The most beautiful places of the Balaton region were shaped by volcanos which are now tame, but still mark their presence 2,5 million years after becoming extinct. There are dozens of sulphur water springs around the lake, several of which have been well-known for centuries to people looking for cures.

The most reputed one is at Hévíz, a few miles away from Keszthely, at the northern shore of Balaton where thermal water (36-38 °C) springs gush out at the foot of the mountain of Keszthely. The 36m deep Hévíz Lake is the second largest hot-water lake in the world. In fact this is a geyser which pours its mildly radioactive, warm medicinal water into a natural crater, forming a lake. The only other place where you can find something similar is in Iceland. Both the water rich in sulphur and the mud on the bottom of the lake are excellent for curing locomotor disorders, rheumatism, inflammations and arthritic complaints.

The lake is a wonderful sight especially at the end of summer when thousands of red water lilies, brought from India, burst into flower. Several hotels and health resorts have been built around the lake, with therapy centres equipped with the latest technology and ready to meet every demand. Open-air bathing is a pleasant experience in this valley with its pleasant micro-climate, even in winter.

The carbon mineral spring of Balatonfüred is the other famous medicinal water of the Balaton. This town is the centre of the Balaton spa life, and is often referred to as a pilgrimage site for cardiac patients. Füred is the first medicinal and recreational resort in Hungary. In the cardiology department of the local hospital patients with heart conditions have been treated here for 300 years with the help inter alia of the mineral water sources. This water is also beneficial to diabetes and digestive malfunctions, and can be sampled in the Kossuth Lajos Drinking House.

Still in this region, about 30 minutes drive from the western end of Balaton, Zalakaros is famous for its thermal water, containing valuable mineral substances. In the course of the past 40 years the village has become a real hive of wellness with plenty of spa resorts, pensions and Hungarian restaurants. The thermal water is beneficial to respiratory and locomotor disorders but can cure gynecological diseases as well. The recently built aquapark and wellness centre promises a pleasant relaxation for fitness fans too.