Hungary
Lake Balaton
Overview
Central Europe's largest lake, ringed by spa towns and vineyards, with Zala Springs Golf Resort providing championship golf in the Zala hills.
Why Play Golf Here
Zala Springs Golf Resort, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 2015, is Hungary's flagship international golf venue. Set in the gentle hills of Zala County, just south of Lake Balaton, the course is matched by a luxury thermal spa hotel, making it one of the most complete golf resort experiences in Central Europe. The wider Lake Balaton region offers Hungarian wine culture, spa towns such as Hévíz and Keszthely, and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere that rounds out a golf trip.
- Best time to visit
- April to October, with June to August offering the warmest and most settled conditions. May and September are ideal for comfortable golf.
- Nearest airports
- Hévíz–Balaton Airport (SOB) — approximately 20 km from Zala Springs; seasonal European services, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) — approximately 180 km east; broadest international connections
- Recommended stay
- 3–5 nights
Featured Courses
Where to stay
Zala Springs Resort
Staying at Zala Springs Resort places you directly on the golf course — the hotel and spa are integrated with the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout, and the thermal facilities make it an attractive option even for non-golfing partners. The surrounding Zala hills are quiet and rural, which suits golfers looking for a dedicated retreat rather than a town base.
- Golf access
- Zala Springs Golf Resort is on site — walk or take a short buggy transfer between the hotel and the first tee.
- Restaurants & evenings
- The resort has its own restaurant and bar. Keszthely, around 20 km away, offers a wider selection of lakeside restaurants.
- Families
- The resort's thermal spa and pool complex is the main draw for non-golfers. Lake Balaton is a 20-minute drive for swimming and watersports.
Hévíz / Keszthely
Hévíz and Keszthely offer a more varied base than the resort, with the therapeutic thermal lake at Hévíz and the grand Festetics Palace at Keszthely providing non-golf interest. Both towns have lakeside promenades and a relaxed atmosphere typical of the Balaton region. The drive to Zala Springs is straightforward and takes around 25 minutes.
- Golf access
- Zala Springs Golf Resort is approximately 20–25 km from Hévíz and Keszthely — around 25 minutes by car.
- Restaurants & evenings
- Keszthely has a good selection of restaurants around the Festetics Palace and the lake front. Hévíz offers hotel dining and several independent restaurants near the thermal lake.
- Families
- The Hévíz thermal lake — the largest natural thermal lake in Europe — is the area's headline attraction. Keszthely's Festetics Palace and the Balaton Museum are suitable for families.
Location
Map of Lake Balaton coming soon