The healing power of Austria’s nature

5 places in Austria to experience the healing power of water

1. Gasteiner Waterfall at Bad Gastein, Salzburg

In the High Tauern mountains south of Salzburg, you’ll find the elegant spa town of Bad Gastein. Nestled into forested slopes, its Belle Epoque hotels exude a bygone grandeur. These health resorts offer turn-of-the-century elegance combined with all the facilities of the modern spa hotel: sun terraces, outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, thermal baths, wellness treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms.

Right in the urban centre of Bad Gastein, the Gasteiner Waterfall plunges 340 metres (more than a thousand feet) over three drops, the ionised air having health-giving properties. Not surprisingly, this atmospheric town has inspired painters and poets.

2. Lünersee Lake, Vorarlberg

One of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, Lünersee lies at 1,970 metres (6,500 feet) above sea level in the far west corner of the country. Take the six-minute cable car ride to the top and step out into a majestic landscape of craggy limestone mountains that surround the lake of dazzling blue. An easy path follows the circumference of the lake, taking an hour or two to complete. But this is not a trail to rush; slow down and drink in the views from the dam head and feel the breeze of the water, have a picnic or try your hand at fishing.

3. Wasserlochklamm Waterfalls, Styria

After crossing the suspension bridge high above the silt-green water of the River Salza , paths lead up through a steep and narrow gorge to a series of waterfalls. The force of the water after the spring melt is sensational. A series of steep wooden steps, overhanging walkways, bridges, platforms and narrow stone pathways, clinging to the side of the ravine, lead to the waterhole and the source of the falls. This is a spectacular hike through wild nature.

4. Aqua Dome, Tirol

A less wild experience than visiting a waterfall is to unwind at a spa and the Aqua Dome spa in Tirol offers the ultimate relaxing experience. Even its location nestled between the peaceful peaks and forests of the Otzal valley will immediately make you feel calmer. This feeling is only intensified as you lower yourself into one of the warm outdoor pools, soothing your muscles while breathing in the fresh outside air. Bliss.  

5. Tauern SPA, Salzburgerland 

Another spectacular spa that offers both relaxing scenery and baths is the Tauern SPA. Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, you can enjoy days of endless adventure in the surrounding countryside before returning each evening to soothe your tired muscles. Don’t miss the brine baths here as  brine water is proven to have calming and relaxing effects. 

Image copyrights: Oesterreich Werbung, Harald Eisenberger / Oesterreich Werbung, Dietmar Denger / Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Guenter Breitegger/ Shutterstock

In German it’s called Waldbaden. In English it’s forest bathing. In Japan, where the health-giving benefits of trees were discovered, it’s known as shinrin yoku . Releasing phytoncides, trees help to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, boost mood, energy levels and the immune system. Now shinrin yoku has come to Europe. Around half of Austria is covered in forest, making it the perfect place to experience ‘Waldbaden’, especially in the forested slopes of the Alps where the air is at its purest.

Immerse yourself in the forest’s sights and sounds. Touch a textured bark. Walk barefoot on the woodland floor.  Listen to the rustle of the wind through foliage. Forage for medicinal herbs and plants and taste the fruits of the forest. Lie down and breathe in the scent of pine and sap. Tune into birdsong. Breathe out... and relax. This is the art of forest bathing.

Photo credits: Image 1: Peter Podpera; Image 2: Maximilian Salzer

3 forests where you can experience the healing power of trees

1. Donau-Auen National Park – the forested backwater between capital cities

Between the bustling cities of Vienna and Bratislava, there’s a corridor of undisturbed wilderness – 36km (22 miles) of forest and wetlands that stretch along the Danube. Here on the floodplains, the mighty river flows unhindered.

