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afternoon
8°C/46°F
10% Fineweather
1700m
Frostborder

Friday

Friday
15°C/59°F
60% Fineweather
2400m
Frostborder

Saturday

Saturday
23°C/73°F
80% Fineweather
3100m
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Forecast

An area of low pressure is spreading over Central Europe and we are under its influence, unfortunately. We will therefore see changing, but mostly dense cloud with occasional showers.

Tendency

Behind today’s weather fronts, the airflow will quickly swing to the south and bring us once again warm, subtropical air masses. Under the influence of foehn winds, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be warm.

Need help? Contact us!

Innsbruck Tourism


Mon - Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Hotel- and group reservations


Mon - Fri: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Tourist info


Mo - Fr: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

afternoon
8°C/46°F
10% Fineweather
1700m
Frostborder

Friday

Friday
15°C/59°F
60% Fineweather
2400m
Frostborder

Saturday

Saturday
23°C/73°F
80% Fineweather
3100m
Frostborder

Forecast

An area of low pressure is spreading over Central Europe and we are under its influence, unfortunately. We will therefore see changing, but mostly dense cloud with occasional showers.

Tendency

Behind today’s weather fronts, the airflow will quickly swing to the south and bring us once again warm, subtropical air masses. Under the influence of foehn winds, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be warm.

Need help? Contact us!

Innsbruck Tourism


Mon - Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Hotel- and group reservations


Mon - Fri: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Tourist info


Mo - Fr: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Forest bathing

Leave the world behind

Enjoy some time offline: Something that is often difficult at the heart of the hustle and bustle of urban life is suddenly as easy as can be when surrounded by nothing but treetops and forest floors. Sometimes, all you need in order to switch off and relax is yourself, an idyllic forest spot and senses ready to embrace the world around them, as is perfectly proven by what is known as "forest bathing". Originating from a long-standing Japanese tradition, this pastime combines a mindful stroll through the woods with the healing effect of nature. In fact, the positive effect of time spent in the forest for relaxation and recuperation has been scientifically proven for many years.
Be it the warming benefits of sunlight, the pure forest air or the gentle exercise, a walk through the woods is full of advantages and even suitable for therapeutic purposes. With the beauty of nature, a calming and peaceful atmosphere, the typical sounds of an unspoiled natural setting and the chance to mindfully take in your surroundings, a "bathing excursion" to the forest is a thoroughly worthwhile experience – for body, mind and soul.


Head into the forest

How about swapping your favourite spot on the couch for a tree stump, asphalt for a soft forest floor and city smog for a pine-scented breeze? And what about following your deepest intuitions for the first time in a long time? It only takes a few steps through the woods for us to realise that we are true children of the forest at heart, to embrace the feeling of the mossy undergrowth beneath our feet and the warmth of the sunlight glistening through the leafy canopy.

The forest areas in the Innsbruck region are an infinite paradise for the soul, and what's more, you can pretty much explore and enjoy them to your heart's content. The only rule to bear in mind: "Leave nothing but a footprint". After all, if we want the forest to keep on filling us with energy as a place of power, we need to value it and care for it like the treasure it is. The easiest thing about "forest bathing" is probably also its most unusual attribute: this walk in the woods has no destination. It's not about putting your fitness to the test but simply a matter of having a good time, both during and after your forest bathing session. Be it on your own or in the best of company, this walk is all about you – you and the forest.

Why not give it a try? Here's a brief guide to get you started:

  1. Slow down: find somewhere to sit down and relax. 
  2. Concentrate on your breathing: let your mind run free and if any thoughts try to interrupt, let them go and focus on inhaling and exhaling. Breathe deeply in and out. 
  3. Notice the sounds around you: listen in all directions. Be patient; it may take time for the sounds of the forest to become louder than your thoughts. 
  4. If you haven’t already done so yet, close your eyes. This will help you better perceive what your ears are hearing. 
     

