Fasting hiking in Menschels — an experience report

My personal fasting experiences

Day 1: Arrival and start of fasting

On Sunday, we arrived fasting guests at Menschels. After a friendly welcome, there were initial talks with like-minded people and an introduction to fasting director Astrid Scheffler. In the evening, I could already feel my inner restlessness giving way to a first sigh of relief. The program of Buchinger fasting cure promised structure: medical consultations, bowel rinses, foot massages and daily hikes of three to five hours or eight to 14 kilometers, the start of fasting together and breaking the fast at the end — all accompanied by an experienced team. I was excited and ready.

Day 2: The “Glauber Magic” and first movement

Monday began with a doctor's appointment and a body fat measurement. We were then given a glauber salt solution to drink, which empties the intestines and initiates the switch to fasting metabolism. After a short break, we had vegetable broth for lunch. Afterwards, we could relax in the beautiful rooms or use the wellness and spa area. Early in the evening, we set off on our first short hike. The four-kilometer route was a gentle walk to get the circulation going again. The round led through the autumnal terrain near the resort. I was amazed how good exercise is even on an empty stomach. I felt a bit weak, but I also felt surprisingly light and clear in my head — a first taste of what was yet to come.

Day 3:11 kilometers of fasting hiking through the Nahe Valley

After a fasting breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, we started the first longer tour in perfect weather. It led 11 km through the Nahe Valley, was varied, uphill and downhill and ran along forest trails and meadow trails. The movement felt good and the thoughts became silent. This combination of fasting and hiking, nature and silence quickly had an effect. I learned that fasting means actively slowing down.

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Everyone was happy and proud back at the Vitalresort just in time for lunch broth. We were then able to arrange the afternoon ourselves according to our mood. I retired to the hotel's extensive park to read. It was a pleasant feeling of peace and ease.

Day 4: Conversion day with hike (10.5 km)

Today was my third day of fasting, the so-called conversion day. My body is now in fasting metabolism. The elimination of acidic waste products, the so-called ketone bodies, is in full swing. The energy is now coming from within. Some people feel tiredness and listlessness at this point — so do I. But this is exactly when moderate exercise is crucial to boost metabolism and activate circulation. The mood should also rise.

Right after breakfast — we had fruit juice and yogurt today — we started today's hike. The 10.5 kilometers long route led along the water and through the vineyards, offering beautiful views and even some sun. We only had rain in the last few kilometers, but I didn't really care about that. We were prepared for any eventuality. The exercise and fresh air made up for everything. Back at the Vitalresort, there was the lunch broth and the afternoon was individually designed again.

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Day 5: Quiet hike and new energy

Suddenly it was there: the energy. The tiredness was blown away. No sign of muscle cramps and exhaustion anymore. The 9.6 kilometer long hike with short breaks for drinking was one of the most beautiful. One section was completed in silence — the “silent hiking phase”, which was a particular highlight. Everyone went at their own pace and thus found moments of inner reflection.

We have recognized that fasting hiking is not about “farther and faster”, but about well-being. Peace in nature, activation of fasting metabolism and regular drinking breaks are crucial, which help the body detoxify and purify.

Back at the health resort, I relaxed, treated myself to a foot massage and used the time to swim, read and do nothing. So beautiful can a Fasting holidays in Germany Be — not far from home at all!

Day 6: The longest day, 14 km in Soonwald

After the final medical consultation, the queen stage was on the agenda today: a 14-kilometer fasting hike in the Soonwald. With brisk steps, we went through the forest up to the Teufelshütte. At lunchtime, they had a hot vegetable broth with fresh herbs. The route then took us to Hennweiler and continued the circuit to Kellenbach. In between, we completed quiet sections again, took short breaks with breathing exercises and Pilates sessions. Despite the long distance and the altitude difference, the atmosphere was great. We were amazed how efficient our bodies could be without solid food.

Day 7: Fog, Dhaun Castle and Breaking Fast

The last day began in fog. Our 10.5 kilometers long circular hike took us from Simmertal via Horbach up to Dhaun Castle. It was quiet, almost mystical.

Back at the hotel, a special moment awaited us: breaking the fast with steamed apples at a table decorated with flowers. No meal has ever tasted as intense as this one. We should chew every bite at least 30 times, because well chewed is half digested. This allowed our bodies to slowly get used to solid food again.

We learned that the set-up days can be a bit exhausting, as it takes about 2-3 days for the organs and intestines to fully work again. A slow cost increase is therefore very important. I realized that my body was ready to slowly return.

Fasting hiking — a profound experience

Fasting hiking at Menschels Vitalresort is not a diet week, but a profound healing fasting experience and a cure for body and soul. It is professionally accompanied, lovingly organized and supported by movement in nature and genuine inner contemplation. Anyone who embarks on the combination of therapeutic fasting and hiking is rewarded with clarity, new energy and a changed view of what really counts. I can recommend this week to anyone looking for real, sustainable regeneration.

Margot S. from Rhineland-Palatinate.

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