Biohack Your Health Span With Austrian Wellness

Bio-hacking as an idea first emerged in 1988, the earliest mention seems to be in a Washington Post article from 1988 titled “Playing God In Your Basement”. Much of this was based in garage-biology, which started to take off around the mid 2000s as it popped up across San Francisco. In 2005 Rob Carlson wrote in an article in Wired: "The era of garage biology is upon us. Want to participate? Take a moment to buy yourself a lab on eBay."

Since then bio-hacking has come on leaps and bounds, attempting everything from DIY gene editing to meditation based super-humanism that has allowed one man to traverse Everest in a pair of shorts (see Wim Hoff AKA The Ice Man).

All of this is in pursuit of longevity and increasingly the biological capacity of humans. Longevity, in simple terms, is the art of living a longer and healthier life. It’s about optimizing your years, not just extending them. But rather than encourage you to inject CRISPR directly into your veins, there are a number of ways you can bio-hack your body using natural therapies to heighten your quality of life, repair your cells, and rejuvenate your mind.

Here are some of the ways that a holiday in Austria can help you bio-hack your health span.

Austria is known for its stunning alpine scenery and hiking in the mountains can provide a number of cardiovascular and mental health. For year, athletes around the world have been using low-oxygen, AKA as hypoxic training, to improve their fitness and health to best the competition. Mo Farah famously trained at altitude in Ethiopia before his London 2012 Olympic Gold.

Hypoxic training can enhance cardiovascular health and reduce teh risk of heart related issues by boosting the production of red blood cells and increasing capillarisation - the flow of blood around your body and to the muscles. So any form of exercise at altitude can be far more beneficial than that conducted at sea level - luckily Austria is 60% mountains.

It has also been shown to improve your metabolism, reduce stress, and greatly improve your fitness and endurance regardless of age.

Most importantly, hypoxic training has been linked to the activation of genes associated with longevity and cellular repair!

So where can you get the best hikes in Austria?

The Grossglockner, Austria's tallest peak at 3,798 meters, is a classic Alpine ascent known for its beauty and excitement. The most popular route, the “Normal Route”, is accessible for most mountaineers with a climbing grade of Class II. If you are going to do altitude training, why not go to the highest point in Austria!

Schladming-Dachstein in Styria, Austria, offers pristine countryside, green Alpine valleys, and the glaciated Dachstein limestone walls. Schladming, located in the Steirisches Ennstal Valley, is ideal for both families and serious hikers, featuring mountain lakes, peaks, waterfalls, and alpine pastures. The region is known for its Almhütten (alpine huts), Styrian food, and numerous lakes. Summer hiking buses provide easy access to trailheads, so you won’t need a car.

The Adlerweg is a 326km long-distance path in the Austrian Tyrol, consisting of 24 stages with a total height gain of over 23,000m. Suitable for experienced mountain walkers, it also offers easier variant stages for all types of hikers. The route, well-maintained and waymarked, follows established tracks and can be completed in about three weeks or split into two 2-week walks. Public transport connections make shorter trips feasible.

Whether it is summer or winter, using a sauna is a very typically Austrian wellness tradition. The high temperature and humidity of saunas cause the body to produce heat shock proteins (HSPs) that help repair and protect cells from damage. Regular sauna use has been associated with several health benefits that could potentially lead to a longer lifespan.

Sweating in a sauna has been shown to help the body excrete heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, as well as other toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Saunas also promote cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and improving blood flow. This can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Sauna use can also help reduce inflammation, which is a major contributor to chronic disease like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, boost the immune system by increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies.

A 20 year study of men in Finland for found that those who used saunas 2-3 times per week had a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who used saunas only once per week. Those who used saunas 4-7 times per week saw a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality. Another similar study also found using the sauna 2-3 times per week had a 27% lower risk of CVD and a 22% lower risk of stroke compared to those who used saunas only once per week. Jump in the snow or a cold-plunge after for even more added benefit!

Aqua Dome, opened in 2004 in Austria, is a modern spa surrounded by mountains, featuring a variety of spa offers, saunas, a wellness oasis, an exclusive hotel guest spa area, and a fitness center. The 50,000 square meter spa includes 'Thermendom Ursprung,' with two large basins of sulphur-containing thermal water tapped from deep underground.

The Felsentherme Bad Gastein, Austria's first public thermal bath opened in 1968, is uniquely built into natural mountain rocks at an altitude of 1,100m in the Gasteiner valley. It offers high-level relaxation with pure thermal water and an impressive view of the Hohe Tauern mountains, requiring minimal chemical supplements due to its abundant fresh water supply.

The TAUERN SPA in Zell am See - Kaprun is a sprawling complex that caters to every wellness need, extending over 20,000m² with 12 active and relaxation pools, 10 saunas and steam baths as well as spacious indoor and outdoor relaxation zones.

One of the characteristics identified in “Blue Zones” around the world - where people live much longer than average - is the diet! It won’t be surprising to learn that there is little to no processed food consumed in these regions, instead they focus on fresh, local, nutrient rich foods.

This is exactly the type of food that Austrians love to eat! Fresh food retains more nutrients, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help prevent chronic diseases.

