Diás Island. The nearby hills are home to the Zobor Adventure Park in winter and summer, but the whole family will also enjoy the Seven Warriors’ Adventure Park in Garabonc, too! Animal lovers should stop off at the Kápolnapuszta Buffalo Reserve, while on Kányavári Island, you can learn about the secrets of local nature by walking the Great Crested Grebe Educational Pathway.

But for those who prefer to relax in the thermal waters, there is a whole range of spas and wellness resorts in the area. The best known spa town in the area is Zalakaros, with its spa and adventure baths, indoor and outdoor pools, massages and sauna world. Kehidakustány is also popular; its waters can have a good effect in case of musculoskeletal, gynaecological and nervous system problems. One of the special features of the three-storey, Mediterranean-style spa is the 94-metre-long indoor tube slide.

Slightly less well known than the two popular spas, but equally pleasant, is the St. Gróth Thermal Bath in Zalaszentgrót. The ruins of the monastery tower, one of the oldest stone bridges in the country, and the Batthyány Castle are also worth a visit. The thermal baths of Lenti offer unique treatments in addition to thermal water. The St. George Energy Park lies at the junction of special energy lines, so it is worth taking a walk along the designated route to recharge yourself.