Based on: Qing Li: Die wertvolle Medizin des Waldes. Wie die Natur Körper und Geist stärkt. (The Valuable Medicine of the Forest: How Nature Strengthens the Body and Soul) Rowohlt Polaris, Reinbek 2018

Favourite green retreats

If you have acquired a coniferous taste for forest bathing, you will find a multitude of wonderful green oases of well-being in the Innsbruck region. We’ve marked a few insider tips on this map. Now all that remains is to leave the world behind and head into the forest!

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Birkeben - Oberperfuss

Immerse yourself in the forest as the sunlight shines down through the canopy above and you feel the soft forest floor beneath your feet. Let your gaze wander across the gentle contours of the trail as it winds its way through the woods, passing magnificent birch, pine and spruce trees and the deciduous forest that makes this such a special landscape. Close your eyes and listen to the captivating tunes of...

Hirschlacke pond, Mutters

Discover this pond surrounded by dense spruce forest and soak up the fresh woodland air. This natural monument is located near the top of the Muttereralmbahn gondola and is a wonderful oasis of peace and quiet. Further up the mountain, you'll find a reservoir with fantastic views down over the valley and waterside benches where you can enjoy a wonderful break.

Patscherkofel Zirmberg nature reserve

According to the famed botanist Professor Gams, the Swiss stone pine forests on the northern slopes of the Patscherkofel and Glungezer mountains are the "most beautiful and best-preserved in the Alps". Discover them for yourself and immerse yourself in the fragrant scents of pine trees along the famous Zirbenweg trail, which winds its way through the landscape conservation area and is easy to access via cable...

The larch forest on the Obsteiger Larchsteig trail

The Larchsteig trail starts from the edge of the village of Obsteig and leads to the larch meadow (Lärchenwiese) experience and a wonderful world of flora and fauna. Enjoy a nice leisurely stroll and discover lots of interesting information about the larch itself, as well the history of the larch forests, how they are managed and their inhabitants. The highlights include glacial erratics, which are large...

Larchenwiesenplatzl

Surrounded by tall trees and deep green meadows, the route to the "Larchenwiesenplatzl" and the "Schönen Aussicht" viewpoint is almost flat. Once you arrive, you can soak up the peace and quiet and enjoy wonderful views. And because it's so beautiful, you will probably want to stay for a while and enjoy the moment, either on one of the benches or at the Grünbergalm mountain hut.

Mixed forests in the Kochen Valley

The "Kochental" valley is a protected landscape area that is home to a variety of forest types. The valley is primarily characterised by its forest areas dominated by coniferous trees such as pines and spruces but also contains groups of deciduous trees such as beech. The Kochental is particularly stunning in autumn. When visiting the area, be sure to also make your way up to the Mariahilf Pilgrimage Church on...

Mixed woodland around Rauschbrunnen and Höttinger Bild

The stunning mixed forest around the Rauschbrunnen mountain hut and the Höttinger Bild mountain chapel is easy to access from Innsbruck. It is the perfect escape from city life, a place to breathe freely and let your mind wander on a relaxing walk. A variety of paths wind their way through the forest and are dotted with benches where you can sit back, relax and take in the beautiful green surroundings. The...

Mooswiesen meadows

After following an idyllic path through the forest, you come to Mieming's vast larch meadows. There, a biotope allows you to observe various frogs and toads, lizards, grass snakes and dragonflies in their natural habitat. A wonderful 150-metre-long jetty gives nature lovers a closer look at the colourful action on and in the water. The meadows also have magnificent views of the beautiful nature reserve on the...

Natterer Boden

Here you will find a wonderful forest full of spruce and pine trees, located on a plateau south of Innsbruck. Paths dusted with pine needles, a soft mossy forest floor, dense shrubbery, wonderful woodland scents and sunlight dancing down through the trees – you can enjoy all of this here in harmony with nature. Plenty of benches are also available where you can simply sit back and enjoy your surroundings.

Stams oak forest, a natural monument

The Stams oak forest (Stamser Eichenwald) is the oldest natural monument in Tyrol and home to a wide variety of different trees and plants. The majority of these species probably already existed here when Stams Abbey was founded and the forest developed more than 700 years ago. To this day, the oak forest is owned by the Cistercian monastery of Stams and serves as protection against floods and mudslides. An...

