Back to nature by a very special bath: the tradition of hay baths has its origins in Fiè allo Sciliar
As far as hay baths are concerned, Fiè allo Sciliar has got much to offer - the tradition of hay baths in the village and surroundings goes back 110 years. Already in 2003 Fiè allo Sciliar was appointed to be a health resort, several initiatives in the village focus on wellbeing and healthy nutrition. The grass for a hay bath is only cut on non-fertilised meadows in the morning or in the evening, as this is the time when the aroma and the essential oils can be preserved best in the green stalks. The period of drying the grass in order to transform it into hay proceeds in fact very fast. The hay also contains alpine herbs such as the mountain arnica, lady's mantle, thyme, gentian or cinquefoil, unfolding their beneficial effect in a hay bath.
By fermentation, caused by bacteria, the hay is heated. This process makes the hay reach peak temperatures of 40 to 60 degrees C. Today hay bathing is possible the whole year round. Some hours before the treatment, the hay is moistened in order to cause the process of fermentation.
The person taking the bath then lies down in a special tub, is wrapped in hay and clear film, and lowered into a warm water cushion. Temperature: 42°C. The bath lasts for 20 minutes. Afterwards, wrapped in warm blankets, guests can relax in a private relaxation room. Hay baths are now offered by a wide range of accommodation providers – not just for in-house guests – as well as by wellness and beauty salons.
