Beads of sweat in sub-zero temperatures

Why taking a sauna in winter is good for your health

Healthy sweating

The cold season is always a test for the immune system. You can help ward off colds and illnesses with regular exercise in the fresh air and a balanced diet, but is that enough? Taking a sauna is said to be very effective in preventing colds. But what makes a sauna so effective? The simple answer is: sweating! Through sweating, the body expels not only fluid but also toxins. Nor should one underestimate the effect on the mind when taking a sauna, as a visit to the sauna clears the mind and warms the soul. Please note: anyone who is not in the best of health should avoid taking a sauna.

How does an infusion work?

A few minutes before it starts, find yourself a spot in the sauna. Beginners and those sensitive to heat should initially sit towards the lower part of the sauna, as it can very quickly become uncomfortably hot further up during the infusion. The infusion is the highlight of a sauna session. During this, water is poured over hot stones. Essential oils such as spruce, eucalyptus, mountain pine, citrus fruits, menthol or mint, which are added to the water, are also popular. Once the water has evaporated, it quickly becomes hot and droplets of water form on the skin. You start sweating immediately and someone uses a towel to help distribute the heat. After three rounds, it’s over and you head for the shower. The brave even jump into a lake or the snow in winter. Ice or snow can also be used in the sauna. They melt evenly and evaporate completely, intensifying the infusion. After cooling down, you relax on a lounger and enjoy the soothing sensation.

A heavenly sauna experience

The Hotel Winzer in the Salzkammergut on Lake Attersee is surely a place like heaven for sauna enthusiasts and those in need of wellness. For here you will find everything you could wish for in terms of warming relaxation – and even more. It all begins in the Gemstone Spa, where amethyst, rose quartz and rock crystal radiate energy, tranquillity and clarity. The cleansing power of the stones is spread across the gemstone steam grotto, fire sauna, brine sauna, stone sauna, herb temple and Swiss stone pine infrared lounge.

The Emotion Spa is the area where couples can feel as though they’re in heaven. Here you’ll find plenty of space for cuddling, as well as aquabikes, massage beds, an indoor pool with a whirlpool and the luxurious waterbed cocoons, where you can feel truly snug together.

In the Brine Spa, you can feel the power of salt. Energy and tranquillity relax and purify body and mind. Spread across four levels, you can discover not only the brine steam bath with lemongrass scent, the herbal sauna and the waterwheel sauna, but also the brine floating pool with underwater music, the salt lounge with brine floating loungers and the outdoor lounge. This spa area was expanded in September 2018 and now accommodates more than 50 guests, featuring an event sauna with spectacular guided infusions. Furthermore, an Ice Cube plunge pool and an ice mist walkway await you to cool down. The relaxation area offers a breathtaking panorama of the village of St. Georgen and the Höllengebirge.

Would you like to spend a day in wellness heaven?

No problem – the Wellness & Relaxation Day package offers free access to the Emotions Spa and Edelstein Spa wellness areas, including an afternoon buffet and a massage. A wellness day with us at Hotel Winzer runs from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, without an overnight stay.

We wish you a healthy and relaxing winter!

Written by Christian Messmer