What is a curative forest?

Curative forests are wooded areas which, due to their various properties, are suitable for promoting health and well-being across a broad spectrum.
Time spent in curative forests is likely to prevent the progression, recurrence and chronicification of a disease (secondary prevention).

The minimum criteria are general structural requirements for curative forests:

Basic requirements

well managed, near-natural forest
location removed from road/rail traffic
development / use / landscaping concept

Environment

parking facilities with nearby sanitary facilities

Health-promoting aspect

emission-free forest air
relaxing

Signage

signposts with trail length information and information on special sights
graphic presentation of trail profile
info boards on plants and trees, special features in wood, exposure to allergens

Trail network

unpaved track surfaces
signposted exercise trails graduated according to strenuousness and difficulty
trails for moderate physical exertion

Infrastructure

seating
facilities for resting/picnicking etc.
relaxation area

Accessibility

some trails are accessible to persons with disabilities

Treatment options

climate
movement
relaxation

In addition to the minimum criteria, optimal criteria are also defined. For an optimum, for example, the proximity to a body of water (lake, pond, stream, sea) is necessary. But also the facilities are extensions, including: a restaurant at the edge of the forest, the health-oriented facility in the immediate vicinity, a source of drinking water, a fitness trail, a hydrotherapy facility (Kneipp facility) and disabled friendly, wheelchair accessible, pushchair-friendly paths.

The availability of specialist personnel with climate and forest therapists is also mentioned.