(E-)Bike & Hike regeneration moments at Hochgründeck

Regeneration Spot 1: The Lackenkapelle

The Lackenkapelle stands at a regeneration spot in a clearing. Perfect for a break to soak up the sun and enjoy the freshness of the forest. The air quality here is extraordinary – evident from the numerous lichens on the spruces. Blackberries (blueberries) – rich in bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They can improve cognitive functions and promote cardiovascular health. 

Tip: Don’t eat more than 100 g per day! 

Exercise:  Take a few deep breaths here through your nose – and even deeper out through your open mouth. 

Regeneration Spot 2: Uphill Trail

Into the silence of the forest 

You hike through the spruce forest up a trail. Your heart beats faster, your lungs fill with fresh mountain air. After the first 30 minutes, you notice how everyday worries slowly fall away. As you continue climbing, the movement improves your sleep. Also, with every meter in altitude, pollen exposure decreases and you breathe in and out the pure mountain air. 

Regeneration Spot 3: St. Vincent Peace Church

Like many chapels and churches in the region, the St. Vincent Peace Church is located at a special regeneration spot. Its symbolic design and clear message of peace invite inner reflection. Studies show that experiences of transcendence and connection with something greater, facilitated by spiritual or sacred places, can reduce stress perception and increase subjective well-being. The wide 360° panorama also adds to the emotional effect of the place. Wondering at the landscape shifts attention outward, interrupts negative thought loops, and can strengthen positive emotions such as gratitude, awe, or inner calm. 

Regeneration Spot 4: Path to Hochgründeck

Feel the earth. Recharge your strength. 

When was the last time you walked barefoot over a meadow? The gentle path to Hochgründeck offers you the opportunity: The ground is soft and free of coarse gravel, so you can feel the soil directly. Walking barefoot stimulates numerous nerve endings on the soles of your feet, which can promote blood circulation. This tactile stimulation acts like a light acupressure and also improves balance and posture perception. In so-called “earthing” or “grounding,” direct skin contact with natural surfaces such as grass, sand, or forest soil is intentionally sought. Studies indicate possible links with positive effects on subjective well-being, stress perception, or sleep quality. Moreover, mindful walking without shoes trains body awareness and strengthens the feeling of connectedness with nature. This experience is simple, direct, and accessible everywhere.  

Exercise:  Take off your shoes and socks and walk along the path up to the summit cross.  

Regeneration Spot 5: The Summit

New perspectives 

Let your gaze wander and absorb the landscape. The 360° panorama brings you fully into the here and now. The expanse of the view can create a feeling of freedom and inner space. You take distance and can adopt new perspectives. This conscious sense of wonder can help interrupt swirling thoughts – referred to in psychology as rumination. Rumination describes repetitive, usually distressing pondering of negative or stressful life aspects. Studies show that positive impressions of nature can help break these thought patterns and promote emotional balance.  

Tip: In the Salzburg summit game, the mountain is called "The Healer." You’ll find the explanation in the summit guestbook at the cross. 

Regeneration Spot 6: The Heinrich-Kiener House

Time to strengthen yourself 

Here you can regain strength not only culinarily. A hearty meal at the Heinrich-Kiener House and a personal conversation with the alpine hosts help you to arrive in Wagrain-Kleinarl. Such encounters promote feelings of social connectedness, which are very important for regenerative recovery.  

Regeneration Spot 7: Downhill Trail

Before you hike to the last regeneration spot towards Ginau, give your knees eccentric training on the “music hiking trail.” Downhill walking is often avoided with knee pain – wrongly so. Eccentric training, where muscles are loaded while lengthening, specifically strengthens thigh muscles, improves joint stability, coordination, and neuromuscular control. Studies show it can effectively contribute to preventing knee problems with moderate energy expenditure.  

Regeneration Spot 8: The Bergkircherl Ginau

The power of silence 

Here you can simply be – feel free to invite yourself to a small meditation exercise: 

Listen to the silence:  

Find a quiet place and, if you like, set a 20-minute timer on your cell phone or watch.  Sit comfortably, straighten your spine, and slightly tuck your chin towards your chest.  Close your eyes and now breathe deeply through your nose once and exhale with a sigh through your mouth.  Repeat a few deep breaths – then settle into even breathing.  Let your thoughts pass like clouds. Simply accept and let go.  Enjoy the silence inside and around you.  Slowly come back when your timer rings. Treat yourself to a few deep breaths, stretch, and slowly stand up.