Forest Wellness

If you were to look in the history book of the Glemmtal, you would see that the forests here used to be far less dense! So what happened? It was a time when wood was urgently needed for the heating and building needs of the settlers. The wood was also sold to the salt works in Bad Reichenhall. It was ensured that the tree trunks were transported along the river Saalach to the salt works. This resulted in the clearing of the local forests, which were only regenerated by the following generations. Today 4,000 hectares of woodlands cover the slopes of the Glemmtal. The local forest today provide clear spring water, pure fresh air, the finest game, mushrooms, berries and herbs which are used for processing culinary dishes in the kitchens of the hotels and restaurants.

Forest Bathing

The new Forest Wellness Trail on the Reiterkogel is a relaxing experience for all in the woodlands. In the 200-year-old, unspoilt woodlands above the Reiteralm, you can dive into a world of soft green moss and wild growing lichens. In the shade of the massive spruce trees, you will find perfect designated areas for yoga, hammocks for swaying, wooden loungers and a woodland library and places for a picnic. Pre-packed picnic baskets can be pre-ordered and picked up from the Reiteralm for a real culinary treat in the woodlands. Then it’s time to go forest bathing! The positive and healing effect on humans when in the forest has now been scientifically proven with the “Biophilia Effect”, or in other words, “forest bathing” as it is officially known. What the Japanese have been practising for a long time can now be experienced hiking while on holiday in the Home of Lässig.

The energising forest

The fascination of the forest can be experienced by all those who enter with open eyes and ears and let themselves be energised by the coniferous and deciduous trees. You don’t have to hug the trees physically, but of course, you can if you want. Simply stop, pause and take a deep breath, close your eyes and listen. The whispers of the forest will become significantly louder with sounds of the woodpecker, mice rustling in the undergrowth, deer call in the distance, and the hoverflies buzz in the backlight. You will be able to smell the mushrooms, berries, the damp moss and green lichens. The beat of the forest isn’t as hectic as rap or hip-hop but more like a ballad. Anyone who is able to adapt to the rhythm will feel themselves become calm and serene. I personally find the forest particularly beautiful when it rains. The scent is more intense, the thud of the raindrops on the cushioned moss more metronome. Plop, plop, plop…. 

The fascination of the forest can be experienced by all those who enter with open eyes and ears and let themselves be energised by the coniferous and deciduous trees. You don’t have to hug the trees physically, but of course, you can if you want. Simply stop, pause and take a deep breath, close your eyes and listen. The whispers of the forest will become significantly louder with sounds of the woodpecker, mice rustling in the undergrowth, deer call in the distance, and the hoverflies buzz in the backlight. You will be able to smell the mushrooms, berries, the damp moss and green lichens. The beat of the forest isn’t as hectic as rap or hip-hop but more like a ballad. Anyone who is able to adapt to the rhythm will feel themselves become calm and serene. I personally find the forest particularly beautiful when it rains. The scent is more intense, the thud of the raindrops on the cushioned moss more metronome. Plop, plop, plop…. Furthermore, when it’s raining, you are more likely to have the forest to yourself. You nod almost conspiratorially to the field hare who ducks for cover into a dry hollow and find yourself holding the gaze of the deer, who dares to graze during a rain break.

The nourishing forest

Those who know their way around the woodlands will have experienced competing with the wasps to taste the sweet, delicious fruits which later in the year include the Moosbee (blackberries) and Granggn (cranberries). Experts can collect their next meal from a whole array of mushrooms including chanterelles, parasol mushrooms and ceps. Herb witches search for ingredients to compile a forest pharmacy, while hunters take care of providing fresh venison. For those who are unable to tell the difference between a toadstool and a porcini or a blackberry from other berries – the restaurants, huts and guest houses in the Home of Lässig are looking forward to welcoming you!