Wellness Around the World : 5 Kneipp-Inspired Experiences in Bavaria, Germany

Waibelhof [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM/Tobias-Gerber].

Bavaria, located in the south east of Germany, is a popular travel destination for its beautiful natural scenery, charming towns, fairy tale castles, spirited festivals, delicious cuisine, and famous breweries. It also has a rich history of wellness traditions and mindfulness. 

For those looking to enjoy nature, Bavaria offers both ancient cultural landscapes and idyllic nature settings. Visitors can bicycle along the Danube, hike through the Bavarian Forest and Alps, and explore the National Park in the Berchtesgaden Region.

Cycling in Bavaria [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM].

Fans of cycling will enjoy the beautiful routes available such as “Allgäu Circular Cycle Route,” which offers eight adventure trails. The routes wind through pastures of cows, fields of flowers, peaceful farmlands, castles, breweries, and more. 

Lake Königssee at Berchtesgaden National Park [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM].

If you are drawn to water, Lake Königssee of the Berchtesgaden National Park is a great cultural and peaceful stop to have on your itinerary when visiting the Bavaria region. There you can take a boat tour and enjoy checking out breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and local wildlife. One of the highlights is the 480-meter Röthbach Waterfall. Or visit the sparsely populated region of Tirschenreuth in the Upper Palatinate, which is home to over 4,000 lakes. 

Bavaria also offers an array of wellness experiences inspired by Sebastian Kneipp, a priest born in the early 1800s in Bad Wörishofen who was a leader in holistic natural healing and continues to influence wellness trends today. He is considered one of the forefathers of naturopathic medicine and hydrotherapy. 

Kneipp therapy is famous for incorporating five key elements: hydrotherapy with water affusion, healthy nutrition, herbal remedies, exercise, and inner harmony. Though the steps to practice Kneipp therapy can often be simple, they are also incredibly healing and transformative.

Here are 5 Kneipp therapy-inspired experiences in Bavaria, Germany to give you a taste of this Bavarian wellness philosophy.

Barefoot Walking: 

Barefoot walking tour led by Martl Jung. [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM/Gert Krautbauer].

Sebastian Kneipp was a fan of barefoot walking which helps you reconnect with nature and focus on your experience and sensation. This can include cold stimulation and the energy absorbed through your feet. Today, visitors to Bavaria can learn about barefoot walking from Martl Jung, a barefoot walking enthusiast and guide who has crossed the Alps barefoot.

“You can do some great Kneipp treatments around the lake in Bad Bayersoien or at the Kurpark in Bad Wörishofen. The barefoot paths in Penzberg and Benediktbeuern also offer the popular option of cooling mud, where you can revert to childhood for a while,” Jung shares. 

More info on Jung’s tours can be found at martl-jung.de

Kneipp Spa Experiences:

Bad Worishofen [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM/Tobias Gerber].

In Bad Wörishofen, you can visit the park where Sebastian Kneipp developed Kneipp Therapy in the 1800s and experience the treatments for yourself at the site, which remains highly preserved. Angela Hofter, a Kniepp therapist, offers spa treatments inspired by Kneipp’s teachings at Hotel “Kuroase im Kloster,” which is also a Dominican convent. 

Kurose im Kloster website: www.kuroase-im-kloster.de

Hydrotherapy

Waibelhof [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM/Tobias Gerber].

Kneipp is known as a pioneer of hydrotherapy which uses water for healing and wellness treatments. At Waibelhof AlpenWellness hotel, guests can experience hydrotherapy led by Christine Waibel-Beer, health trainer and owner of the Waibelhof. This hotel is located in a 300-year old farmhouse that is a certified location for experiencing the Kniepp Cure. Hydrotherapy experiences include water affusions, water treading, and dew walking. Those who feeling adventurous can try a whole-body affusion which requires being immersed in water that is under 10 degrees and leaves skin glowing. 

Waibelhot AlpenWellness hotel: www.waibelhof.de

Herbal Cuisine

Herbal walking trail led by Dagmar von der Grün [Image courtesy of BAYERN TOURISM/Florian Trykowski].

Sebastian Kneipp was not only known for his hydrotherapy practices, but also for being an “herbal priest.” Trained healing practitioner and herb specialist Dagmar von der Grün is known for her herbal walking tours inspired by Kneipp’s health philosophy. During the tours, guests learn about the different uses for herbs and get to sample some along the way. 

Learn more at www.meine-kraeuterreisen.de

Kneipp Gardens

Abbess Laetitia Fech took over the running of the abbey 25 years ago. [Image courtesy of BAYERN MEDIA/ Gert Krautbauer]

At Waldsassen Abbey, visitors can learn about Kneipp therapy in the abbey’s garden, which features local herbs that are planted for their healing properties. Abbess Laetitia Fech took over the running of the abbey 25 years ago and has since turned it into into an award-winning environmental station with beautiful experiential gardens. Guided tours of the Kneipp garden and Hildegard garden are offered between May and October. Guests can also enjoy rituals such as prayer, including “Prayer of Quiet,” and helping in the garden for peace and mindfulness.

Waldassen Abbey website: abtei-waldsassen.de

While we may not be able to currently travel to Germany, now is a great time to research and plan. For more on these wellness experiences and more, visit the official Bavaria Tourism website.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy