Zalaegerszeg, by the Zala-hills is right in the middle between the Austrian border and the Western coast of the Balaton. The town has an area of 100 km2, and a population of 62.000. Since 1890, Zalaegerszeg is the chief-town of Zala county, it is surrounded by forests and fields. Zalaegerszeg was first mentioned in documents more than 750 years ago. Because of its advantegous lying, some internatiional companies settled down in the town, which created many workplaces for the people living here. Zalaegerszeg tries to improve its cultural and commercial life and tourism with organisation of fairs and markets. The town is far from the mass-tourism of the Balaton and has a typical country atmosphere.

History: The town was first mentioned in 1247, as “Egurscug”. A document from 1588 mentions it as “Egerszegh”. Its name means a corner, surrounded by alders. The word Zala is from the river Zala, which crosses the town. In the 14th century county-assemblies were hold here. In the 16th century, a wood-fortress was held  in thee town because of the Turkish attacks. Later it became a center of the castles in Western Hungary. The building of the county counsil was built in 1732 (Tonight this is the building of the County Court) The importance of Zalaegerszeg continuosusly increased since then.

Since Zalaegerszeg is the chief-town of the country, this fact revived industry the town started to grow.  Another important era was the early 1900's when because of the railway and electricity connection, and as oil was found nearby, the town improved a lot again. In the 50s and 60s many industrial companies settled down here. In l971 the town got a collage of economy, and in 1990, the University of Pécs founded here a medical faculty.

Today Zalaegerszeg is the administrative center of Zala county, its developement is contnuous, it is an important shopping and market center.

Oil Museum, Göcsej Museum, TV-transmission Tower, the synagogue, the Gébárti-lake

From the TV-tower we can admire the fascinating panorama of the country. The tower, with its height of 100 m is the tallest building of the county. We can get to the café at 60 m by elevator, which is right above the lookout terrace. from here, if the weather is clear we can see the Balaton. The tower is open from May to September daily between 10-22 hrs.

Telephon : 20 927 2328
Ticket:150 Ft, for children 100 Ft

Gébárt Freetime-Center

North from Zalaegerszeg, in Ságod lies the Gébárt Freetime-Center and Lake with freetime-park, thermalbath, handwork-center, and ideal for bathing, water sprots and rest.

Göcsej Village-Museum

The museum is at the road to Körmend, it is signed by a board. The museum was opened in 1968, and is very important for etnographical purposes. It presents the characteristics and buildings of the region, equipped with roiginal furnishings and tools. In the main building we can find a HUngarian national dress exhibition.

Oil Museum

The Museum was founded in 1989 to present the 100 years of the Hungarian hydrocarbon industry. We can see the technology and equipements of the industry. One of the exhibitions presents the technological background of the industry. At Wlasics street 13 can we find the Pap Simon memorial room and technical library.

...can be found easily, opposite the McDonalds. It's worth to have a look at it...

Mo, Wed, Fr: 7-12 hrs

The town has a vivid cultural life. Artistic creations can be seen in museums and  at Handworker-House at Gébárti-Lake. Traditional Folklore is held as well. Theatre performances we can visit at the Hevesi Sándor Theatre and the Alsóerdei Summer Theater The cultural center of the town is the renovated building of the synagogue.

The synagogue is equipped with an excellent organ, the acoustic of the building is perfect. About the date and time of concerts you can get information from City-Info.
 

Tourinform: Kossuth L. ut 17-19,
Tel.: 92 316 160
Change:
K+H Bank, Kossuth L. u.

Emergency Numbers

Police 107
Ambulance 104
Fire Dept. 105
Autoclub 088

Taxi: Tel. 92 333 333
Car Rental: Tel. 92 510 650

Local Government: Kossuth. L ut 17-19.
Tel. 92 502 100
Community House, Library Apáczai Csere J. tér 5
Fire Dept.: Dísz tér 7., Tel. 92 312 030
Post: Kossuth L. út. Széchenyi tér 6.
Tel. 92 313 060
Police: Balatoni út. 4 Tel. 92 311 510 (Emergency 107)
Fire Dept.: Arany. J. út. 1 92-312596 (Emergency 105)

Doctors: County Hospital Zrínyi M. út 1 83 311 410
Ambulance: 104
Vet: 30 959 51 65 és 30 226 48 18
Pharmacy: Kossuth L. u. 29/33 24 hrs
Tel. 92 312 389

Hotel Arany Bárány
Hotel Balaton

Thermalbath Zalaegerszeg (At Gébarti-lake)

Zalaegerszeg can be reached by plane. Smaller planes can take off and land here.
Airport:
8904 Zalaegerszeg - Andráshida,
Pf. :15, Tel: 92 311 666