More than half the park is made up of alluvial forest – where woodlands and shrubs grow densely on oxbow lakes and on the sand and mud banks shaped by the river.  On the waterside the silvery leaves of white willows shimmer in the breeze, while centuries-old black poplars crowd gravel banks between the slow-flowing tributaries of the Danube. On the crowns of the trees, black storks and sea eagles build their eyries. Look out for European pond turtles and dice snakes. Take a guided walk with one of the park rangers who will regale you with stories of Donau-Auen's natural history. Best of all, observe this ethereal world of woodland and wetland from the seat of a canoe or dinghy and feel the combined healing power of water and forest.

2. The primeval forests of Brandner, Styria

In places Styria’s forests are primeval, covered in virgin trees left undisturbed by man. Shafts of light bomb through these ancient trees, some of them hundreds of years old. Ferns sprout from the forest floor and moss creeps over rocks, roots, tree stumps and fallen trees where plants and insects thrive.

On the northwestern slopes of Schladming-Dachstein, beyond the open meadows and slopes of alpine roses, you’ll find the old-growth forests of the Brandner. Wander through dimly lit woods where larch and spruce soar skyward and the forest’s lush undergrowth is busy with insects. Forage for chickweed, blackberries and purple lettuce. Listen out for the rap of woodpecker or low rumble of a black grouse. Catch a jay darting through the conifers or a golden eagle circling the sky. Find a rock or tree stump to sit on; close your eyes and breathe in the scent of forest needles and damp moss.

3. Thayatal National Park – Canyon of the Wildcats

The beautiful Thaya Valley lies on the border of the Czech Republic in Lower Austria. Together with neighbouring Czech Podyjí National Park, the area is packed with an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Thayatal, although Austria’s smallest national park, boasts half the country’s wildlife. 

Within this romantic landscape of high rolling hills and rocky outcrops, the River Thaya loops through wildflower meadows, grasslands and woodlands of oak, linden, hornbeam, sycamore and beech. Follow the well-marked pathways through the wooded hills and along the River Thaya. Look out for dice snakes and green lizards; martagon lilies, Hungarian irises and military orchids. Scan the river for kingfishers, or the black storks that fish the waters between Hardegg and Überstieg. If you are extremely lucky, you may encounter a shy wildcat or river otter.

Before setting out, visit the dramatic hilltop castle of Hardegg and drop into the National Park Visitor Centre, where exhibits tell the story of the Thayatal and its protected flora and fauna.

5 healing herbs to find in the forest

1. Lungwort

Found amongst deciduous and mixed beech forests, lungwort is a medicinal plant that can soothe coughs and help breathing when made into tea or wine. Look out for the plants colour-changing petals which transform from a reddish purple to a blue violet. 

2. Wild thyme

Wild thyme is best found by using your nose. When walking through the woods in summer, you will notice a sweet, lemony fragrance. Crouch down and search in the lowest parts of the forest to find the purple plant. The oil from wild thyme is a great remedy for coughs, colds and hoarse throats. 

3. Cowslip

This endangered plant with its pale yellow colouring looks similar to a daffodil but with smaller petals and is one of the first flower to make an appearance in spring. The plant has been used to treat coughs, weak nerves and even bronchitis due to its natural antibiotics. If you find the plant, then just appreciate its beauty rather than picking it as it is endangered.

4. Linden blossom

This pretty white and yellow flowered plant may be small but its strength shouldn’t be underestimated. A firm favourite in the natural remedy world, this plant is said to have the power to strengthen the immune system, soothe coughs and calm nerves. Once the days grow shorter and the weather colder, the plant is made into a tea to keep the winter sniffles away. 

5. Rosehip

With eight times more vitamin C than lemons, the rosehip packs a powerful punch when it comes to boosting the immune system and keep colds at bay. Not only is it good for your health, an added bonus is that it also tastes delicious and can be made into teas, juices and jams. 

Copyrights: OEBf Archiv, G. Menzl / Oesterreich Werbung, M. Stabentheiner / OEBf Archiv, P. Lechner / OEBf Archiv, P. Lechner / OEBf Archiv, P. Lechner, Shutterstock