Insta feeds are full of people smiling out of the cool water wearing bonnets. Many well-known faces have also tried it out - and stuck with it. For some, cold bathing is the new yoga. For others, it's a little adventure that also strengthens the immune system and harmonises the body. But they all push their boundaries a little further in the direction of happiness!
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Hugh Jackman probably asked themselves the same question before trying it out. A very reliable method for these borderline runs has been developed by none other than 'Iceman' and cold weather guru Wim Hof. He has often proven that it is possible to achieve peak physical performance in extreme temperatures. His records have been advertised on numerous TV programmes. Millions follow him on social media.
The Wim Hof method he developed is based on three pillars: Breathing, cold and mental training. It is also the basis for the cold bathing weeks in the region. All trainers are certified Wim Hof instructors. They take their guests on a refreshing journey.
HOTEL HOCHSCHOBER****SUPERIOR
bookable from 08 - 13 September 2024
Included services:
SEEGLÜCK Hotel Forelle****
bookable from 25 - 31 October 2024
Included services:
Thermenwelt Hotel Pulverer*****
bookable from 06 - 13 October 2024
Included services:
Hotel Royal X***
bookable from 21 - 24 October 2024
Services included:
Seefischer - Finest Hideaway****s
bookable from 29.9. - 06.11.2024 & from 01.01. - 09.03.2025
Included services:
Romantik Seehotel Jägerwirt****s
bookable 28 - 30 September 2024
Included services:
Ortners Eschenhof - Alpine Slowness*****
bookable from 06 - 09 October 2024
Included services:
The cold bath workshops with Flo Mausser & Martina Sowinz, Bernhard Friedrich and Josephine Worseck & Douwe van den Berg can also be booked as a day experience in the experience shop!
When? 28.09., 08.10. & 28.10.2024
On the “Day of the Innocent Children” - one of the twelve special "Rough Nights" - up to 50 Kaltbad residents have the opportunity to get in the mood for the coming year in a “fresh and healthy” way. They will be accompanied by Wim Hof instructors Flo Mausser and Martina Sowinz. In addition, a particularly mystical program with traditional Carinthian incense awaits. In keeping with Carinthian custom, children from the surrounding area will provide all participants with “fresh and healthy” wishes.
When: 28.12.2024
Meeting point: Seevilla Cerny, 9873 Döbriach
Duration: 10:00 - 15:00
Cost: € 95.00
Info and registration: Döbriach tourist office
Dr Josephine Worseck is a microbiologist, yoga teacher and has been a certified Wim Hof Method Trainer (Level II) since 2017. In addition to her professional activities, she has contributed to several books and wrote the book "The Healing Power of Cold". Douwe van den Berg has been a certified Wim Hof Method Trainer (Level III) and Movement Expert since 2015. He was part of the Wim Hof Academy and now passes on his knowledge to the next generation of trainers in his own academy.
Bernhard Friedrich is one of around 1500 certified Wim Hof Method instructors worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in personal development and years of working in the field of bodywork, he sees cold training as a playground where everyone can learn about and practise their own way of dealing with challenges. He supports the cold bathing project in Carinthia.
Flo Mausser, former snowboard pro, forms a dynamic team together with Martina Sowinz. Both are certified Wim Hof Method instructors at Level I and II. Their mission is to bring people closer to the original power of their body and mind through the Wim Hof Method.
Wonderful lake-mountain panorama, good conversations, depending on the package further retreats for my health and of course a Wim Hof workshop.
The Wim Hof workshop lasts around five hours. There is an introduction to the Wim Hof method and a theoretical part on the Wim Hof breathing technique. The subsequent guided breathing session is followed by the theory part for the cold training. Then it's off into the water, although the rule here is - nothing has to be done!
For both cold bathing and ice bathing, you don't need much more than for bathing in summer. The packing list for cold bathing is correspondingly short:
At my pace: Even if you are fit, you should take it slowly. If you like, start at home with cold showers to acclimatise your body to the cool temperatures. On site: anything goes - nothing is a must. Together with the cold bath professionals, the correct breathing technique is learnt, and when the time comes, they make sure that the bathers choose the right pace. Important: Don't try it alone! It's best to be accompanied!
It takes a bit of courage and nerves of steel to go cold bathing. But everything is easier together. The "cold bath effect" already occurs at water temperatures below 15 °C. The colder the water, the more important mental support becomes. A nice side effect: people like to socialise during such a "cold bathing week". Sometimes valuable friendships have already been formed.
Even after the workshop, when cold bathing has perhaps become part of everyday life, the following applies: always together, because if the worst comes to the worst, help will be close at hand.
Click here for the cold bathing centres in the region.
The Wim Hof Method is a practice developed by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof. It combines three main pillars: Breathing exercises, cold therapy and mental training. The aim of this method is to improve physical and mental health, strengthen the immune system and optimise the body's ability to cope with extreme conditions.
Specific breathing exercises increase oxygen uptake, which leads to improved energy supply and increased performance. Cold therapy, such as ice baths and cold showers, activates the metabolism, promotes blood circulation and helps to regenerate the body. Finally, mental training strengthens willpower and concentration, making it easier to deal with stress in everyday life.
A healthy circulation is important! People with pre-existing medical conditions need to be careful. Cold baths and ice baths are taboo for anyone suffering from heart or vascular problems. The cold causes the blood vessels to constrict. If there are circulatory problems in the heart, it can cause life-threatening vasoconstriction. Cold baths should also be avoided if you have high blood pressure (high blood pressure >160 mmHg), kidney disease, asthma, epilepsy, cold urticaria or Raynaud's syndrome type 2.
If you suffer from migraines, it is best to start slowly with prepared alternating showers to familiarise yourself with the cold.
If you are pregnant, the Wim Hof method is not recommended.
Who doesn't want to be healthier and happier! Cold bathing also gives you inner freedom, nature and unexpected powers that help you overcome your limits.
