Regeneration zones in Wagrain-Kleinarl - a self-experiment

In collaboration with the Paracelsus Private Medical University Salzburg, we have so far designated six special regeneration zones in Wagrain and Kleinarl. These have been proven to promote your mental and physical health. Within these zones you will find numerous places that strengthen your heart and lung function, positively influence your musculoskeletal system, support your immune system, reduce stress and increase your resilience in everyday life.

Curious to find out whether these zones actually have a positive effect on me, I made my own way to one of the zones - the Tappenkarsee Lake.

At 7:00 am, I drive to the back of our valley to the Jägersee Lake car park. Even the journey there is an experience - quiet, magical, uplifting. The mood lifts immediately, even in the early morning. If you don't want to walk to the unmanned Schwabalm, you can use the toll road and drive directly to the Schwabalm car park. I decide to park my car at the Jägersee and walk. It's a leisurely 30 to 40-minute walk on a flat, easily accessible path to the start of the ascent. And although the Jägersee is always a beautiful place, this regeneration zone will have to wait for another time.

Even here, I notice the exceptionally clear air. I savour the silence, take a deep breath and leave everyday life behind me.

Then the ascent to Tappenkarsee Lake - the highest mountain lake in the Eastern Alps - begins. First, I walk through a dense forest. I consciously take in my surroundings: the chirping of the birds, the soft light between the trees - a moment of inner peace.

As the incline increases, I feel my breathing quicken and my pulse quicken - a good sign that my cardiovascular system is being activated. On the way, I stop at the waterfall, close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. The steady gushing sound is almost meditative.

After around 1.5 hours of hiking, the view of the Tappenkarsee Lake opens up before me - breathtakingly beautiful. I walk a little further, find a quiet spot in the meadow, put my mobile phone aside and consciously concentrate on my breathing, which becomes increasingly calm. There's no mobile phone reception up here anyway - you're almost forced to leave the digital world behind. And that's exactly what feels good. A moment of pure relaxation. I take off my shoes and walk barefoot through the ice-cold mountain water. It is said that Kneipp water-treading therapy promotes better sleep, reduces stress and anxiety and strengthens the immune system. A little tip: If you stay barefoot for another 20 minutes or so afterwards, earthing also ensures that your body is completely grounded.

After a hearty alpine snack and a refreshing, cold elderberry juice, I make my way back down into the valley.On the descent, I can feel my leg muscles tense up. And that's a good thing: Walking downhill trains your balance and coordination and uses a lot of your muscles. If you don't use walking poles, this effect is even greater.

By the way: A symbol indicates the location of all regeneration stations. With the help of the booklet at the regeneration stations, I can find the right exercise for each station. If you are travelling without the booklet, you can scan the QR code and be guided to the right exercise.

After a day surrounded by so many soothing stimuli and regeneration impulses, I feel grounded and relaxed. It's amazing how quickly body and mind can find balance - perfect for starting the working week, a project or everyday life with renewed energy.

If you want to do something good for your body and mind, then give it a go. The regeneration zones in Wagrain-Kleinarl are not only scientifically sound, but above all tangible. Whether hiking, Kneipp therapy or simply consciously pausing for a moment - here you will find places that slow you down, give you strength and bring you back into balance.

Pack your hiking boots, leave your mobile phone in your rucksack, and discover how good it feels to spend time with yourself. It’ll be worth it.

photo credits: Miriam Lottes, Wagrain-Kleinarl Tourismus