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Take a deep breath at Baden-Württemberg’s spas and health resorts
Der Frühling ist die Zeit des Durchatmens. Die Tage werden länger, die Luft milder – und wir sehnen uns danach, durchzuatmen. Durchatmen im ganz wörtlichen Sinn, aber auch im übertragenen: loslassen, entspannen, sich wieder freier fühlen. In Baden-Württemberg gibt es Orte, an denen genau das möglich ist. Orte, an denen die Kraft der Natur spürbar wird. Unter Tage, in Natur und mitten in der Stadt.
We visited these places. There, we met Anja, a breathing therapist who teaches classes at the Neubulach Healing Tunnel, and Maike, an occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and relaxation instructor from Bad Wildbad. What they both know sounds simple at first: Breathing happens automatically. But once you breathe consciously—deeply, slowly, and fully—you’ll understand why it’s the most direct path to relaxation and well-being.
The film showcases three locations in Bden-Württemberg that offer this experience in completely different ways: the Neubulach healing tunnel deep underground, the Sommerberg in Bad Wildbad, and the Bad Cannstatt spa park in downtown Stuttgart. Three places. One insight: When you truly take a deep breath, you come back a changed person.
Take a deep breath in the healing tunnel – Neubulach, Black Forest
Sometimes you find the best air where you least expect it—deep underground. In the Neubulach Healing Tunnel, there’s a microclimate unlike anything found above ground. The air is free of pollen, allergens, and fine particulate matter.
Anja is a breathing therapist; she teaches classes in the healing tunnel and invites guests on a dreamlike journey that combines mindful breathing exercises with peaceful relaxation periods and musical accompaniment. She explains what happens physically: The tunnel has nearly 100% humidity. Due to the natural temperature difference between the interior (6–8 °C) and the outside world, fresh air flows in, mixes with fine water droplets—and in the process traps dust particles, germs, and irritants.
The healing tunnel is suitable for people with asthma, bronchial asthma, COPD, burnout, and recurring respiratory infections—but also for anyone who simply needs a break. A visit usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. You lie on a lounger, wrapped in your own sleeping bag (or one borrowed from the tunnel), wearing wool socks—and breathe. That’s the only real task. Some fall asleep. Some listen to an audiobook. Some read. And many keep coming back afterward.
Anja experienced the effect firsthand: After a severe case of COVID-19 with weeks of agonizing coughing, she returned to the tunnel—and felt something happening the moment she stepped inside. Her deep breathing returned. The cough subsided. “Just as I walked in, I thought: ‘Something’s really happening here,’” she says. Shortly afterward, one of her colleagues remarked, “You look much healthier already.”
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“That immediately brings a specific image to mind.”
Anja: breathing therapist, Neubulach healing tunnel
frequently asked questions
What you should know about healing tunnels, forest climate, and respiratory therapy
What is a healing tunnel, and how does it affect your health?
A healing tunnel is a former mine or natural cave in which geological and physical conditions create a therapeutically effective microclimate. In the Neubulach Healing Tunnel, the humidity is nearly 100%, the temperature remains constant at 6–8 °C, and the air is completely and naturally renewed every 15 minutes. The moist air traps pollen, fine dust, and irritants, which settle on the walls. What guests breathe in is what is known as a “pure climate”—measurably purer than outdoor air and free of allergens. This effect has been particularly demonstrated for respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis, as well as for burnout and stress-related disorders.
When is the Neubulach healing tunnel open—and why is it open only seasonally?
The Neubulach Healing Tunnel is open from April through October. The reason: The natural air exchange that creates the therapeutic climate inside the tunnel only works when the outside temperature is significantly warmer than the temperature inside the tunnel (6–8 °C). In winter, when it’s just as cold outside as it is in the tunnel, this temperature difference disappears—and air circulation comes to a standstill. A visit typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. You can show up on the spot or book in advance; it’s recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag and wool socks.
What are phytoncides—and why are they particularly effective in the Black Forest?
Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds (primarily terpenes) that trees release into the air as part of their natural communication and defense mechanisms. Humans absorb them passively through their lungs and skin. Studies show that these substances can reduce the release of stress hormones, increase the activity of the immune system’s so-called natural killer cells, and measurably contribute to relaxation. The Black Forest is considered one of the regions in Germany with the highest concentrations of phytoncides because large areas here are covered with old coniferous trees—primarily pines and spruces—that produce particularly high concentrations of these substances.