Karwendel Nature Park, Rum

Experience nature at its best in Austria's largest nature reserve: The Karwendel mountains are full of unspoiled natural vegetation that acts as an alpine "Noah's Ark" for numerous rare plant and animal species. Covering a total of 920 square kilometres, the mountains are one of the largest natural landscapes in central Europe with a predominantly alpine character. They offer visitors plenty of space to discover...

Rosengarten Nature Reserve

The Rosengarten Nature Reserve is an old cultural landscape that is still used for agricultural and forestry purposes in the present day. Its small-format fields, meadows, pastures, farmlands and woodlands are bordered by hedgerows, thickets and escarpments. Varied rocky terrain and rolling hills are scattered throughout the area, adding to its scenic diversity and beauty. A variety of passage birds use the...

The water lily pond

This excursion leads through fields, forests and meadows to an idyllic natural setting where you will be greeted by a beautiful water lily pond, the "Seerosenteich". St. George's Church in Obermieming, which is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Mieming, lies on the edge of the meadow and is another lovely place to stop along the way. If you would like something sweet during your break, it is well...

The Sonnenrainweg trail in Oberperfuss COPY

An idyllic and sunny hiking route with stunning views! The starting point is the lift car park at Bergbahnen Oberperfuss, which is free of charge for anyone using the lift. Take the gondola up to the Stiglreith lift station at an altitude of 1,363 m. This is the start of the hike. Follow the path past the ski hire shop and onto the Panoramastraße road, which you should then follow downhill for approx. 50...

Tantegert forest moor

The Tantegert forest moor complex is an area of moorland covering approximately 1.5 hectares on the Amras Paschberg. Thanks to its well-developed network of trails, it is a wonderful local recreation area, or a particularly charming stop on the iconic forest tram, which takes relaxation seekers directly out of Innsbruck into alpine nature. On the circular path around the moorland there is a circle of Celtic...

The Telfer Wiesen meadows and larch forest

Enjoy a stroll through an extensive larch forest and across the "Telfer Wiesen" meadows on the sunny slopes at the start of the Stubai Valley. This energising trip is an unforgettable experience in both summer and winter, and when the flowers start to bloom, the meadows become a treat for all the senses with their beautiful palette of yellow, orange and red petals.

Ullwald forest

For a forest bathing experience surrounded by romantic wilderness, you need look no further than the Ullwald forest in the village of Igls to the south of Innsbruck. Let the soft forest trails caress your feet as you immerse yourself in a picturesque natural landscape dotted with small trickling streams.

St. Sigmund forest lake

With its special combination of woods and water, the forest lake in St. Sigmund has become an oasis for anyone looking for peace and quiet in a stunning natural setting. Come and visit this secluded forest lake surrounded by blackberry bushes and a deep-green mixed forest. Lakeside benches offer visitors the chance to rest and recharge their batteries in this idyllic location.

Pine forest by Praxmar

The stone pine forest by the village of Praxmar in the Lüsens Valley is a unique natural landscape and important protective habitat for all kinds of plants and animals, so much so that it has been designated as a protected landscape area of Tyrol. Just a few steps away from the Alpengasthof Praxmar alpine restaurant, you will find a nature trail that leads off through the protected pine forest and further into...

Forest bathing at Landhotel Stern in Obsteig

The Landhotel Stern has dedicated its efforts to creating a unique and valuable oasis of calm in an often hectic world. The larch meadows are the perfect place for this, transforming the concept of "forest bathing" into what has become known as "larch bathing", surrounded by conifer trees. There are various ways to experience the soothing green of the larch meadows – options are available weekly from April to October:

One way, for example, is to enjoy an emotional "Larch bathing excursion" with Elfi, where you leave your shoes at home and experience the feel of nature right under your feet. Or why not try a relaxing yoga session in the larch meadows with Andreas? You can choose from various relaxation packages at any time, including a larch bathing ticket, picnic basket, blanket and hammock or yoga mat. If you like, you can even treat yourself to a bottle of wine to really celebrate the larch bathing experience.

Forest bathing in Mieming Landhotel Stern

Forest bathing in Mieming Landhotel Stern

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