Forest Bathing in Leogang (Step By Step)
Leogang is filled with adventures for every season, but let me tell you why this region should be the centre of forest bathing in Austria. During my visit in September 2024, I experienced the uniqueness of forest bathing there firsthand, and I’d love to show you why this region is special.
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of ‘shinrin-yoku,’ involves immersing yourself in the tranquility of any forest. It is about slowing down, noticing the small details, and being fully present. It is about taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment.
Forest bathing trail on Asitz Mountain
In spring 2024, Leogang opened a new 5-mile-long forest bathing trail, beginning at the mid-station of the nearby Steinbergbahn ski lift. The Asitzbahn and Steinbergbahn are connected by a 5-minute shuttle service, which is free with the Saalfelden-Leogang Card. The trail has 14 stations including wooden bridge, yoga platform, treetop bed, nature swing, and more.
Guided forest bathing in Leogang
While you can do forest bathing on your own, it is not always easy to calm your mind. But wandering through the forest with a knowledgeable guide at your side, someone who knows every tree, every plant, and every sound of the woods, being present and focusing on the now becomes easy. And that is exactly what happened when we went forest bathing with Theresa Sommerbichler, a certified mountain guide and herbal educator, who is also a trained practitioner of plant medicine and a forest and health trainer.
She shared her deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, bringing the forest to life in ways we might miss on our own. She helped us notice the subtleties, like the delicate scent of a hidden herb. Who knew I could find thyme in the middle of the forest?
To help us truly settle into the moment and being in the forest we did a breathing exercise right at the beginning to slow down and to open our senses. From the moment we opened our eyes, each step became purposeful and explorative. Every small discovery felt magical—whether it was used as medicine or food, had a surprisingly sweet smell, or had an unusual texture.
Do you remember when you were a little kid and were asked to draw a mushroom? I bet you drew a red one with white spots. It is actually called Amanita muscaria. The kids were ecstatic when we found one during forest bathing until our guide told them it is poisonous. Isn’t it interesting that while most of the edible mushrooms are brown, the kid-favorite is a poisonous one?
The highlight of forest bathing was a little art project we did together as a group. We each had to explore the surroundings on our own to find five things we wanted to add to the artwork. We also had to think of five things we were thankful for in our lives and pair them with our findings.
Forest bathing is often seen as an activity for adults, and families rarely consider it. But it is such a missed opportunity, as it turned out to be a beautiful way for us to connect—not only with nature but also with each other. I learned a lot about myself and my family during this art project.
We may not have covered many miles, but we spent over two hours diving into every nook and cranny of the forest along our path.
Each one of us discovered a small natural treasure: wild thyme for me, hawkweed (‘Habichtskraut’) for my husband, bird’s foot trefoil (‘Hornklee’) for my older daughter and lady’s mantle (‘Frauenmantel’) for my younger. We carried these with us, both physically and in our minds, to hold onto this experience. When we think back on this time, we can remember not just what we saw, but how it felt to truly be part of the forest.
We closed our forest bathing experience by sipping a cup of pine tea. We found a sunny spot with a fantastic view of the mountain opposite us (see on the below photo).
Even though I saw trees with leaves of red, yellow, and brown, the Alpine forest will always mean pine trees to me. The tea smelled and tasted just like the essence of the forest around us. Theresa was kind enough to share with us the recipe how to make tea from spruce needles.
You’ll need a handful of small twigs from a spruce tree (be sure to use the side branches of the main twig). Cut the twigs into smaller pieces and boil them in 1/4 gallon of water for about 30 seconds. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes with the pot covered. Afterward, remove the twigs and stir in 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink this tea when you’re experiencing a restless mind, you’re coming down with an illness, or have a fever.
During a hike, you often focus on the sights, the views, the destination, or how many miles you’ve managed to cover, and in doing so, you might overlook the forest itself. Forest bathing offers a unique way to truly experience and connect with the forest and to discover its magic.
