The best health and wellness spots in Austria
Visiting Austria isn't just about strudel and schnitzels, many flock to Austria's capital of Vienna and beyond to experience the country's bountiful wellness offerings. From day spas to gyms to finding a nutritional spot for lunch, we have you covered so you can stay healthy, fit and glowing while visiting this beautiful country.
Gyms
Intelligent Strength
One reviewer on TripAdvisor declared this space in Vienna "the best gym in the world". If you want an amazing gym experience with every possible bit of equipment you can imagine then look no further than "Das Gym" Intelligent Strength. You can feast on the free weights, try calisthenics or even have a protein shake or healthy meal in the gym cafe after your training session. This is also perfect if you're a novice as users are encouraged to drop their ego at the door as the gym's motto is "No Bullsh*t".
Price: 19 euro ($22) for a day pass.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Handelskai 340 1020, Vienna, Austria.
Manhattan Fitness
Looking for something with a luxury feel? Manhattan Fitness is just that, with state-of-the-art equipment, fitness classes, a yoga studio and its highlight: an indoor pool with large glass windows that act as a glorious sunlight trap.
Price: Inquire directly with Manhattan Fitness for day passes.
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Heiligenstaedter Laende 17, Vienna 1190, Austria.
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Amazing Yoga Vienna
If throwing weights around is not your thing then slow down and stretch at Amazing Yoga. It offers a range of classes for the pace you enjoy. Pick Hatha for a more languid stretch or if you want more of a pump, then go for a Vinyasa class. Or if you want to really push yourself, some of the classes are in a 79 degree Fahrenheit room so you will really work up a sweat. It also offers classes for children and more mature guests so everyone can go and experience their "Om" in this ex-coachman's garage.
Price: Drop-in classes are 16 euro ($19).
Hours: Classes throughout the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Diefenbachgasse 54A, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
Spas
Aqua Dome
Based in Oetztal in the Tyrol region of Austria, this is one spa that's not to be missed. It houses 12 heated swimming pools and seven incredible saunas. There is even the option to lodge there and combine a ski and spa experience. You will feel like you're immersed in nature as the architecture of this hotel blends in perfectly with the wellness surroundings. Let the hot springs revitalize your body and the natural surroundings bring a sense of calm to your soul.
Price: A three-hour ticket to use the sauna is priced at 26 euro ($31) and 16 euro ($19) for children. Full details and packages can be found on Aqua Dome's website.
Hours: The thermal spa is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sauna hours are from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 140 Oberlängenfeld, Oberlängenfeld, Tirol, 6444, Austria.
Rodger Bad Blumau
Designed by the late architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this hotel is a celebration of therapeutic springs, saunas, a hotel and park to make staying here feel like being in another world. Relax in the thermal pool or take one of the many spa treatments available before clearing your lungs in the salt grotto.
Price: From 120 euro ($140) per night and the spa is available for non-hotel guests if you have a reservation. Spa prices are from 33 euro ($39) per adult and 24 euro ($28) per child depending on the time of day. Visit the spa website for full pricing and times.
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 100 Bad Blumau, Bad Blumau, 8283, Steiermark, Austria.
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ADLER Lodge Ritten, South Tyrol
Just under a two-hour drive from Innsbruck this magical lodge and spa is nestled into the hills and boasts an Instagram-heaven heated infinity pool, forest saunas and an icy plunge pool. The suites and cabins all have their own in-room bio saunas and the decor is cow-hide and glass chic. Classes like yoga and meditation, as well as treatments, are available throughout the day and guests stay on an inclusive basis, normally for a minimum of three nights. On the menu expect fine wines and dishes with "a Mediterranean lightness and an Alpine earthiness" -- and all food allergies and intolerances are of course catered for. Though technically in Italy, South Tyrol, located in the Dolomite mountain range, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918 so has a heavy Germanic influence -- the closest airport is in Austria, too.
Price: From 1,236 euro ($1,455) for three nights all-inclusive for a suite -- day passes are not available.
Hours: Open all year round.
Address: Lichtenstern 20, 39054 Oberbozen, Italy
Restaurants
Simply Raw
A lover of cake but cake doesn't love you? You don't need to worry at this vegan raw bakery as the goodies are free from industrial sugar and are organic, gluten and lactose-free. The food is never heated, cooked or baked above a temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that all vitamins, enzymes and trace elements are preserved. Try the avocado bread and the Simply Raw waffle -- a real fan favorite.
Price: A meal with a drink is approximately 16 euros ($19).
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Drahtgasse 2, In the court, 1010. Vienna, Austria.
Zum Wohl
Another wellness-orientated dining experience and the menu is also fully free of lactose and gluten. Plus some options can be made vegan on request. If you are watching your waistline then go for the courgette noodles with prawns but maybe also sample the “For Wellbeing" dish -- egg dumplings. And make sure you try the coconut tonka beans panna cotta for dessert.
Price: A main dish is approximately 12 euros ($14) and children can eat from 7 euro ($8).
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Stumpergasse 61, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
Fuehrich
This hot spot is known not only for wellness but also for its great service. Many following a gluten-free diet flock to this restaurant to not feel so isolated when it comes to menu items. It even offers a gluten-free schnitzel which is almost an impossible find in Austria. Wash it down with some organic wine which may lighten the hangover the next morning.
Price: Prices for a main course are approximately 21 euros ($25).
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Address: Führichgasse 6, 1010, Vienna, Austria.
Bottom line
You may fear going to Austria won't benefit your waist and also feel you won't find the healthy food you have at home -- but this isn't true. From gyms that have it all to finding food that suits your dietary needs, Austria has it all. Be mindful though that some of these places are well-reviewed hotspots so advisable to book ahead in advance to avoid disappointment.