Forest wellness that is good for body and soul.

Let the elemental force of the forest have an effect on you during forest bathing & enjoy "Shinrin Yoku"! Summer and winter , the natural forest is a place of longing for people. How nice that Gastein is not only rich in water, but also rich in forests. In the past, the forest in Gastein was essential for gold mining. Today, we also appreciate Gastein's "green lung" as a retreat for people and animals. As a recreation area and nature park, which not only provides good air and clear water, but is also good for body and soul.

In cooperation with the "nature thinker" and tourism geomancer Sabine Schulz, the spa and tourism association Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein have made it their goal to use nature as a green therapy station. Under the motto "Alpine Spa Forest Bathing - Vital Forest Bathing in Resonance with Nature", people are to regain more connection with the forests and their natural processes. For this purpose, there is a free brochure with various exercises that instruct interested hikers to enter into a more intensive relationship with the forest atmosphere.

Forest bathing is in vogue. In today's fast-paced world, many people are returning to their roots and leaving the stress hormones behind. They want to experience a piece of unspoiltness and be closer to nature again. Where, if not in the forest, can you still experience this today?

If you want to experience forest bathing, Gastein is the right place. The dark green forests and crystal clear water are the life engine of the Gasteinertal. During the guided forest bathing sessions during the summer months, and now also in winter, you will experience forest medicine together with herbal medicine practitioner and forest & health trainer Theresa Sommerbichler, forest bathing trainer and herbal pedagogue Heidi Huber and biologist Stefan Wildling. Linger among trees and bushes, feel your breath and listen to nature's music. Here, during forest bathing, we can really enjoy the feeling of being at one with ourselves and nature and strengthen our well-being and mindfulness.

Breathe, walk, marvel and feel. A welcome change from skiing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is a mindful walk in the forest. This not only does our body good, but is also a benefit for mind and soul.

The winter forest bathing in Gastein was implemented together with forest health trainer Theresa Sommerbichler, NATURESA, as a supplement to the summer program. Even in winter, people should be able to feel the healing effects of the forest.

It is not only perceptible on our own bodies, but also scientifically proven: the forest is good for you. A regular visit to the winter forest supports our general well-being. Its gentle climate stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which in turn lowers our blood pressure and pulse rate, reduces stress and strengthens our immune system. Generally, forest bathing is recommended as a preventive health care on a physical and mental level.

Forest bathing refers to mindful and conscious walking through the forest, supported by mindfulness and breathing exercises, as well as (walking) meditations and gratitude practices. It's about all our senses, awareness of ourselves and nature, being patient and feeling, acceptance and connection.

Breathe, walk, marvel and feel. A welcome change from skiing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. This is not only good for our body, but also a benefit for mind and soul.