Wellness travel to Germany
From healing resorts and spa towns to hiking trails and nature parks, don’t miss these spots in your itinerary
Text: Shannon T
Credit - Lanserhof Tegernsee
It’s safe to say that all of us are itching to travel again. After the tourism industry came to a complete standstill last year due to COVID-19, we had plenty of time to reconsider our priorities when it comes to vacations. More of us now lean towards health oriented trips that allows us to step back from the hustle and bustle, relieve stress, provide a fresh perspective and boost our overall physical and mental well-being.
Wellness tourism, defined as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing by the Global Wellness Institute, has grown steadily since 2015, with further growth expected in the next few years. Restrictions on social interactions and WFH routines in the current pandemic setting, as well as strong advocation by professional athletes, have also called to attention the importance of caring for our mental health and overall well-being.
If you’re thinking of going on a wellness getaway and have completed the full regime of vaccines on the WHO’s Emergency Use listing, here’s some good news! Leisure travel to Germany is available starting from Sept 8 under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). The airlines offering VTL flights are Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and Royal Brunei Airlines. Here’s a list of wellness hotels and experiences we think you should check out and what’s good to do there for the ultimate healing getaway.
Wellness resorts and spa towns
Wellness retreats are very popular amongst locals and tourists in Germany, with more than 350 health spas and resorts waiting to pamper you. Life slows down as you immerse in the tranquil environment surrounded by beautiful views of Mother Nature, and enjoy a wide range of activities spanning from yoga and kinesis workouts to spa and various healing treatments.
Credit - BollAnts Wellness Hotel
Key highlights include this unique haven of on-site therapeutic detox and spa treatments at BollAnts Wellness Hotel, a holistic health resort situated on the beautiful historic park of Jugendstil. Generations of the Bolland-Anton family continue this wellness legacy, passing down the 110-year-old Felke German healing traditions. Crowned as the Best Wellness Hotel in Rhineland-Palatinate, this sanctuary marries modern western medicine with traditional healing processes to engage your mind and body, and rejuvenate wellbeing. Allow yourself to unwind completely at the Frühlingsplätzchen Spa, a 3,500 sqm haven with saunas and steam baths, pools, jacuzzi, a garden spa, and relaxation rooms.
Lanserhof Tegernsee is a holistic wellness hotel perched on the foothills of the Bavarian Alps above Lake Tegern. Chosen as Germany’s Best Wellness Retreat from 2016 to 2020 at the World Spa Awards, this modern health resort offers a well-rounded mix of old-school approaches and modern techniques for the ultimate healing experience, including an exclusive detox program that will flush out all the nasties in your digestive system for a clean bill of health.
Credit - KissSalis Thermal Baths
Fans of hot springs and mineral baths would appreciate Bad Bevensen, an outstanding health resort in the heart of Lüneburg Heath, best known for its iodine brine thermal baths, which helps with musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatic diseases, cardiovascular disorders and issues with the joints and spine. It’s also located in a vibrant little town with a buzzing arts and culture scene, so there's plenty to see in between your soaking sessions. Alternatively, head over to Bad Kissingen to check out the KissSalis Thermal Baths for various intensive salt water and therapy pools, the diverse SaunaPark and a wide range of wellness treatments. Every pool here is filled with healing spring water from the Schönbornsprudel (Schönborn spring).
Credit – Nationalpark Schwarzwald Onlinemagazin
Hiking and Nature
Hikers, don’t forget to pack your trekking gear if you’re planning to head here as Germany is home to 200,000km of marked trails. If you’ve already conquered all the hiking trails in Singapore, make sure to check out the following hiking trails in Germany for an au naturel mental boost. Spending time in nature can help soothe our mental state. Hiking in nature serves as ecotherapy – which includes all nature-based approaches to therapy and healing – and acts as a supplement to traditional therapy when treating mental health issues.
Boasting crystal-clear water, crisp mountain air and 876 kilometres of picturesque hiking trails, Bad Hindelang is a slice of paradise for hiking enthusiasts, even those with allergies. Pollen, mould spores and fine dust levels are extremely low here, and you can find allergy-friendly restaurants, accommodation providers, certified bakeries, supermarket, health food store and more.
The setting of several Grimm fairytales, the Black Forest (or the Schwarzwald, as the Germans call it) has an exciting mix of scenic lakes, pine forests, old castles, quaint towns. For the most photogenic angles, explore the award-winning 45km Panoramaweg (Panorama Trail), a challenging ridge trail weaving through orchards and thick woodland past waterfalls and amazing viewpoints.
Credit – Harz National Park
If you’re short on time, the Harz National Park's Baumwipfelpfad (treetop walkway) makes a short but sweet adventure, with 18 platforms suspended above the ancient treetops of the Kalten Valley. Ride the Burgberg-Seilbahn cable car from the town of Bad Harzburg to the top of Grosser Burgberg, then stroll down Wanderweg zum Burgberg path till the end of the 1km elevated walkway for a manageable on-foot journey of about 4km.
