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HEALTH

Austria’s most unusual spa treatments

Austria offers many places in which to enjoy holistic health care, and whilst eco spa treatments have been around for a while, in recent years some more unusual pampering and health treatments have emerged.

Published: 11 August 2014 09:09 CEST
Austria's most unusual spa treatments
Apple and honey detox. Photo: Heiltherme.at

This is the country of salt caves, natural mud baths, and hay flower liver detox compresses.

In Austria taking the waters – both drinking them and bathing in them – as well as all-over mud body wraps are seen by many as important elements of a health regime and the annual spa ‘cure’ has become an accepted part of everyday life.

People may take cures for specific problems, such as arthritis or psoriasis, or as a more general detoxification. Have a look at nine of Austria’s most unusual spa treatments – from bathing in beer to a massage with pumpkin seed oil. Maybe you’ll be tempted to experiment.

PICTURE GALLERY: Austria's wackiest spa treatments

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HEALTH

What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

It's nine pm in Austria, and you're out of painkillers or decongestants. You're desperate for pain relief but your local Apotheke is shut, so what do you do?

Published: 12 December 2023 11:59 CET
What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

In Austria Apotheken (pharmacies) are the only places in which you can purchase painkillers and decongestants. Ostensibly in the public interest, but it’s also a lucrative moneymaker for the businesses. This monopoly on the sale of certain pharmaceutical drugs is a subject frequently debated and is of much consternation for overseas arrivals. 

READ MORE: Why are painkillers only sold in pharmacies in Austria?

However, many Apotheken can close as early as six pm, especially if you live outside a major city centre. If you’re suffering from a cold or a nasty headache, it can seem like an eternity until they reopen. 

Fortunately, there is relief. Emergency situations will always arise, and pharmacies often band together to provide service at nights, over weekends and on public holidays.

This is done on a rota basis, so your local Apotheke may not be open, there will be a Apotheken-Notdienst (Emergency-service pharmacy) within a 5 – 10km range. 

Often, Apotheken will have a sign or screen out the front that gives the address and opening times for Apotheken-Notdienst in the area, updated frequently.

A number of websites also exist that can give you the location of operating Apotheken-Notdienst across Austria, such as APO24.at. Entering your PLZ (or postcode) will list the nearest to you. 

However, if they don’t have online access, dialling 1455 while put you in touch with a service who can either direct you to the Apotheken-Notdienst on duty, or help you in getting you further assistance. 

If all else fails, your local hospital should have a Notfall-Praxis – ostensibly an emergency doctor service out of hours. If you’re prepared to wait, you will be able to see a doctor, and they can either dispense medication, or direct you to the hospital pharmacy with a prescription. 

Before you go, it’s worth brushing up on your vocabulary. The Local has developed a list of vocabulary and phrases that you can use to describe your symptoms to pharmacists and doctors, to help them prescribe the best possible medication.

READ MORE: Colds and flu: What to say if you get sick in Austria

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