The winter in Austria lends itself not only to whizzing off the slopes, but also very well for a healthy portion of relaxation. Boost your immune system with an ice bath in a lake or take a fairytale torchlight walk in the snow.
Lowering yourself through a hole in the ice into a lake in the middle of winter no longer sounds as absurd as it did a few years ago. Thanks in part to iceman Wim Hof, ice baths have become very popular. Various studies have shown that submerging in ice water has a positive effect on your blood circulation and immune system, and that it can help with joint disorders and feelings of depression. Adrenaline and the happiness hormone dopamine are released, but also anti-inflammatory corticoids that promote your recovery, for example after exercise. It is not for nothing that top athletes often step into an ice barrel after their training. To experience this beneficial effect yourself, you can of course take a cold shower at home, but taking a dip in an ice-cold natural lake is much more challenging and more fun.
Austria is the perfect place to make it an unforgettable experience. Between the snow-capped mountain peaks, you will go into a natural lake under supervision, and then come out feeling reborn. Ice baths can be found in the Danube, Pleschinger See and Aussee near Linz, Almsee and Zauchensee in SalzburgerLand. Will you be in Zauchensee on January 29, 2022? Then join the Ice Challenge at 8 p.m.!
In many Austrian villages you can go on torchlight hikes in winter. A special experience, because if you see less, your other senses are sharpened. You walk more slowly and more consciously, and you perceive your surroundings very differently than during the day. You suddenly hear sounds in the forest, perceive smells and by slowing down you may even discover animal tracks in the snow. Without the glow of the torches, the evening stroll would be only half as enchanting. The silence makes your experience complete and even a little meditative:you concentrate on the light of the torches and your footsteps, there is hardly room for wandering thoughts.
A beautiful area for a torchlight hike is, for example, the Pillerseetal (Tirol). You walk in small groups, away from the crowds, to enjoy the nighttime silence and the special atmosphere. Winter torchlight tours are also available in Seefeld, Schladming, Lech Zürs, Hochkönig, Weissensee, Tiroler Zugspitz Arena and Montafon.
Austria is a true winter hiking paradise. Throughout the country you will find well-signposted hiking trails along the most beautiful viewpoints. Some roads are groomed, others require snowshoes. Difficulty and distance vary, so see what's right for you. On the way you can usually rest somewhere in a cozy mountain hut and enjoy traditional delicacies. Do you want to make it even more special? Take a walking tour with llamas through the white landscape. It doesn't get more surreal!
Aqua Dome
This Tyrolean Alpine spa is located between forests and mountains in the Ötz Valley. The futuristic design makes a stay in this spa extra special.
Tauern SPA Zell am See – Kaprun
This modern spa is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park. You can do sports there or just enjoy the water in peace.
Alpentherme Gastein
Are you looking for peace? Or do you just want adventure? The thermal baths, saunas, massages and sports facilities in this modern spa town in the SalzburgerLand offer something for everyone.
Rogner Bad Blumau
Water, peace, relaxation and warmth in a colorful fairytale world. You will find it all in these thermal baths, designed by the famous Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Erlebnis-Therme Amadé
The brine relaxation basin here is great. Some more action can be found at the water climbing wall, diving boards and slides.
St. Martins Therme Lodge
The thermal baths atrium promise a pleasantly warm world between 'adventure and retreat', between nature and the surprising diversity of the water.
More information can be found here and at austria.info/ontspanning
This is a partner contribution
