Photo: www.weinbergwandern.at
The Healing Forest Project at Göttweig Abbey is Austria's first certified healing forest, located on approximately 53 hectares of forest surrounding the striking 145-year-old sequoia trees in Paudorf. The sustainably managed forest, which has been part of the monastery grounds since 1083, has been a recreational forest since 2001.
The difference from the usual recreational forest lies in the medical-therapeutic concept: In cooperation with health and therapy experts, programs for strength and endurance training, coordination, balance, as well as relaxation and stress prevention are being developed.
With the Healing Forest, the abbey is creating a place that combines forest therapy, spirituality, and nature experiences – a "Forest Cathedral of God," as Abbot Patrick Schröder calls it. Embedded in centuries-old religious and forestry traditions, this forest offers spaces for regeneration and inner contemplation.
Stations with targeted movement and coordination exercises, as well as relaxation exercises, have been set up. The thoughtfully designed areas invite exercise and relaxation, combined with a beautiful hike to the giant sequoia trees.