Latvia's Pirts In Switzerland
Documentary Shorts
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Documentary, Independent, Travel, 13-Jan-2025
Journey with us to Switzerland, a land renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery, where we uncover a hidden gem: the flourishing tradition of Latvian Pirts. Join Māra Zute, a Latvian steam master with over a decade of experience in the Swiss wellness industry, as she guides us through the unique adaptations of the Pirts tradition in Switzerland. This episode delves into the profound connection between wellness, nature, and mindfulness through the lens of Latvian Pirts.
Our journey begins at the renowned Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz, a sanctuary of contemporary wellness offering state-of-the-art spa facilities, thermal pools, and holistic treatments. Among its offerings is a unique adaptation of the Latvian Pirts tradition, where Māra leads an immersive steam ceremony, blending ancient practices with modern Swiss influences. This experience highlights the deeply restorative effects of Pirts rituals and their connection to holistic well-being.
The film then takes us to the tranquil mountain village of Valens in the canton of St. Gallen, where Pirts is practiced in harmony with nature and in a unique transportable tent setup. Against the stunning backdrop of alpine landscapes, Māra Zute and her former student Christa Jäger Ehrenzeller reflect on the profound relationship between Pirts, the natural world, and the spiritual dimension it evokes as they perform a steam ceremony together on a guest.
Our final destination is Sorglos in Roggwil, in the canton of Bern, where we explore their expansive outdoor showroom featuring a variety of saunas, hot tubs, and glamping accommodations. Here, Pascale Roggwiller, the daughter of the owners, hosts us and performs a Pirts ritual on her former teacher, Māra, for the first time.
From serene mountain settings to contemporary wellness spaces, the film showcases how the Pirts tradition intertwines with Switzerland’s natural beauty, promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and a deeper connection to oneself and the environment.
Locations Featured:
Tamina Therme: The film begins at the renowned Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz, showcasing its contemporary state-of-the-art spa facilities set against the foundations of one of the oldest spas in Europe. The episode features a traditional Pirts ritual led by Māra Zute for guests Ferdinand Müller, Moritz Stenftemagel, and Antonio Legua.
Valens: In the serene mountain village of Valens, the film captures the essence of Pirts in its unique adaptation within a transportable tent setup. This segment features a Pirts ritual led by Christa Jäger Ehrenzeller and Māra Zute for a guest named Emma.
Roggwil: Finally, the film concludes at the outdoor sauna showroom, Sorglos Design, in Roggwil. Hosted by Pascale Roggwiller, this segment features Pascale performing a Pirts ritual on her former teacher, Māra Zute, for the very first time.
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