August 10, 2025, 6:00 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Most people are likely aware that fresh sea air is good for the respiratory system. But did you know that high altitudes stimulate blood formation? FITBOOK author Martin Lewicki explains whether a stay in the mountains or by the sea is healthier. And most importantly, which region is better suited for whom.
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At the Sea, It’s All About the Climate
The health effects of the sea largely depend on the prevailing climatic conditions. For example, in the tropics, many people struggle with extreme humidity. Combined with high temperatures, even a walk can quickly lead to exhaustion. Engaging in sports activities is hardly feasible, especially since the body needs to acclimate in the first few days. Therefore, the Techniker Krankenkasse advises: “For young children, the sick, and the elderly, the tropical climate is generally not a suitable vacation climate.”1
Immune System Benefits from Stimulating Climate
It’s different at coastal areas in temperate climate zones. Here, we talk about the so-called stimulating climate, characterized by specific factors:
- increased ultraviolet radiation
- cooler wind
- significant temperature fluctuations
- sea air rich in salt, iodine, and magnesium
- warm summer months
The combination of sun, strong winds, temperature fluctuations, and salty sea air initially strains the body. However, it also stimulates and ultimately strengthens the immune system.2 These climatic stimuli train the body’s defenses and boost its activity. This is one reason why we feel more exhausted after a day at the coast than at home in the city.
However, there are different types of coasts. The North Sea coast and the East Frisian Islands are considered rougher due to their particularly salty water, cooler air, and stronger winds or wild surf. In contrast, the Baltic Sea and especially the Mediterranean coast are much milder.
Also interesting: The surprising effects of deep-sea water on health
General Benefits of Sea Climate:
- Prevention of respiratory infections
- salty air beneficial for people with bronchitis and asthma (loosens mucus in the airways)
- Saltwater is particularly good for people with skin conditions like eczema and neurodermatitis
Protective Factors for Allergy Sufferers
The sea climate also offers so-called protective factors. This includes low-allergen and humid air. As a result, there are fewer pollen and mold spores at the coast, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.
What Rheumatism Patients Should Consider
However, the stimulating climate at the North Sea might be too much for rheumatism patients. They are better off at the mild Mediterranean coast with higher temperatures. Here, one should also listen to their body and give it what makes it feel most comfortable.
What the Studies Say
A large data analysis as part of the European BlueHealth 2020 Initiative found that people living near the coast consider themselves healthier. Researchers discovered that living by the coast has a positive long-term effect. Coastal residents are not only healthier but also more relaxed and physically active.3 However, once they move inland, this effect turns negative.
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In the Mountains, It’s All About the Altitude
While at the sea, the climate plays the decisive role in determining health effects, in the mountains, it’s the altitude. As altitude increases, the strain on the body changes. Here, too, there are stimulating and protective factors, but they depend on the mountain’s height.
In the Low Mountain Range (approx. 400 to 1500 meters), the Effects Are …
- increased ultraviolet radiation
- lower temperatures
- yet stable temperatures and humidity in forested areas
- stronger pollen and mold allergens in spring and summer
Due to these conditions, the low mountain range climate is particularly suitable for recovery after various illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases. People with lung problems also benefit from the climatic conditions. However, for allergy sufferers, the conditions, especially in spring and summer, are not ideal.
In the High Mountains (from approx. 1500 meters), the Effects Are …
- also increased ultraviolet radiation
- strong winds and low temperatures
- low humidity
- low-allergen air
Therefore, people with any skin and lung conditions particularly benefit from the high mountain climate.
Blood Formation Ensures Better Oxygen Transport
However, high mountains have another important aspect. Since the air there is lower in oxygen, the body has to work harder to absorb enough oxygen. “As a result, the number of red blood cells increases significantly, while the total number of all blood cells does not increase, which is extremely beneficial for the blood’s flow properties. Fresh blood cells optimally deliver oxygen to the tissue,” explained Austrian internist and university professor Egon Humpeler in an interview with “Welt.” This strengthens the body and improves cell renewal. An effect that high-performance athletes (such as cyclists and runners) take advantage of during so-called altitude training. They train for a few weeks at high-altitude training camps to achieve better performance at lower altitudes afterward.
Caution at Altitudes Over 2500 Meters
However, high mountains can also have negative effects. The lower oxygen content at altitudes above 2500 meters can be challenging for many people: breathing problems, headaches, inner restlessness, sleep problems, and heart palpitations can result. This is known as altitude sickness. Therefore, heart and circulatory patients, as well as people with lung problems, are advised against traveling to higher mountain regions. Affected individuals should consult their doctor beforehand.
What the Studies Say
University professor Egon Humpeler has conducted a series of studies on the positive effects of three-week hikes in the mid (200 meters) to high mountains (1700 meters) in Austria.4 Positive effects were particularly observed in individuals with metabolic syndrome: participants lost an average of over three kilograms of weight, reduced body fat and waist circumference. Blood fat and blood pressure levels improved. At the same time, the participants’ performance increased compared to before the hike. However, it must be noted that the participants were very active hikers, and the increased activity alone may have had positive effects, regardless of the location.
Conclusion: Mountains and Sea!
There is no one optimal climate and ideal region for every type. Whether mountains or sea, it depends entirely on personal health and preferences. Allergy sufferers are particularly well-suited to the mountains between 1500 and 2500 meters, as pollen and other allergens do not survive at this altitude. Patients with high blood pressure benefit from both the mild Baltic Sea climate and mid-mountain regions up to 1500 meters. Rheumatism patients benefit from the summer temperatures at the Mediterranean. In any case, the salty sea water helps with many skin conditions like neurodermatitis and eczema. Patients with cardiovascular diseases and lung problems should avoid altitudes above 2000 meters. And for those who can’t decide, a study might help: American researchers found that extroverted people are drawn to the sea, while introverts are happier in the solitude of the mountains.5