Sebastian Kneipp

His History

Portrait von Sebastian Kneipp

Who he was and what he did

Sebastian Kneipp (1821–1897) managed to fulfill his heart’s desire and become a priest despite many obstacles. When he contracted tuberculosis (TBC), he healed himself through baths in the Danube and later developed a holistic health concept from this experience, with which he treated the sick and gained great fame.  

We owe him today a concept of comprehensive prevention. He acquired immense knowledge in diagnostics and naturopathy.

Kneipp's Life's Work

In his later years, Kneipp traveled to many countries on lecture tours, establishing international connections. Physicians from around the world visited him in Wörishofen and learned from him. As much as he could, Kneipp invested his earnings into his foundations, primarily for the benefit of sick children.

Schwarz-Weiss Foto von Sebastian Kneipp und Baumgarten
Eine Person geht barfuß durch ein Kneipp-Wasserbecken mit klarem, fließendem Wasser. Die Füße spritzen leicht, während sie auf den glatten Steinen im Wasser auftreten. Sonnenlicht fällt durch die umgebenden Holz- und Naturmaterialien und erzeugt ein warmes Licht- und Schattenspiel auf der Wasseroberfläche.

After his death

After his death, the Medical Journal dedicated a favorable obituary to him – remarkable, as for years, the educated physicians had tried to imprison the successful rival for quackery. Kneipp left behind many writings for posterity. The most famous are: “So sollt ihr leben” (“This is How You Should Live”), “Mein Testament” (“My Testament”), and “Meine Wasserkur” (“My Water Cure”).