Forests' Restorative Properties Unveiled - Six Health and Spa Forests in Massachusetts - Forest Therapy Hotspots in MV: Explore Six Restorative and Healing Forests
In the picturesque town of Bad Doberan, a new destination for health and wellness enthusiasts has emerged. The Healing Forest, a pioneering project that harnesses the power of nature for therapeutic benefits, has recently opened its doors to guests and residents.
The initiative, spearheaded by Environment and Forestry Minister Till Backhaus (SPD), is a testament to the healing power of the forest. Minister Backhaus has emphasized the project as a prime example of how natural resources can be intelligently and responsibly utilised, with the interest of people at its core.
The idea for the Healing Forest was first proposed by Bad Doberan back in 2016, and it has since undergone development. The project received funding from the EU, the state, and the spa association, leading to the construction of a bridge over a spring brook, a water treading facility, and a balance area.
Health Minister Stefanie Drese has also highlighted the potential of the natural environment, particularly the forest's significance for promoting mental health. During the Corona pandemic, many people became particularly aware of the importance of nature, with a growing appreciation for its therapeutic qualities.
The Healing Forest in Bad Doberan serves not only as a therapeutic space but also as a place of movement, encounter, and quiet reflection. It is designed to promote health and relaxation, and it complements the existing health offerings in the city, notably the moor bath clinic.
Bad Doberan's Healing Forest is the first spa and healing forest established nationwide, with eight more planned for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Six of these are already in existence, including Heringsdorf on Usedom, Wustrow on the Darß, Klink on the Müritz, Krakow am See, and Plau am See.
The designation as a state-recognised healing forest for Bad Doberan is expected by early 2026. Minister Backhaus marked the opening of the Healing Forest with a speech, expressing his confidence in the project's potential to contribute positively to the region's health and wellness landscape.
References:
[1] Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania tourism resources [2] Specialized spa and healing forest directories
- The Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement covering the Healing Forest in Bad Doberan to include additional areas such as science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, nutrition, and environmental-science.
- The Healing Forest, with its emphasis on promoting health, relaxation, and mental well-being, could potentially expand its focus to encompass scientific research in these areas, further strengthening its position as a pioneering destination for health and wellness enthusiasts.
- As more healing forests are planned for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, including those in Heringsdorf on Usedom, Wustrow on the Darß, Klink on the Müritz, Krakow am See, and Plau am See, scientific studies conducted at the Bad Doberan Healing Forest could provide valuable insights into the benefits of these natural spaces for various aspects of health and wellness.
