Austria's first healing forest opens: nature heals body and soul!

Austria's first healing forest opens: nature heals body and soul!

Benediktinerstift Göttweig, 3500 Paudorf, Österreich - On June 18, 2025, the opening of the first Austrian healing forest took place in the Göttweig Benedictine Abbey. This extraordinary project is the result of a profound cooperation between the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems and the Benedictine Abbey Göttweig. The healing forest extends over around 53 hectares in the picturesque Eichberg in the market town of Paudorf and offers a wide range of opportunities for health promotion, prevention and therapy.

For the governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the healing forest has an important role in regional tourism and health. She emphasizes that this place is not only intended for relaxation, but also to promote inner calm and strength through nature experiences. The IMC Supervisory Board, Heinz Boyer, sees a starting signal for further progress in the health landscape of the state.

a place of nature and spirituality

The project manager, Susanne Bauer, describes the healing forest as a therapeutic area that strengthens the connection between man and nature. In close cooperation with the Benedictine Abbey Göttweig, the spiritual dimension in the design of the healing forest is also included. Abbot Patrick Schöder emphasizes the holistic meaning of the project that appeals to both body as well as the mind and soul.

The natural design of the healing forest promotes movement, mindfulness and relaxation. Visitors find numerous stations with movement, coordination and relaxation exercises that aim to use the health-promoting effects of the forest and prevent stress-related diseases.

a certified healing forest for everyone

With the certification to the first healing forest of Austria, the approval is still expected by the relevant places. On December 17, 2024, the project was selected by the project selection committee, which created the basics for the implementation of the innovative project. The Heilwald Göttweig is therefore a trend -setting example of regional development and interdisciplinary cooperation.

The project not only addresses the local population, but Również Guests and Tourist: Inside who want to experience the healing power of nature. The project management, equipment as well as construction costs for activity and relaxation stations and necessary infrastructure such as signs and eco-toilets for visitors include.

Guests of the opening ceremony included State Councilor Susanne Rosenkranz, district captain Günter Stöger, as well as numerous project partners and representatives from the fields of tourism, science and business. The Heilwald Göttweig is an important project that not only contributes to the health of people, but also raises awareness of the healing properties of nature.

For more information about forest therapy and healing forests, interested parties can visit the website of the International Institute for Wald Therapy and Healsholder: Isft.info .

Find out more about the opening of the first Austrian healing forest on nö.gv.at and the details of the project on Donau-noe-mitte.at .