About the healthy effect of this tree species

The stone pine - a survivor

Let's start with the hard facts: The stone pine, also known as the Swiss stone pine, belongs to the pine family. It grows up to 25 metres tall and can live for up to 1000 years. Imagine what stories all the trees that surround us would have to tell if they could speak. But this is not "The Lord of the Rings" and our Swiss stone pine forests are no Ents like Treebeard and his colleagues - even if our dreamlike landscape would be just as suitable for fairytale fantasy films. But back to the facts: The stone pine feels particularly at home in the Alps and Carpathians and is also considered a survivalist. The reason? This tree species sometimes grows in places where other trees would have long since withered away. Its wood has a distinctive pattern, is light and soft and therefore very easy to work with. This is why it is not only used to make furniture or panelling, but also for carving works of art. And then there is its distinctive scent. Most people describe it as aromatic and pleasant and immediately think of a dense forest with mosses, leaves and glistening dew - and it is not uncommon for a feeling of relaxation to spread.

The healthy effect of Swiss stone pine

But it's not just the appealing scent of Swiss stone pine that can do you good - the health-promoting properties of this tree species have even been recognised in studies proven in studies. According to these studies, sleeping in a Swiss stone pine bed can have a positive effect on health because it lowers the heart rate. And the fewer beats our heart has to perform each day, the less work this means for our entire organism. The result: we are more balanced, more relaxed and sleep better. And restful sleep is known to be one of the most important pieces in the mosaic when it comes to health. Swiss stone pine is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is even said to strengthen the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brain stem via the neck and chest to the abdomen and is considered to be the switchboard between the brain and the organs. It therefore has a major influence on various bodily functions and can dampen or stimulate our well-being. A well-developed vagus nerve is important because it can counteract inflammation, depression or illness. According to experts, the essential oils contained in Swiss stone pine are primarily responsible for its healthy effect. In particular, the active ingredient pinene or pinosylvin, which protects the wood from fungal attack, not only has an antibacterial effect, but also has a calming and mood-enhancing effect. Incidentally, stone pines from the Alpine region contain much more pinosylvin than stone pines from eastern regions such as Russia - so we can count ourselves lucky in Austria in this respect.

In the middle of a magical Swiss stone pine land

Speaking of luck: we are particularly fortunate on the Turracher Höhe. Because, as already mentioned, the ****Superior Seehotel Jägerwirt is located in the middle of Austria's and Europe's largest contiguous Swiss stone pine forests. The plateau on the Carinthian border not only boasts gentle mountain peaks and glistening lakes, but also this sea of green treetops. And you can benefit from this too, if you wish. During your holiday with us, this magical land of stone pines invites you to enjoy long walks and hikes, bike tours and ski adventures. In winter, the aromatic giants are transformed into magical, sugared plants that begin to glisten in the soft winter light. However, we have long since brought the magic of Swiss stone pine into the interior of our hotel - namely into our Swiss stone pine spa. There, the Swiss stone pine also sets the tone, ensures relaxing hours and plays the leading role in soothing treatments.