Technology is taking up more and more space in our everyday lives. Leaving an impact on your mental health. It is getting increasingly important to disconnect from the multitasking and stimulus-flooded environment. Emerge yourself in the calm environment and the slow pace of nature.
Technology is taking up more and more space in your everyday life, often impacting your mental well-being. It’s more important than ever to take a break from constant multitasking and endless notifications. Try immersing yourself in a quiet, natural environment where you can slow down, reset, and find relief from the fast-paced digital world.
This is where forest bathing comes into the picture. A health craze from Japan has arrived in Europe.
Forest bathing is a mindful way to connect with nature by immersing yourself in the tranquility of the forest. It’s becoming popular in many destinations as a sustainable activity because it doesn’t have a huge impact on nature and allows you to enjoy the environment as it is.
The origins of forest bathing
Forest bathing is a practice from Japan, Shinrin-yoku. It has its origins in the 1980s. Multiple studies were launched to investigate the effects of the forest on humans.
The results are clear: forest bathing can reduce blood pressure, has a preventative effect on hypertension and heart diseases, it reduces stress hormones, improves sleep, and reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. Furthermore it has a preventive effect on cancers.
Just half an hour in the forest can have a positive effect. The reason for this lies in the terpenes, other scents, the special light in the forest and the green nature.
With the growth of urban spaces and the use of technology, it is increasingly important to surround yourself with calming and stress-reducing environments such as the forest.
How to bath in the forest
But how does forest bathing practically look? In contrast to swimming in the waters, you don’t need any swimwear for forest bathing. It also doesn’t mean to exercise in the forest, like running, cycling or working out. Forest bathing is about being present with all your senses. Seeing the green, hearing the birds chirping, tasting the fresh berries, smelling the fresh and clean area, or touching the soft moose on the ground.
You can easily try this at home, go to the nearest forest and be present. You might want to concentrate on one sense. You can bring a yoga mate, lay down, relax and just listen.
It’s something that can be perfectly integrated when you’re traveling. Traveling can often be energy draining and exhausting. Therefore, it is very important to integrate wellbeing practices. Especially in forested Europe, you can find forest bathing activities in almost every country. Or you can do your own thing and enjoy the forests of Europe.
How to prepare for a forest bathing experience
Forest bathing is a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss. It is an exercise to pause and become mindful of your surroundings. Not to mention all the health benefits that come with it.
Forest bathing coach Mary describes forest bathing as “simply taking time to observe, take a deep breath and appreciate the wonder of nature.”
There is nothing you need to do, but be present. Forest bathing is not going for a hike or taking your mountain bike through the woods. It’s more of a mindful activity.
“Before you go forest bathing, find out about the possibilities of forest bathing”, Mary recommends. There are guided tours for forest bathing and even retreats or weekend getaways. Or you can simply plan yourself a self-care, wellness weekend. This might be the ideal time to do a digital detox vacation. Since it is important to turn off any distractions such as your smartphone.
Additionally there are various forms of taking in the forest, for instance forest tasting, forest bathing with relaxation in the forest, forest sauna, forest wyda which is a kind of yoga coming from the European Celts.
The forest looks different each season. In the fall, it can be almost magical, with mist hanging in the trees and colorful leaves decorating the ground. In winter, the branches of the deciduous trees are empty, and depending on whether there is snow or not, the forest can appear bare or magically covered in snow. In spring, however, everything is in bloom. If you put your ear to the trunk of a tree, you can hear the water flow up the branches. In summer, the forest provides cool shade and a fresh breeze.
So before you go forest bathing, think about what kind of experience you are looking for.
Top Forest Bathing Destinations in Europe
Forest bathing has reached Europe, many tourist destinations started to offer forest bathing experiences. What would be a better place than the natural richness of Europe.
A wellness activity that you can easily integrate in your travels without the need of going an extra mile. You can do forest bathing anywhere you find sufficient green space. Whether it is a huge city park, a botanical garden, a green space in the suburbs or one of the amazing forests that Europe has to offer.
Allow yourself a day, a morning or an afternoon for this mindful and relaxing time in nature. Breathe in the fresh air of the forest. In Europe, you can enjoy a green wellness holiday in many countries, here are some ideas:
Germany – The Black Forest
The Black Forest in Germany covers a big area, providing a network of 23 000 kilometers of trails. For forest bathers, it’s a beautiful space all year round, but especially when fall colours appear and trails are less populated.
The Wasserfallsteig hike is one such option. The trailhead at Feldberg is accessible via public transit from Freiburg im Breisgau. After taking the train to Titisee, take bus 7300 to the youth hostel Hebelhof. Much of the 12 kilometer trail follows a stream through the forest, allowing for some very peaceful moments in solitude with the gentle sounds of flowing water. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a waterfall nearly 100-meters in height.
The 12-kilometer Feldbergsteig loop descends from a mountain ridge, which has excellent views, through the forest and around Feldsee Lake. The 10-kilometer Three Gorges trail passes through the forest near Wutach. Both popular hikes allow plenty of time for pause and reflection in the beauty of the forest.
