The Curious Medicinal Whey Baths Of Switzerland

Unconventional baths have become extremely popular as of late, with different spas and locations around the world dedicated to the practice. You may be familiar with the concept of mud baths, which are available in spas or where the mineral-rich substance naturally occurs, such as the Calistoga hot springs in California, or the Dead Sea in Jordan, according to Travel Earth.

There is even a hot springs spa in Japan that offers an interesting variety of baths. According to their website, the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot springs spa can provide you with a relaxing dip in a bath of coffee, with claims that it can lessen feelings of fatigue. You can also bathe in your choice of wine, sake, or green tea, all said to have a multitude of health benefits in a relaxing atmosphere. Traveling farther west from Japan, you could even find yourself in a Swiss cheese bath.

For those who are unfamiliar, whey is a protein compound found in dairy, and is expelled from the product during cheese-making processes, according to Mayo Clinic. This nutrient-rich substance is often found in the form of protein powders.

With a surplus of dairy and goat farms around the Alps, the popularity of thermal spas and whey baths was spreading exponentially around Switzerland from the 16th century to the early 20th century, according to Atlas Obscura. These whey baths, known as Molkenkur, were mainly a luxury for wealthy individuals, or those who were impacted by illness and sought out the product's healing properties.

Now, the whey baths are mainly a popular tourist attraction, especially in Engelberg, Switzerland. According to My Switzerland, you can travel to the Gerschnialp Alpine Cheese Dairy near the base of Titlis mountain and enjoy a relaxing whey bath from the months of May to October. Maybe this will be your next trip!