Parking in Zalaegerszeg 2026: Zones and Attractions

Zalaegerszeg is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Zala County, as well as one of the leading cities in Western Transdanubia. Situated on both banks of the Zala River, it is a great destination for both city-walk enthusiasts and those who enjoy nature-focused activities, thanks to its historic monuments, parks, lakes and hilly surroundings.

The city is regarded as one of Hungary’s greenest and most flower-filled settlements, while its medieval roots and modern role in the automotive industry give it a distinctive character. If you arrive by car, it is worth checking the parking rules in Zalaegerszeg and the differences between the paid parking zones in advance.

Zalaegerszeg’s historic city centre

Zalaegerszeg’s history dates back to the Middle Ages: the settlement was first mentioned in writing under the name Egurscug, and later appeared in historical records as Egerszeg. Its importance gradually grew after the fall of Kanizsa, and it eventually became the centre of Zala County. The city’s development gained new momentum later, when many new streets, rental apartments, a public cemetery and a charitable home were established, and the public hospital was also expanded.

The city centre is best explored on foot, particularly around Kossuth Lajos Street and Széchenyi Square. Part of Kossuth Street has been paved with decorative stone, while parking options have been restricted, so it is best to choose one of the nearby parking spaces if you are travelling by car and then continue your sightseeing on foot.

Parks and green spaces in Zalaegerszeg

One of Zalaegerszeg’s most distinctive features is its abundance of green spaces. The city has received the Golden Rose regional award in the Virágos Magyarország programme, and the area covered by its public parks and green spaces is significantly above the national average. The parks within the city also preserve the memory of the formerly extensive forests in the area.

Béke Grove, Baross Grove and the Forest Park are all part of Zalaegerszeg’s green character. They are worth combining into a leisurely city walk, especially if you are looking for a more nature-focused setting in addition to the city-centre attractions. The central areas are easier to explore on foot, while a car may be a convenient option for visiting more distant parts of the city.

Lake Gébárti and the city’s lakes

There are several lakes of various sizes in Zalaegerszeg, the most significant of which is the artificial Lake Gébárti. The lake is an interesting addition to the city’s natural attractions, making it a good choice if you would like to discover the quieter, waterside side of the city after a walk in the centre.

In the Pózva district, former gravel pits were converted into fishing lakes after quarrying ceased. The city’s lakes fit well into the dense local water network, shaped by the clay and loamy terrain and the varied relief. As not all of these sites are located in the historic centre, travelling to them by car may be more convenient, while the immediate surroundings are best explored on foot.

The Zala River and the Zala Hills

Zalaegerszeg lies on both banks of the Zala River, in the northern part of the Zala Hills, at the meeting point of three micro-regions. Its southwestern districts extend into the Göcsej region, where the landscape is characterised by highly varied, undulating hills. The eastern parts are connected to the smaller ranges of the Eastern Zala Hills, while the northern and central areas lie in the Upper Zala Valley.

Because of the varied terrain, the Zala is only a small watercourse around Zalaegerszeg, yet it remains a defining feature of the local hydrography. The valleys are home to waterside meadows and willow and alder groves, while oak and beech forests and sweet chestnut trees grow at higher elevations. A car is practical for exploring the wider area, although individual locations are also worth taking a closer look at on foot.

The city’s name and modern character

The name Zalaegerszeg is closely connected to the area’s natural features. The prefix Zala comes from the name of the river and is probably of Slavic origin, referring to a marshy, waterlogged area. Egerszeg is an old Hungarian term for a place where many alder trees grew. The current name evolved gradually and distinguished the city from other settlements called Egerszeg.

Today, Zalaegerszeg is not only an administrative and cultural centre, but also an important economic hub. Alongside traditional agriculture, industry, commerce and services also play significant roles. The nearby ZalaZone Automotive Proving Ground is one of Europe’s modern centres for automotive development and testing, representing the city’s modern side.

Parking in Zalaegerszeg

Zalaegerszeg has several paid parking zones, with hourly rates varying by zone. Before setting off, it is worth checking which zone your chosen street belongs to; the parking zone finder can also help with this.

The advantage of mobile parking is that you do not need to look for a parking meter or small change; you can pay directly from your phone. You can review local information on the Zalaegerszeg parking page.

• 8901 – Zalaegerszeg Zone 1 (red): HUF 360/hour (weekdays 08:00–18:00, Saturdays 08:00–14:00)
• 8902 – Zalaegerszeg Zone 2 (yellow): HUF 280/hour (weekdays 08:00–18:00, Saturdays 08:00–14:00)
• 8905 – Zalaegerszeg car park: HUF 480/hour (daily 00:00–23:59)

The rates are based on data from National Mobile Payment Plc. and were valid when this article was published.

Tip: Parking is limited on the section of Kossuth Lajos Street concerned, so choose a suitable parking space or the car park at the corner of Berzsenyi and Kosztolányi Streets, then explore the city centre on foot.

You can start your parking session online at the location in just a few clicks, directly from your phone, without a parking meter, cash or installing a separate app.

Last updated: 27. 10. 2026.