Local farms also tend to use fewer pesticides and chemicals, reducing your exposure to harmful substances. Locally sourced foods are less likely to be contaminated during transportation, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Aligning with natural rhythms by eating seasonal foods harmonises with your body’s biological processes, further promoting health. Moreover, consuming local foods can connect you with your community and traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being, which are crucial for mental health and longevity.

Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine with a focus on local, organic produce. Incorporate foods rich in nutrients such as fresh vegetables, dairy, and lean meats.

Graz is a great place to visit for food because it offers a diverse culinary scene that includes traditional Austrian dishes as well as international cuisine. The city is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and many restaurants emphasize sustainable and organic produce. Graz also has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its food, with numerous markets, food festivals, and culinary events that showcase the best of Styrian cuisine. Additionally, the city's vibrant café culture and historic ambiance make it a delightful place to enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences.

Vienna is renowned for its multicultural atmosphere and exceptional desserts, particularly the Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake. Notable dessert shops include Demel, established in 1786, and Café Central, opened in 1876, both of which have historic significance and have hosted famous patrons like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky.

It may sound cliche, but one of the healthiest things you can do for your mind, body, and soul, is to spend time outside in nature. That doesn’t have to mean sports, it can simply mean sitting or strolling through a park, soaking up some much needed vitamin, and reconnecting with the natural world, even briefly.

This is not simply an old wives tales, there is an ever growing body of scientific evidence that how important experiences of nature are for our mental and physiological health. For example, one large meta-analysis containing 100 million people found that greater exposure to green spaces significantly decreases the risk of death by heart disease and stroke. Spending at least two hours a week out in nature is associated with significantly improved health and general well-being.

Spending time in nature has also been show to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and can help prevent hypertension (damagingly high blood pressure). Walking in nature can severely reduce brain activity linked to stress, depression, rumination, and other negative mental traits, and can improve working memory.

People who visit green spaces within cities are less likely to be taking medication for depression, anxiety, hypertension, and asthma. It has also been shown that stress-related biomarkers (such as cortisol) in the saliva are directly reduced in the hours after an urban nature experience (e.g. a walk in a city park).

There are numerous places in Austria that allow you to harness the natural beauty of the land and enjoy mindfulness or yoga retreats designed to refresh your mind and soul!

The globeseekers mountain summer journeys in the beautiful Austrian Alps are a perfect way to recharge, connect, and explore a mix of activities in nature, a variety of yoga styles, and other courses to try out, all combined with wellness and healthy food.

This retreat includes three nights accommodation in St Anton am Arlberg with daily treatments as well as meditation sessions. Our private retreat is situated within one of the most beautiful areas of Tirol, Austria. The retreat is designed to help you reach your place of tranquillity; with holistic treatments and restorative meditation all included. There will also be lots of time for hiking and biking during May-October or Skiing in winter. So if you enjoy being close to nature and meeting like minded people, while staying in a stunning location, this retreat is ideal for you.

Set in the majestic Austrian Alps, St. Anton is a breathtaking destination offering the perfect backdrop for a yoga retreat. Filled with fun, adventure, food, and most importantly, yoga, this retreat is designed to build strength from the inside out. The focus of the retreat is to connect with your inner free spirit, centered around three core values: mindfulness, energy awareness, and nature.

Aside from high quality diet and lots of exercise, there is a one characteristic of Blue Zone lifestyles that you might not expect; community. Those who live the longest are almost always surrounded by family and friends and have purpose in their community. They put great importance on rest, reflection, and recharging. I believe it is their daily dose of Lebensgefuhl!

Lebensgefuhl is an Austrian word that we do not have a perfect translation for in English, the literally translation is “life feeling”, but it means so much more.

Lebensgefuhl is a uniquely Austrian feeling, one that is encapsulated by their enjoyment of life, nature, and community. They to to eat, drink, exercise, and immerse themselves in nature, often together. I’ve never been in a country where I spend so long sitting around a table talking, laughing, joking, and enjoying life.

Here are a few ideas for some uniquely Austrian ways to enjoy life!

Saalbach has mountain biking terrain that rivals the best in the world. XC and enduro riders have around 200km of marked trails to choose from, and can go even further if they're good with a map and compass. Freeriders and downhillers will find plenty to get their adrenaline pumping, with serious downhill runs at the Adidas Freeride Park and the legendary Bikepark Leogang, which are connected by lifts. Our favorite is the 6km long 'X-line,' which drops 1000m from start to finish!

Indulge, enjoy, switch off. This is the motto when you visit the Gampe Thaya in Sölden. If you truly enjoy your time in the mountains, why not stay a little longer? Settle down at (nat)UrHütta at Gampe to spend a winter holiday here and forget all about everyday stress. This captivating mountain lodge in Austria is open in both summer and winter. Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, or winter skier, find your favorite spot at the Gampe Thaya and enjoy yourself! The views of the Oetztal Mountains, combined with the delicious scents of traditional Alpine cuisine, are sure to impress!

Lake Achensee in Tirol, nestled between the Karwendel Mountains and the Brandenberg Alps, is a prime destination for water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Known as the "Sea of Tirol," it offers swimming areas, excellent water quality for scuba diving, and various boating options. The Sport & Vitalpark Achensee nearby features lush meadows, mountain huts, and 500 kilometers of hiking trails, with cable cars providing access to the Rofan Mountains and Karwendel Massif.