Zala County, Administrative county in Western Transdanubia, Hungary
Zala is a county in southwestern Hungary that borders Croatia and Slovenia and stretches across six administrative districts. The geography includes foothills near the Alps in the north, the Keszthely Mountains, and rolling wooded hills in the south, with Zalaegerszeg serving as the administrative seat.
The area was part of the historic Kingdom of Hungary until after the First World War, when southern portions went to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. After the Second World War it returned to Hungary in its present form.
The county reflects the traditions of its Hungarian majority, with smaller Croatian and German communities whose presence shapes local festivals and food customs. You can notice this mix in the way villages celebrate their heritage through music, crafts, and regional dishes.
The region is hilly and forested, making hiking and biking possible in many places. Visitors should keep in mind year-round that mountains and forests affect the weather and that smaller roads often have rougher surfaces.
The area contains a section of Lake Balaton and several thermal springs including Hévíz with its warm mineral waters. These hot water sources have drawn visitors for generations seeking bathing and relaxation.
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