Gugermühle, © Gemeinde Hollenstein an der Ybbs
©

**** Dear Guests! Please note the WINTER CLOSURE of the Ybbstal Cycle Path and MTB trails from NOVEMBER 1st, 2024, to APRIL 15th, 2025! **** Additionally, starting from NOVEMBER 4th, 2024, we will be available during our winter hours as follows: MON & TUE from 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM | WED - FRI from 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM **** Our office hours in Lunz am See and Waidhofen/Ybbs will also change starting NOVEMBER 4th, 2024! **** You can find all details about the WINTER HOURS HERE! ****

Forest bathing - immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the forest

Forests not only provide an important habitat for numerous animals - they also have many benefits for us humans.

The practice or medical science of forest bathing, which originally comes from Japan - derived from the Japanese term “Shinrin Yoku”, which means “immersion in the atmosphere of the forest” - is also becoming more and more popular in Europe and therefore also in Austria.

What this means is staying mindfully and consciously in the forest. An actually simple concept, but one that is now being researched more and more and has a variety of benefits for our body and mind.

The goal: increase health and ensure relaxation

Forests are a very complex network in which plants and fungi communicate with each other in total harmony, create a habitat for all living things in the forest and also protect themselves from dangers. The pure air and special atmosphere in the forest are not only the result of this perfect coexistence, but also have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. The main reason for this is the high oxygen content and the terpenes in the air, with which the plants communicate, among other things.

Some effects of a forest bath can be:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Reduction of stress
  • Promote the health of the cardiovascular and metabolic systems
  • Lowering blood sugar levels Increasing the pain threshold
  • Increase in natural killer cells
  • Help with weight loss
  • Improving energy and vigor
  • Increase in concentration and memory performance
  • Relief from depression

Forest bathing in the Ybbstal Alps

Forest bathing is also slowly emerging as a healthy trend in the Ybbstal Alps and companies are constantly offering this and other fascinating forest experiences. You can find these companies below. But even if you have the opportunity at home or on a hike through a forest to simply linger there and feel the energy of the forest, you will notice that your body relaxes and can find peace. Quite simply with the power of nature.