In the Black Forest, opportunities for forest bathing are plentiful. There are plenty of other short and long walking and hiking options. Because the Black Forest is scattered between settlements, there are trails near many towns. This makes it the ideal European destination for forest bathing.
Submitted by Melanie Ferguson – Postcards and Places
England – Escape London
If you’re new to forest bathing or looking for a forest bathing experience like no other, consider heading to Kew Gardens in London. Unlike the usual self-guided walks and practices, this is an organized event in partnership with the Forest Bathing Institute, designed to gently introduce you to the practice in Kew’s stunning surroundings.
The session itself is a relaxing experience where you’re guided through the peaceful surroundings, helping you slow down and connect with nature.
While Kew isn’t your typical forest, its incredible plant life and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for forest bathing. Just keep in mind however that this event is only available on select dates, so you’ll want to plan ahead!
Reaching Kew Gardens is simple too. It’s just a short walk from Kew Gardens Station on the District Line or London Overground, making it the perfect getaway for some much-needed relaxation.
Plus, your ticket will include entry to the rest of the gardens, so you can continue exploring at your own pace. And with the added 20% discount at some of the on-site restaurants, you can easily make a day of your trip to Kew Gardens!
Submitted by GG – Goya Galeotta
Switzerland – Forest bathing in the alpine foothills
To immerse yourself in nature, explore the foothills of the Alps, which stretch along both sides of the mountain range. In Western Europe, you’re never far from a unique and beautiful forest bathing spot.
Monte Bre, with 925 meters, known as the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, is a perfect place to unwind. It is located on the outskirts of Lugano, Switzerland. It is easy to reach the city by train from Switzerland or Italy.
While you can hike to the top, the easiest way to enjoy the mountain views is by taking the funicular, accessible via bus number 2 or 3 from the city center.
At the top you can access a network of hiking trails that invite you for deep relaxation in nature. The path leading to the small lakeside town of Gandria is a good place for forest bathing. This trail starts out paved and narrows into a one track forest path as you make your way down. There are several benches where you can stop to soak up the tranquility of nature.
Otherwise, take a wooded path that leads to the small village of Cureggia on the mountain’s north side. Once you have reached the village of Brè, you will enter a forest that offers a lot of space to be present in nature in a mindful way.
Another option is the trail across the mountains to Capanna Pairolo, a mountain inn, about 11 kilometers east of Monte Bre.
Submitted by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: A Travel Blog
Austria – Europe’s first forestness destination Almtal
The Almtal is one of the most densely forested regions in Austria and is Europe’s first forestness destination. This means the region offers comprehensive accommodations and activities in the forest.
Here you can take part in themed tours and exciting workshops. Mary Hageneder is a coach at the forestness destination. For her forest bathing means time out for body and soul in the fascinating nature. To perceive scents, colors and sounds. Forest bathing is time to observe, move, breathe, relax, taste and pick herbs, and play.
On her tour “Naturgenuss am Almfluss in Almtal”, she offers to undergo a Kneipp cure in the forest. Kneipp treatments are carried out at the mountain pasture. In addition to that, she also teaches about herbs and trees that she discovers with her group and their effectiveness for your health. “There are lots of tips on how to make the most of the forest for relaxation, nutrition and health.”
This is truly a forest bathing experience for the mind, body and soul.
Sweden – Overnight forest bathing
The massive land of Sweden offers the perfect opportunity for forest bathing in Europe. You can easily find a spot for yourself and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. If you are looking for a guided tour you can find the guides that provide Eco Forest Therapy.
But if you are craving solitude Sweden is the perfect country for an overnight forest bathing experience. The north European country offers something for every budget.
For low budget travelers check out the Glaskogen Nationalpark, there are multiple hiking trails. The best is to start at the Nationalpark center in Lenungshammar. Reachable by bus from Arvika. Pay a Nationalpark center fee, get the hiking map and decide on a tour. Simple wooden huts let you make your forest bathing experience an overnight adventure. Wooden huts away from the big lakes are better if you are looking for solitude. Each cabin has a fireplace and firewood.
Alternatively, if you need more comfort, check out the 72-hour cabin. A cabin with a glass roof and walls. It makes you feel like you are in the middle of nature.
During your overnight forest bathing experience in Sweden you can spend hours just observing the forest with all your senses.
Luxemburg – the hidden gem for forest bathing
In central Europe is the small country Luxemburg, while it seems to be overlooked, it is a true underrated country in Europe. In addition to cultural richness and diversity, you will also find a rich natural environment.
The Mullerthal region for instance also has the name little Switzerland. In the Mullerthal you find plenty of hiking trails that are partly covered in woods. So you can enjoy forest bathing in this unique place of Europe. The tourism destination visit guttland also offers guided forest bathing tours at different locations near the capital city Luxembourg.
There are many other opportunities for forest bathing in Europe. More and more destinations are taking up the trend. If forest bathing is new to you, try it. Whether on your travels around Europe or in the woods at home. An enlightening experience that contributes to your overall well-being.