Asitz Mountain aka Mountain of Senses
While you can do forest bathing in any forest, exploring one in the Alps offers a completely different experience compared to a bamboo forest in Japan or a rainforest in Costa Rica. Each setting has its own magic. However, there is a lot more you can do in Leogang that connects you with nature.
Standing at an elevation of 5,780 feet, Asitz Mountain is one of the highlights of the Saalfelden-Leogang region. In winter, it is a popular ski destination, while in the warmer months, it becomes the paradise for hikers and a home to Europe’s largest bike park, offering thrilling downhill biking trails and diverse hiking trails.
However, the people of Leogang went even further and created experiences in multiple locations designed to awaken every one of your senses and to connect you with the environment in the most pure way. No wonder they named Asitz as the ‘Mountain of Senses.’
Senses Park
Let’s start at the ‘Senses Park’. Taking off the ski lift named Asitzbahn at mid-station, you will arrive at the park. It is an interactive experience with 30 installations that encourages visitors to connect deeply with their senses of sight, smell, sound, and touch.
You can test your nose at the ‘Fragrance Tree,’ which holds samples of nearly 30 different fragrances from fruits, spices, and herbs. They provide the answers on a sheet, but the real fun is in wandering around and trying to identify them one by one.
Next, you can challenge yourself to identify hidden objects using only your sense of touch. Closing your eyes and relying solely on your other senses is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding each time you succeed.
Then, there are visual challenges designed to test your ability to identify unusual shapes, uncover hidden surprises, and realize that not everything is as it seems.
Leo’s Water World
Leo’s Water World is a delightful water-themed area located on Asitz Mountain right next to the Senses Park. It is designed to bring visitors both kids and adults closer to the element of water through interactive features.
This water playground includes shallow streams, small waterfalls, and ponds. Kids can build dams, change the water’s flow, and explore how a Pelton turbine, hydraulic water pump, or a water gun is working. These stations let them playfully engage with water through direct connection. It is more educational then immersive, but it is a unique way to get kids learn more about this life-sustaining element.
Peaceful Water
Above the Senses Park lies a tranquil reservoir known as ‘Peaceful Water.’ Though it serves as a source for snowmaking in the winter, during the warmer months it transforms into a place of relaxation.
Standing by the still lake, surrounded by majestic snowcapped peaks, you can’t help but slow down. Take a deep breath and simply observe. The stillness is profound, inviting you to pick up a small stone and watch as the ripples spread, gently disrupting the calm surface before settling back to tranquility. Focusing solely on the ripples is incredibly soothing to both mind and soul.
Then, dip your toes in the Kneipp area or sit on the wooden bench at the end of the pier, letting your legs dangle into the cool, refreshing water. Connecting with nature through your eyes, nose, and ears is powerful, but going barefoot adds another layer of perception, deepening your experience.
TONspuren Islands
TONspuren Islands is a unique experience at the top of Asitz Mountain, designed to help you relax in nature through music.
Spread along the trail to Großer Asitz, there are five pavilions, each a wooden A-frame hut with large windows and a wooden lounge chair that can accommodate multiple people. Inside each pavilion, you will find two speakers positioned near the lounge chairs, allowing you to listen to recordings of concerts that took place during the summer while appreciating the view in front of your eyes.
Where To Stay in Leogang
Leogang is a picturesque village located in the state of Salzburg, Austria, with a population of around 3,600 people and at an elevation of 2,580 feet. It lies in the heart of the Pinzgau region surrounded by the majestic Leoganger Steinberge mountain range with the highest peak called Birnhorn (8,640 ft) from the North and Asitz Mountain (5,780 ft) from the South.
Where else could you stay in a place like this, other than an eco-hotel or eco-B&B focused on sustainability? When we went forest bathing in Leogang, we stayed at Naturhotel Forsthofgut. It is located at the foot of Asitz Mountain, approx. 5 minutes walking distance from Asitzbahn ski lift. It offers everything you may need and more. Read more about our autumn getaway in Naturhotel Forsthofgut capturing everything we experienced there.
READ ON – The Best 11 Nature Hotels in Austria
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.