Structured preparation
Relief days ease the start.
PreparationKnowledge ยท Comparison
Therapeutic fasting or Buchinger fasting โ whatโs the difference?
Therapeutic fasting is the umbrella term, Buchinger the best-known method. See the differences โ and how Buchinger compares with alkaline fasting, F.X. Mayr or intermittent fasting.
๐ณTherapeutic fasting = umbrella
๐ฅฃBuchinger: broth, tea, juices
๐
Clear structure
๐คWith movement & guidance
What sets them apart?
Therapeutic and Buchinger fasting โ the terms
Therapeutic fasting is an umbrella term for fasting forms built around voluntarily going without solid food for a limited time. Concepts, duration and structure vary.
Buchinger fasting is the best-known form โ developed by Dr Otto Buchinger (its origin). It has a clear structure with broth, herbal teas and diluted juices.
โ Buchinger fasting
- Proven form of fasting
- Clear structure
- Broth, tea, diluted juice
- Movement & relaxation built in
- Professionally guided
Therapeutic fasting in general
- Umbrella for many forms
- Different concepts
- Duration and structure vary
- Sometimes no fixed structure
At a glance
Fasting methods compared
Switch between tabs.
| Method | Solid food | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Buchinger | no | broth, herbal tea, diluted juice |
| Alkaline fasting | yes | fruit, veg, herbs, sprouts |
| F.X. Mayr | little | chewing training, mild food |
| Juice fasting | no | fruit and veg juices |
| Intermittent fasting | yes | eating windows, e.g. 16:8 |
| Method | Duration | Everyday |
|---|---|---|
| Buchinger | 5โ10 days + refeeding | best as a retreat |
| Alkaline fasting | 1โ2 weeks | โ |
| F.X. Mayr | 1โ3 weeks | partly |
| Juice fasting | 1โ7 days | partly |
| Intermittent fasting | long-term | โ |
More on alkaline fasting: What is it?
What guests value
Why many choose Buchinger fasting
Daily movement
Fasting hikes boost circulation and mood.
Fasting hikesShared experience
Fasting is easier in a group.
ScheduleConscious break-fast
The apple and refeeding secure success.
RefeedingTest yourself
Fasting forms โ do you know the difference?
Quiz
1 / 3
What is โtherapeutic fastingโ?
Itโs the umbrella term โ Buchinger is one form.
Which method includes solid food?
In alkaline fasting you eat alkaline foods.
What is typical for Buchinger?
Broth, herbal teas and diluted juices.
Your result
0Great โ now you know!
Buchinger fasting at the Zollhaus
Guided fasting โ in the forest, with warmth
At Landhotel Altes Zollhaus in the Ore Mountains you fast according to Buchinger in a small group โ guided by experienced fasting leaders, with vegetable broth, fresh juices, fasting hikes, liver compresses and rest in our spa.
Current offers
Buchinger fasting dates
All prices per person in a double room. All about Buchinger fasting
07.11. - 13.11.2026Experience Fasting with Kirsten Jahns
Fasting is not about giving something up โ it is an encounter with yourself. This fasting week combines relief, exercise and joie de vivre into a healing break.
Price from 600 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
29.11. - 04.12.2026Experience Fasting with Kirsten Jahns
Experience fasting: more mindfulness, more clarity โ a break for body and mind.
Price from 565 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
10.01. - 15.01.2027Buchinger Fasting with Winfried Knust
A soothing fasting week with exercise, nature, mindfulness and valuable inspiration for regeneration and new inner balance.
Price from 799 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
17.01. - 22.01.2027Experience Fasting with Kirsten Jahns
Experience fasting with Kirsten Jahns โ a soothing time out for body, mind and soul.
Price from 585 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
21.02. - 26.02.2027Experience Fasting with Kirsten Jahns
Experience fasting โ consciously let go, gather new strength.
Price from 585 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
07.03. - 12.03.2027Buchinger Fasting with Elke Fleps
Treat yourself to a time out with Buchinger fasting at the Zollhaus. Elke Fleps supports you with holistic care, laughter yoga, hiking and valuable inspiration.
Price from 809 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
14.03. - 19.03.2027Buchinger Fasting with Katja Pohl
Buchinger fasting with Katja Pohl โ a mindful time out for body and mind with nature, peace, hikes and fasting guidance.
Price from 814 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
21.03. - 26.03.2027Buchinger Fasting with Katja Pohl
A mindful time out with peace, nature, hikes and attentive fasting guidance.
Price from 814 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
04.04. - 09.04.2027Buchinger Fasting with Elke Fleps
A week that relieves body and mind and awakens new joie de vivre, with rest, exercise and cheerful impulses back to more lightness.
Price from 809 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
Is Buchinger the same as therapeutic fasting?
Buchinger is one form; therapeutic fasting is the umbrella term.
What do you drink?
Water, herbal teas, broth and diluted juices (more).
What about alkaline fasting?
In alkaline fasting you eat solid alkaline food; in Buchinger fasting you donโt.
Which suits beginners?
Both, ideally guided. For everyday life alkaline fasting; for a real break a Buchinger week.
Conclusion
Buchinger: the classic among fasting forms
Therapeutic fasting describes many paths โ Buchinger is the most structured. In the Ore Mountains you can experience both: Buchinger and alkaline fasting.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
What is Buchinger fasting?The fasting weekPreparationDrinkingBreaking the fastEffectsAutophagyFasting hikesThe 5 rulesCommon complaintsWho is it for?Alkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources: รrztegesellschaft Heilfasten & Ernรคhrung e. V. ยท Klinik Buchinger Wilhelmi
Ready?
Fast with us in the Ore Mountains
Guided Buchinger fasting with hikes, yoga, wellness and lots of forest calm.
