---
title: FAQ on forest bathing and Waldness. What you probably already wanted to know about Waldness, forest bathing in the Almtal in the Salzkammergut.
url: "https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/en/waldness/waldness-faq.html"
description: "Curious about forest bathing and the Waldness effect in the Almtal? Here you will find many questions and answers about forest bathing in the Almtal as the first Waldness Centre in the Alps! Find out now about your personal Waldness relaxation holiday!"
image: "https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/user_upload/traunsee-almtal/Logos/Traunsee_Almtal_Logo_.png"
date: 2021-03-08
modified: 2022-12-29
---

# FAQ on forest bathing and Waldness. What you probably already wanted to know about Waldness, forest bathing in the Almtal in the Salzkammergut.

Waldness FAQ
============

What is WALDNESS and how does it work?
--------------------------------------

  © Open copyright  © Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Entspannung am Berg Close copyright

      ![Entspannen bei Waldness im Almtal ](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/5/a/csm_Waldness-Entspannung-1_edbe9bb5b2.jpg "Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Entspannung am Berg")

What is Waldness?
-----------------

**Waldness** is the application of **Shinrin-Yoku** (**forest bathing**) originating from the **Almtal** in the **Salzkammergut**. The Almtal in the **Upper Austrian Salzkammergut** is thus the **first Waldness destination** in Europe.

This **special form** of **forest recreation** includes activities guided by **[Waldness coaches](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/en/waldness/waldness-coaches.html)** and stays in particularly suitable vegetation zones. **Forest experiences**, **forest activitie**s, **forest cuisine** and targeted relaxation exercises preventively alleviate stress symptoms and lift your inner balance and harmony.

  © Open copyright  © Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Waldschule Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Salzkammergut Waldschule, Waldpädagogik](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/6/d/csm_Waldschule-1_5961e17d26.jpg "Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Waldschule")

What does Shinrin-Yoku mean?
----------------------------

Shinrin-Yoku, in German "**Waldbaden**", is the **original Japanese form** of nature therapy in which people from **conurbations** and **large cities** relax deeply by spending time in the forest. The aromas of the forest have a calming and harmonising effect on the **organism** and **psyche** of the person and thus contribute to the **regenerative capacity** of the body and improve the well-being in the long term.

  © Open copyright  © Foto:WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal:Latschenbad Entspannung Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Salzkammergut Latschenbad nach geführter Wanderung](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/0/b/csm_Latschenbad-2_0a4e3de063.jpg "Foto:WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal:Latschenbad Entspannung")

Where does Waldness take place?
-------------------------------

The Waldness relaxation days take place in the **Almtal valley** in the **Salzkammergut region**.

**Crystal-clear mountain streams**, **pure air**, **green alpine** pastures and **healthy forests** offer a **grandiose ambience** for this modern form of relaxation in nature.

How do I book a Waldness Recreation Holiday?
--------------------------------------------

The easiest way to book your **Waldness recreation holiday** is via the **Almtal Tourist Office** or use the contact form in the package offers.

On the health effect of forest landscapes
-----------------------------------------

### GreenCare - where people flourish

Please find attached the publication of the Federal Forest Research Centre on the topic of Green Care as pdf download.

 Green Care Bericht

 Waldness Clip from WellSpaPortal

 [Description](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS3TYSkDbgM)

  © Open copyright  © Waldness Biophilia Effekt Close copyright

      ![Waldness Biophilia Effekt](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/0/f/csm_Waldness-Biophilia-Effekt_3a5319fa3f.jpg "Waldness Biophilia Effekt")

Why is forestness suitable as a recreational holiday?
-----------------------------------------------------

A stay in the forest has a relaxing and **restorative effect** due to the biophilia effect.

The alpine environment with **many power spots** and natural products of the region is ideally suited for a stress-free holiday at your own pace. The nature experience is supported by Waldness coaches.

  © Open copyright  © Foto: TVB Traunsee-Almtal/Leo Meiseleder: Almsee Close copyright

      ![Hier sehen Sie den Almsee](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/0/csm_almsee_7a82ddbd54.jpg "Foto: TVB Traunsee-Almtal/Leo Meiseleder: Almsee")

What is the Biophilia Effect?
-----------------------------

**Plants** communicate with each other to draw attention to themselves when they are attacked by pests or to attract beneficial insects.