How does three-part breathing work—and what are its benefits?
Three-Part Breathing is a guided breathing exercise that activates all three of the body’s natural breathing spaces in succession: first the abdomen (diaphragmatic breathing), then the rib cage (middle breathing), and finally the tips of the lungs (key breathing). You place your hands on these three areas one after the other to consciously feel the movement. The result is a full, deep breath that utilizes the entire lung capacity. When practiced regularly, it improves body awareness, lowers the respiratory rate, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation system), and can counteract chronic breathing habits such as chest breathing under stress.
What does the Bad Cannstatt spa park have to do with breathing?
Bad Cannstatt was already known as a spa town over 100 years ago. The historic spa park, with its Art Nouveau spa house, the Wilhelms Fountain, and the Lautenschläger Fountain, was a gathering place for the high society of the time—a place people sought out specifically for relaxation, fresh air, and rejuvenation. In the garden house on the edge of the park, Gottlieb Daimler, together with Wilhelm Maybach, developed the first high-speed engine—a sign that relaxation and progress have always gone hand in hand.
Who is a visit to the Heilstollen suitable for?
According to respiratory therapist Anja, the Neubulach Healing Tunnel is particularly suitable for people with asthma, bronchial asthma, COPD, burnout, recurrent respiratory infections, as well as for anyone simply looking for a deep break. There is no age restriction. Anyone unsure whether a visit is appropriate for their health situation should seek medical advice beforehand. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended.
Three breathing exercises—try them yourself!
You can experience mindful breathing in an even more focused way—with simple techniques you can use anywhere. Maike is an occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and relaxation instructor. In the woods near Bad Wildbad, she demonstrates three exercises that have an immediate, noticeable effect. No equipment. No prior knowledge. No prior knowledge. Just a few minutes of your time.
Breathing Observation
Close your eyes, settle in. Notice how your breath comes and goes—without changing it. Where do I feel it? In my belly? In my chest? It sounds easier than it is: Thoughts arise, distracting you—and you keep coming back to observing your breath. This exercise trains your awareness and brings you directly into the present moment. Clarity and presence instead of a whirlwind of thoughts.
Three-part breathing
Place your hands on your abdomen and breathe in there—feel your abdomen rise. Then place your hands on your ribcage: the second breathing space, which expands sideways. Finally, place your hands under your collarbones: the tips of your lungs fill with air. All three spaces combine to form a deep, complete breath. This exercise creates balance between inhalation and exhalation, measurably deepens your breathing, and strengthens body awareness. It’s especially effective after long periods of sitting or when you’re feeling tense.
Breath counting
Breathe in: 1. Breathe out: 2. Breathe in: 3—up to 10. Then start over. It sounds almost trivial—but it’s one of the most effective calming exercises there is. Counting gives your mind something to do and keeps it from wandering. It automatically slows your breathing rate. After two or three rounds, your heart rate drops noticeably. This exercise is just as suitable for your lunch break as it is for helping you fall asleep.
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What happens in the healing tunnel—and why the air there is so special
In this clip, Anja explains the natural processes in the Neubulach Healing Tunnel. The nearly 100 percent humidity doesn’t feel heavy or oppressive; rather, it’s part of the purifying climate. Fine water droplets bind dust, pollen, and other irritants, which settle on the tunnel walls.
Natural air exchange occurs due to the temperature difference between the cool interior of the mountain and the warmer outside air. That’s why the system works best from April through October. The clip serves as a gentle introduction for anyone who wants to learn about the Neubulach Healing Tunnel—and as preparation for a first visit.
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Drei Atemübungen im Wald – mit Meike
Meike führt uns im Wald durch alle drei Atemübungen in Echtzeit: Atembeobachtung, dreiteilige Atmung und Atemzählen. Das Format ist bewusst als Mitmach-Übung gedacht – Meike spricht direkt in die Kamera, langsam, klar, mit genüg Pausen, um die Übungen nachzumachen. Kein Equipment, keine Vorkenntnisse, keine Vorbereitung nötig.
Besonders wirksam natürlich im Wald, aber auch auf dem Balkon oder einfach als kurze Pause im Alltag.
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