Zalakaros is a fast-growing thermal resort in Zala county, western Hungary, built around a remarkable thermal lake whose spring was discovered — like so many Hungarian thermal resources — during oil exploration in the 1960s. The Zalakaros Spa complex now encompasses one of Hungary's largest outdoor thermal lakes (maintained at 36°C year-round), indoor thermal pools, a modern wellness centre with saunas and steam rooms, a medical department offering balneotherapy and physiotherapy, and a substantial leisure water park section with slides and adventure pools. The sodium-chloride-iodine-bromine water has strong rheumatological and gynaecological indications. Zalakaros lies 15 km from Lake Balaton and is a popular thermal destination for visitors combining Balaton holidays with spa treatments.