This year, we are delighted to welcome Rheumalis to the Eschenhof for the 20th year. Two decades filled with encounters, courage, trust, and lived support.
Rheumalis is a non-profit organization founded by Karin Formanek. With extraordinary dedication, it supports children and adolescents living with rheumatic diseases, as well as their families. The annual therapy week at the beginning of July has become a central fixture in their calendar – and for us at the Eschenhof, it has long since become a true matter of the heart.
A week full of therapy, exercise and community
This week is far more than an exchange among those affected. It combines targeted medical care with joy of life, nature, and genuine community.
An experienced team of doctors, therapists, and dedicated caregivers ensures comprehensive support throughout the week. Medical expertise, individual care, and human warmth go hand in hand. Every morning, the children begin the day with specially tailored exercise sessions, carefully adapted to their individual needs. Under professional guidance, they play, move, and laugh – because movement is meant to bring joy here.
One very special highlight is the underwater therapy. Gentle movement in warm water relieves joints and muscles and gives the children a feeling of lightness. Sauna and steam bath treatments, used mindfully and adapted to individual needs, also support regeneration.
Here at the Eschenhof, a protected and caring environment is created in which therapy, nature, wellness, and professional guidance come together as a powerful whole.
Community gives us the strength to achieve more.
Many small details that make a big difference
A group of this size requires organization - and, above all, heart. Whether it is freshly prepared fruit platters in the afternoon, balanced lunch buffets, wellness drinks in the seminar rooms, or extra blankets, chairs, and small practical aids: the team pays attention to every detail. Extended childcare during this week is, of course, part of the overall support as well.
The close and appreciative collaboration between the Rheumalis team and the Eschenhof team makes it possible to respond to individual needs and offer the best possible support. This is exactly where true hospitality becomes visible.
Community, enjoyment, and special moments
Midweek, things traditionally become especially convivial: at the barbecue evening on the Eschenhof square, the children grill sausages and bake bread on sticks together with the dedicated childcare team – for many, one of the most memorable moments of the week.
For the adults, our kitchen team prepares a delicious organic barbecue buffet. Regional, high-quality, and lovingly created – fully in line with the Eschenhof philosophy. Healthy nutrition, mindful enjoyment, and the highest quality standards are naturally an integral part of this very special week as well.
A heartfelt visit: Niki Hosp
For many years, Niki Hosp, a former ski racer, has been the patron of the Rheumalis therapy week. Her visit is always a very special highlight. She takes time for conversations, visits the therapy groups, stops by the creative workshop, signs autographs, and plays with the children. Her commitment is anything but taken for granted – and a strong sign of appreciation for the families as well as for the entire initiative.
20 years that truly touch the heart
What moves us most every year is the strength of these children and adolescents. People often do not realize how much strength it takes to live with pain every single day and still preserve joy in life. That is exactly why this week is so valuable: it offers community, understanding, motivation, and renewed energy.
For 20 years now, the Eschenhof has hosted this very special therapy week. It is a partnership that shows just how much is possible when professionalism, warmth, and genuine commitment come together. Here, a setting has been created that uniquely combines medical care, movement in nature, soothing wellness, and outstanding certified organic cuisine.
And we are deeply grateful to continue on this path together - year after year.