Arnold Rikli was one of those glorious nineteenth century characters who was clearly upbeat, positive, new world and slightly odd. He decided that there was a way of getting people healthier, so he made them go into the country, walk about a bit, eat healthily and rest. He effectively developed a wellness retreat at Lake Bled and is perhaps the main reason that it’s as popular today as it is.
At Lake Bled, he established a health resort devoted to cold baths, woodland walks and standing around quite a lot in the sunshine looking optimistic. This was all billed as therapeutic and it was likely quite a financially lucrative arrangement for him as well.
Bled’s reputation as a spa destination grew and Rikli became known as a sort of eccentric health prophet. His legacy today, as can be seen from this sign, is as some sort of early Wim Hof. I could be engaged with the walking, but the cold dips into the river certainly wouldn’t excite and delight me.