The **forest air** is enriched by so-called **terpenes**. These are **special plant fragrances**, some of which are also contained in **essential oils**. They have many positive effects on humans: For example, the human immune system is demonstrably **strengthened** and even those **white blood cells** in the human body are **stimulated** that are significantly involved in **cancer prevention**.

  © Open copyright  © Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Team Waldschule Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Team](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/0/csm_Waldness-Team_48b6b5b7b6.jpg "Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Team Waldschule")

What is the procedure for a Waldness stay in the Almtal?
--------------------------------------------------------

The **Waldness stay** in the Almtal is a coherently designed **carefree package** for a **regeneration** and **relaxation holiday** to relieve stress.

The **well-thought-out organisation** of the **Waldness programme** in the Almtal enables a smooth entry into the **world of relaxation** in one of the most beautiful **mountain valleys** in the **Eastern Alps**. Depending on the season, different activities are offered in the **various climatic zones** of the forest nature.

  © Open copyright  © Blick auf Totes Gebirge und Almsee in Grünau im Almtal Close copyright

      ![Blick auf Totes Gebirge und Almsee, Tvb Traunsee-Almtal](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/0/csm_Blick-auf-Totes-Gebirge-und-Almsee_408d55e231.jpg "Blick auf Totes Gebirge und Almsee in Grünau im Almtal")

When is Waldness offered?
-------------------------

The Waldness programme is adapted to the highlights of the **respective season** and includes relaxation and recreation phases paired with gentle **outdoor activities**.

 [ Die Angebote ](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/en/waldness/urlaubsangebote.html)

  © Open copyright  © Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Coaches Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Coaches](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/9/csm_Waldness-Coaches_77b75437f7.jpg "Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Coaches")

Do I have to do without anything on a Waldness holiday?
-------------------------------------------------------

**No**! The Almtal offers all the amenities of an **alpine** but highly developed region with the best **health care**.

From **travel support** to **optimal accommodation** and **transfers**, all **services** are available. Waldness, however, helps you to renounce your everyday life and gain distance. You will experience a time-out in which you are well looked after.

  © Open copyright  © Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Latschenbad Wanderung Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Salzkammergut Latschenbad nach geführter Wanderung](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/6/6/csm_Latschenbad-1_30bf74bdfd.jpg "Foto: WALDNESS® Traunsee-Almtal: Latschenbad Wanderung")

Can I enjoy a full Waldness experience without a coach?
-------------------------------------------------------

**Yes**! **Consciously inhaling** the **aromas** while **walking** through the forest can of course also be done alone on marked **hiking trails** and places. The **positive effects** on your body and mind will be **felt quickly**. However, to be able to increase this **influence** considerably, **special exercises** should be carried out.

 [ The Waldness Coaches ](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/en/waldness/waldness-coaches.html)

  © Open copyright  © Waldness Video Bergauf TV Close copyright

      ![Waldness Video Bergauf TV](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/3/csm_Waldness-Video_69f7681e67.jpg "Waldness Video Bergauf TV")

 Waldness in the Alm Valley

 [Description](https://youtu.be/_haXXVO_xNc) [Video](//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_haXXVO_xNc "The YouTube video will open in a new window.")

  © Open copyright  © Foto: Welspaportal Close copyright

      ![Waldness im Almtal Clip auf Wellspaportal](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_Waldness-im-Almtal-Clip-WELSPAPORTAL_9921f3d754.jpg "Foto: Welspaportal")

 Waldness WellSpaPortal Clip

 [Description](https://youtu.be/GS3TYSkDbgM) [Video](//www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS3TYSkDbgM "The YouTube video will open in a new window.")

  © Open copyright  © WALDNESS-Bergauf TV Winter Clip Close copyright

      ![WALDNESS-Bergauf TV Winter Clip](https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_Waldness-Bergauf-TV-Winter-Clip_4d89b5fe9b.jpg "WALDNESS-Bergauf TV Winter Clip")

 Waldness in the Almtal Winter

 [Description](https://youtu.be/InM_se9JIGg) [Video](//www.youtube.com/watch?v=InM_se9JIGg "The YouTube video will open in a new window.")