15 tons of salt for health-promoting relaxation in Vienna!
Discover the Salt Palace in Josefstadt: Since 2005, Sonja Thau has been offering relaxation in the salt cave for health and well-being.

15 tons of salt for health-promoting relaxation in Vienna!
In Josefstadt, where everyday life is often hectic, the Salt Palace, under the direction of Sonja Thau, has been providing relaxing moments for almost 20 years. Thau took over management of the Salt Palace in 2009 after receiving an email about 15 tons of salt, which led to the creation of this unique recreational facility. She previously worked as an accountant and began to study homeopathy intensively at the age of 22. In their salt cave, guests not only find a break from stress, but also potential relief from health problems such as respiratory diseases.
Particularly worth mentioning are the various offerings that Thau offers in the Salt Palace. Whether rest periods, sociable chat hours or special children's hours, each unit can be individually adapted to the guests' wishes. During children's hours, the grotto is cleared of deck chairs in a child-friendly manner and toys are provided. While the adult guests relax, the little ones can play in a protected room.
Scientific background of salt therapy
The form of therapy practiced here is halotherapy or salt therapy, which is primarily used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. This therapy is based on the knowledge that salt has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the immune system. Negative ions that are released in the salt cave not only promote relaxation, but also improve the flow of oxygen in the blood and support immune function, as healthokay.info describes.
The best-known benefit of halotherapy is the regulation of water balance in the body - an aspect that is also particularly emphasized in the Salt Palace. Their effectiveness, however, is partly based on historical observations: As early as the 19th century, doctors noticed that workers in salt mines suffered less from breathing problems. The medicinal use of salt began at that time and continues to this day, but there is a lack of reliable scientific evidence for many of the healing effects attributed to it.
Promoting well-being
Halotherapy aims to improve respiratory function, reduce stress and strengthen psychological well-being. The list of health conditions that can be treated with salt therapy ranges from asthma to acne, as summarized by Droktor.top. Nevertheless, skepticism is warranted because possible side effects such as coughing or eye irritation are also mentioned, albeit only in sporadic cases.
The benefits of therapy include not only improving lung function, but also the positive effect on the skin and digestive system. Prices at the Salt Palace have been stable since 2009 - each treatment appointment costs 12 euros. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 p.m., which makes it possible to visit even after a long day at work.
At the end of the day, the focus in the Salt Palace is not only on the medical aspect, but also on relaxation and peace, which is so important in an often stressful environment like Vienna. So if you're looking for a retreat, the Salt Cave might be just the thing for you. For more information, visit the Salt Palace website: bodyandsoul-harmony.at.