When you think of Germany, thoughts of bratwurst and beer may come to mind. You might not think of it as a place for seeking health and wellness. But it most definitely is.
An interesting fact I didn’t know, is that places in Germany that start with the prefix ‘bad’ – which means ‘spa’ – officially designates it as a spa town. Take for example, the quaint town of Bad Homburg, just north of Frankfurt.
The first mineral spring was discovered here in 1809. Over the century to follow, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe – the town’s formal name – gained a reputation for its prestigious royal retreats. Playing a significant role in European high society as the summer residence for German emperors, international dignitaries, and wealthy celebrities.
Therapeutic springs in royal atmosphere
Today, guests travel there from all over the world to soak in its natural mineral waters, to take part in preventative and rehabilitation programs, for traditional treatments, and a wealth of wellness offerings.
They have 14 therapeutic springs including cold, carbonated, salt-water, and chalybeate (with iron). These natural springs have been used to treat rheumatism, digestive issues, and circulatory problems for nearly two centuries.
Kur Royal Day Spa is located inside the Kaiser Wilhelm Bad, and was once the spa of princes. This historical landmark is lush with magnificent architectural detail, and feels like royalty the moment you walk through its doors. With high-ceilinged rooms, mosaic décor, and the most soft and luxurious atmosphere.
Specialized treatments
The sprawling sanctuary is a popular place to restore harmony to the mind, body and soul. There are over a dozen treatments tucked away in secluded spaces, and half the fun is wandering from one room to the next to try another one.
My favourite was the hay steam bath. Stretched out in a tub of warm waters in a cozy dimly-lit space, the air fills with warm vapors of dried grasses, herbs and wild flowers. It smelled like fresh hay on a summer’s day after a rainfall.
Bad Wildungen is one of the most famous spa towns in Germany, and has specialized in treatments for bladder stones since the 1860s. In the years leading up to WWI, an estimated 15,000 visitors were coming each year within the three-month window, traveling an arduous journey by ship, then railway, then coach, to reach the renowned centre.
Medieval artwork and getting back to nature
In the middle of town is a gothic evangelical church from the 14th Century, presently called Church of the Three Kings. A winged altarpiece by Konrad von Soest – the most significant artist of his time – is housed inside.
The collage depicts various scenes from Jesus Christ’s life, including a man wearing eyeglasses in what is believed to be the oldest depiction of someone donning eyewear. It’s also the first medieval painting on which the artist left his own name.
A popular place to get back to nature is National Park Kellerwald-Edersee. Its crowning jewel is a 27-kilometer lake for watersports like paddling, sailing, and windsurfing. You’ll also find sandy beaches, meandering trails, flower-filled meadows, and idyllic valleys, bordered by hills of ancient red beech trees. This special and stunning region was designated a World Natural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2011.
At the edge of the national park is a bird’s eye view at TreeTopWalk der Baumkronenweg am Edersee. Start out on a quaint path, which gradually transforms into raised walkways. Gradually taking you higher, until you find yourself 30 meters above the forest floor. Interactive learning stations teach about the trees, birds, and critters, and help take your mind off the fact that the ground is a long way down.
Barefoot walking through the woods
One of the coolest experiences was something so simple. And I never would have guessed it to be so fun, invigorating, and beneficial. When I first heard we were going to Barfuss-Park Lüneburger Heide – meaning ‘barefoot park’ – I was skeptical. What did they mean barefoot? Were we expected to take our shoes and socks off and walk around barefoot?
Yes, that’s exactly what they meant. So I agreed to give it a go, and at first, was the only one in our group who seemed willing. But then Helen, the other Canadian, said she would do it, too. We willingly ditched our footwear and off we went, strolling barefoot through the forest. With six fully-shoed colleagues trailing behind.
Upon first escaping the confinement and protection of shoes, it’s important to note that the tootsies are pretty tender! Every movement becomes slow and intentional. Every step is recalculated as you weight shifts, and every single thing under each foot is felt.
But then you slowly begin to adapt, and somehow start getting used to it. The over-sensitivity of your soles subsides, and the sensation becomes more euphoric.
We walked the full 2.7 kilometer trail that meandered among all kinds of textures and sensations. Over top of sticks and leaves, across ‘ouchy’ things like gravel, rocks, and acorns. Through freezing cold water, sticky clay, and squishy mud.
There were 60 stations in all, and by the time we reached the end, our feet were so alive and free that I truly understood the term ‘happy feet’ for the first time! They were so happy that it was sad to have to hose them down, and stuff them back inside our socks and shoes.
Benefits of going shoeless
Walking barefoot is said to provide many benefits, including the stimulation of reflex points in your feet. It stretches and strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments, and increases ‘feel good’ endorphins. And it literally grounds you to the earth’s negative ionic charge. Which is believed to detoxify, reduce inflammation, instill calmness, and synchronize internal physiological rhythms. Just by taking our socks and shoes off and walking around.
The best lesson learned is that going barefoot is easy for anyone to do, and can be done anywhere – a local park, your backyard, inside your home. Every barefoot step taken adds up, and counts towards overall health and wellness for spirit, mind and body.
Your happy feet will thank you.
