An oasis of relaxation in Klösterle

When you enter the "Kneipp und Relax Garten Alfenz" in Klösterle on a beautiful summer morning, you are immediately surrounded by the sounds of nature: the polyphonic chirping of crickets and the steady murmur of the nearby Alfenz torrent merge into an almost meditative symphony. Cornelia Wascher, the chairwoman of the Klösterle Kneipp Active Club, is already waiting by the Kneipp pool. Every Tuesday in summer, she introduces those interested to the world of Kneipp by appointment. She quickly steps out of her slippers and into the pool with her right foot first, then wades through it at a stork's pace. "Kneipp water therapy activates the metabolism, stabilizes the circulation and stimulates the immune system," explains Cornelia. At first, the cold has an electrifying effect; it is a stark contrast to the summery warmth of the day. But that's exactly how it should be. "This is the stimulus the body needs to get active," says the chairwoman of the Kneipp Active Club. However, you shouldn't spend too long in the cold water: 30 seconds to one minute per session is enough. After that, the body is busy processing the stimuli for around one and a half hours.

After leaving the pool, it's time to warm up. But leave your shoes at the edge of the pool as you continue on the barefoot path, which is lined with round stones and wood shavings. A small sensory experience. The soles of your feet tingle pleasantly. You already have the feeling of being more alert and full of energy. Back at the large water basin, there is a "Kneipp espresso" at the fountain trough. "A quick treatment that you can also do at home," says Cornelia. First the right forearm and then the left are immersed in the cold water. Gentle twisting movements are then performed for around fifteen seconds. Then take your arms out of the water and wipe them well. This quickly perks you up, just like a strong espresso. Now we can start the day! 

But this is also a great way to reactivate tired muscles after a long hike in the Klostertal. The Kneipp and Relax Garden Alfenz in Klösterle is an oasis of relaxation and recreation surrounded by a variety of blooming herbs, bushes and flowers - over 2000 plants in total. "We have made a point of providing insects with food and a habitat and designing the garden to be as close to nature as possible," reports Cornelia. And so a multitude of butterflies, bees and bumblebees swing and buzz from flower to flower. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere a little longer, you can retreat to one of the loungers. Perhaps you would like to browse through a book, or you would simply like to enjoy the unique view of the Klostertal mountains and let your mind wander. If you want to dive even deeper into the element of water, all you have to do is walk through the garden and cross the road. There you will find the AlmWasserPark, a small swimming paradise with a natural lake, children's pool and beach volleyball court.