The most beautiful parts of the landscape around Lake Balaton were formed by volcanic action, and even 2.5 million years after the extinction of the volcanoes their effect, though tamed, can still be felt. Dozens of sulphuric and carbonated springs burst from the ground along the lakeside, and in most of them people have sought (and found) healing for centuries. The most famous is the spring at Hévíz (B 4), which breaks to the surface at the foothills of the Keszthely hills. This is actually a geyser whose crater lake creates a natural bath of therapeutic water at 38°C. Only in Iceland can anything similar be found. The sulphuric, mildly radioactive water of the Hévíz lake is just as excellent for the treatment of locomotor diseases as the mud from the bottom of the lake. The Hévíz lake is a sight to behold, particularly at the end of summer, when the red lilies from India flower in their thousands. Around the lake there are dozens of therapeutic hotels and sanatoriums.

During a search for oil in the 60s, splendid curative waters less than half an hour’s drive from the western end of Lake Balaton were discovered in the village of Zalakaros (A 6) The formerly unknown village has since then grown into a flourishing bathing resort, with comfortable hotels, guest houses, and restaurants offering genuine Hungarian cuisine. Its modern baths are recommended to those suffering from locomotor and respiratory disorders, but is also excellent for the treatment of gynaecological problems. The recently completed bathing complex guarantees a pleasant break for young, healthy fitness enthusiasts too.

The first water of the Balaton region to be used for healing was the carbonated spring of Balatonfüred: a bathing house stood beside it as far back as the 1700’s. Although modern cardiology has long since moved on from the carbonated bath cure, the former sanatorium next to the spring has become a medical institution known all over the country: Balatonfüred is referred to as the Mecca for those suffering from heart disease. In front of the Cardiological Hospital, in a colonnade on Gyógy tér (Gyógy square) is the Kossuth Spring, and many come to taste its cool, refreshingly sparkling water.