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26. 05. 09. - 17:00

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26. 05. 09. - 17:00

Beer baths health farm

Beer lovers are being offered the opportunity to take the plunge in beer-filled swimming pools each containing 42,000 pints of the amber nectar.  

The swimming pools are an extension to the many European health resorts already offering beer baths.

An Austrian brewery built in a medieval castle that also offers overnight accommodation for visitors has decided to go one better however, and started offering the dips as a part of their new 'wellness' programme - despite the fact that some swimmers swallow more than is good for them.

The Starkenberg Beer Myth resort located in the medieval castle of Starkenberg in Tyrol has filled seven 13ft long pools with the beer.

Although the management claims that beer baths heal various skin diseases, and that it also has positive effects on the hair and fingernails, some guests prefer drinking their favourite brew while swimming in the pools.

But manager Markus Amann, 23, said: "I would rather swim than swallow, as we serve enough cold beer on tap at the bars next to the pools."

In Lower Austria guests at the Schrammel guesthouse can enjoy a similar experience in smaller tubs.

Bathers sit in a wooden tub filled with a mixture of beer and pure spring water.

The water is well-heated and a tap is at hand to release fresh beer into the bath if its bathers need refreshing.

According to the guesthouse's owners yeast in the beer is exceptionally good for the skin, helping to clean it and get rid of acne. It also has positive effects on the hair and fingernails.

And the Klosterbrauerei, or "monastic brewery" near Leipzig, eastern Germany, has developed a special beer bath supplement.

The Klosterbrauerei says the dark brown brew has restorative powers for both the mind and body to improve the skin and pep up spirits.

"It opens up the pores, the yeast penetrates the skin and after 15 minutes your skin feels softer everywhere," said company spokesman Dirk Vock. "It is also a good remedy for people with skin problems."

"The beer cloaks bathers in a delicate aroma of malt," said Vock, who recommended about three litres of beer per bathtub.

But Klosterbrauerei, said those taking a boozy dip would not end up smelling like a brewery.

"When you get to work, you won't smell like you've just emerged from the corner bar," Vock said.

- - -

Brauerei Schloss Starkenberg
6464 Tarrenz
Austria

+43 541 266 201
www.starkenberg.at
brauerei@starkenberg.at

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