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.
