Anyone who has driven through the odd valley in South Tyrol is sure to have noticed the description 'Bad' or 'Badl' written in front of or after the name of guesthouses, inns or restaurants in some places. This indicates an old health spa, and in some places you can still take the waters.
'Badlkultur', or 'bathing culture', enjoys a long tradition in South Tyrol. A large number of farm and health spas at the turn of the century attracted lots of upmarket guests from home and abroad. The wealth of natural water sources in South Tyrol provided water rich in minerals and these spas can boast relaxing, skin-soothing or pain-soothing effects according to the mineral composition of the water. There were around eighty spas operating at the start of the 20th century, the heyday of bathing culture!
All sulphurous waffle?
Absolutely not! There are still several health spas in South Tyrol today which feature water high in sulphur or radon. Sulphur baths were taken in cases of diseases of the muscularskeletal system, such as rheumatism, and dermatological conditions, like psoriasis, acne, neurodermatitis and eczema. Balneologists claim that low doses of the noble gas radon can have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
The alternative to huge wellness temples!
Those who care less about the size and number of saunas and more about a completely natural and original way of looking after their health can still enjoy the bathing culture here in South Tyrol like in the olden days. Welcomingly warm water in old wooden vats, wooden floors and a cosy room to rest afterwards. Strength, energy and good health by immersing yourself in this centuries-old bathing culture, accompanied by beauty products made from herbs and mountain trees – this is Alpine wellness in its truest form.
'Bathing' without water?
Yes, a precursor to today's idea of a wellness holiday was the hay bath. Sources tell of how, 140 years ago, farmers would lie down in hay to recover from the day's hard physical work.
Hay baths have a regenerating effect and are particularly soothing for joint pains The hay that is used for the baths contains an especially wide range of herbs and meadows flowers. Warm hay baths in particular emit an intensive fragrance thanks to their mountain herbs.
Ready for farm wellness?
If you fancy going to a 'Badl' to experience Alpine wellness in its authentic form, then staying in accommodation that is welcoming, genuine and typical is recommended. You can find private accommodation in South Tyrol with hosts that can show you even more aspects of rural wellbeing near many a 'Badl'...