Nature plays a key role in both mental and physical health. From a walk in the fresh air to a gulp of fresh spring water, being outside and experiencing nature in all its many forms gives us a chance to reconnect with something often lost in today's fast-moving society: yourself. A holiday in Tirol offers visitors the chance to get back to nature. How and where is, of course, up to you. Maybe you fancy a little "forest bathing", or "shinrin yoku" to use the Japanese expression. Or yoga in the mountains as the sun slowly rises from behind the mountains. Whichever activity you opt for, remember to take it slowly and appreciate the wonder that is Mother Nature.
Back to nature in Tirol
Wipptal Valley
The Wipptal Valley to the south of Innsbruck offers a special programme of walks, stretching, relaxation and nutrition workshops aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Kufsteinerland
Yoga in the mountains is a sensory experience. The smell of the forest. The sound of birdsong. The sight of the mountains. The feeling of the sun on your skin. In Kufsteinerland you will find yoga studios, specialist yoga hotels and even a yoga festival.
Lechtal Valley
Untouched mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see, the gentle sound of church bells carried on the wind – the Lechtal Valley's four villages of Gramais, Hinterhornbach, Kaisers and Pfafflar are the perfect place to get away from it all. The populations range from 40 to 130, with visitors very much welcome to share in the peace and quiet of this alpine idyll.
St. Johann
The Yapadu Summit is held in a wonderful alpine location in the village of St. Johann, between the Wilder Kaiser Mountains and the mighty Kitzbühel Horn peak. Highlights at this summer event include mindfulness walks, crisis-management workshops and yoga in the mountains.
Seefeld
Forest bathing is a trend which originally started in Japan and is now proving a big hit in Europe. Join coach Verena Hiltpolt in the forests around Seefeld for a wonderfully relaxing experience inviting you to reconnect with nature.
Across Tirol
Invented by Sebastian Kneipp in the 19th century, this water-based therapy is aimed at both relaxing muscles and stimulating blood flow by dipping either the whole body or individual limbs alternately into warm and cold water. It is said to have a wide range of health benefits – and is also a great way to cool down on hot days.
Nassereith, Imst
Meditation is harder than it looks. It requires practice, discipline, openness. At the AlpenRetreat you will find meditation experts happy to help you tap into this skill with the aim of developing your inner strength and promoting mental health. As well as meditation retreats there are also silent retreats.
Wipptal Valley
The Wipptal Valley is home to Maria Waldrast, a place of pilgrimage above the village of Matrei am Brenner with a spring whose water has been said since the 16th century to have healing properties. The place of pilgrimage is also home to a restaurant and is an excellent starting point for walks in both summer and winter, including up onto the mighty Serles mountain.
Kaunertal Valley
Ice swimming is a bracing experience which strengthens the body's immune system. Exposure to cold water causes the brain to release specific hormones such as endorphines and corticosteroids – beneficial for both physical and mental health. One place in Tirol where ice swimming is on offer is the Kaunertal Glacier, where Marcel Schmid is on hand to support brave souls wishing to take to the waters of the Weißsee lake.
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