As I mentioned before, I chose to attend a Mutterkur, without my kids, so there are not very many options available. But I am really glad I chose the one that I did, which was the Augustinium Klinik in Bishofsweisen (next door to Berchtesgaden). Once I was accepted, I received a welcome packet with information about the clinic, a packing list (more on that later) and some registration forms. They also included a link to download the local tourist app which gave us free use of public transportation and discounts at many local facilities.
I arrived by train on 31st of April 2024. For those of us arriving by train, the clinic organized transportation which was a really nice start. Once you arrive at the facility, you go through an intake process where they ask a few questions, get your blood pressure, weight etc and then you’re assigned to your room. This is where you also receive your schedule for the coming week. On the schedule you have daily activities that you’re required to attend along with some optional things that are available if you’re interested (at our facility that was usually the stationary bike). The activities included things like sport classes, mindfulness activities, and topical lectures. We also got the schedule for mealtimes and a menu that we needed to select our food from for the coming weeks. In addition to the mandatory programming there was also a bulletin board where optional free time activities were posted. On most days there was either an organized hike, an early morning workout or a thematic support group offering (time management, caretaker support group etc.) that were free to attend if they fit into your schedule. And generally, on the weekend there were organized “Ausfluge” to neighboring cities. This was a really nice offer for folks who, like me, didn’t bring a car. They also had out a lot of information for local sights and activities that we could participate in during the weekends or our down time. This would turn out to be critical information, as the May 1st holiday fell on our 1st full day in Berchtesgaden. This was actually a worry of mine before I arrived- what would I do with this day off, when I didn’t know anybody, didn’t have a car, and had no idea about the area. Turns out it was all ok, but more on that later. 😉
As for the facility, it was comfortable. We all had single rooms with a small balcony, bathroom, closet, TV, table, bookshelf and bed. It was large enough to do yoga in my room and spread out in a comfortable way. It was NOT a new, fancy schmancy facility, but it was clean and comfortable. There was a large cafeteria where we ate three times a day, a multi-purpose craft room, a sauna, and multiple rec rooms for sport or meditation. Also, the rooms were cleaned daily. No cooking or cleaning for three weeks! That was amazing but the best part of the whole place was absolutely the location! When you walk out of the front door you get an incredible view of the Watzmann peak! The nature in the area, was truly breath taking and really facilitated a sense of grounding and relaxation. We even had cows as neighbors. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend time there.
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