Under the scientific direction of Dr Friedhart Raschke, the professional supervision of Thalassotherapy Coordinator Anja Raschke, and osteopath and licensed naturopath Karin Rass, the next Thalassotherapy seminar will take place from Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Each year, therapists, physicians, and interested participants gain new insights and a deeper understanding of thalassotherapy.
What exactly is thalassotherapy? How is it applied? How can it be used personally and passed on to patients? In addition, the seminar will provide an overview of how spa resorts and providers of therapeutic treatments can make thalassotherapy eligible for reimbursement.

The topics will be presented by experienced lecturers, thalassotherapists, and physicians.

The seminar is aimed at various professional groups in the fields of healthcare and health tourism, including spa and (medical) wellness, such as:
physiotherapists, massage therapists, bath attendants, physicians, sports therapists, health educators, nursing professionals, spa managers, cosmeticians, and others.

More information and registration >>>
Programme >>>

The Thalasso working group is a cooperation between ESPA and the DHV. Marlies Sobczak is the leading board member of NL, and Mr Wilhelm Loth is the director of Staatsbad on the Thalasso island Norderney.

Welcome to the 5th online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group!
Participation at the event is free of charge. Please fill-out the Registration form to attend.

PROGRAMME

11:00 – 11:10 Welcome address and introduction by Marlies Sobczak and Dr. Siyka Katsarova
11:10 – 11:25 Dr. Marcus Wengel: “Minerals and Thalassotherapy”
11:30 – 11:45 Ms. Claudia Wagner: “Thalasso for Today’s Health & Welness Travellers”
11:45 – 12:00 Ms. Silke Lambert: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits”
12:00 – 12:10 Overview and future projects
12:10 – 12:20 Questions from participants
12:20 – 12:15 Future projects and announcement of the first speaker for the Spring edition of Thalasso workshop, Ms. Margrét Grímsdóttir

About the Speakers

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Margrét Grímsdóttir is the Director of Nursing for Heilsutofnun NLFI, a Rehabilitation clinic in Iceland. She has long-term experience working in rehabilitation settings and has specialised in burnout and recovery. Margrét has been studying the experience of individuals who have undergone inpatient rehabilitation following severe burnout and how medical rehabilitation programs with the empahizes on natural remedies may support sustained improvements in well-being and quality of life. The aim of her presentation is to offer insights that may help improve rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from burnout and stress-related disorders.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

We are glad to announce the next online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group and the first speakers:

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Stay tuned for more information! Registration will open in September.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

The intensive, practice-oriented course for professionals from February 21^st to 23^rd 2025 will be a valuable addition. The course “Thalassotherapy in Theory and Practice” is a special opportunity for professionals and interested parties to delve deeply into the world of thalassotherapy and get to know the healing potential of the sea better. The course combines theoretical basics with intensive practical units and offers valuable insights into the use of algae, North Sea mud and climate therapy.

The course includes a total of 16 teaching units and is awarded recognized medical training points. It is aimed at various professional groups from the healthcare sector and health tourism.

More info about registration