Forest bathing is currently very much in trend, and we will tell you where and how you can do it.

Forest bathing for the soul

It has long been known that a stay in the forest benefits the soul and health, as one can enjoy silence, breathe fresh air, and truly relax: "For example, our stress levels decrease with regular stays in the forest, and the risk of cancer is also reduced," explains Christoph Rullmann, Federal Managing Director of the German Forest Protection Association (SWD).

A new form of hiking is the experience of so-called mindfulness trails, which follow specific themes and stations and are often found in spa towns. In spring 2024, for example, an entire wellness and healing forest will be opened in the Northern Black Forest in Schömberg, inviting visitors to contemplative hiking. There, one can explore themed paths and stations such as forest bathing, "Path of Inner Strength," and "By Chance – Impulses and Thoughts on the Theme of Happiness" while relaxing.

But these paths are also trending internationally, such as the "Mindful.Latemar" in the Dolomites, which is advertised as the first mindfulness trail in the Alps. Sometimes, however, to unwind on mindfulness trails, one does not need to directly go into a forest; these hiking paths have also been adapted for forest-like areas such as hospital parks or public parks.

The healing power of nature combined with relaxation exercises is for many an ideal way to really unwind during a vacation. From this need, more and more mindfulness paths are emerging in Germany, along which one can comfortably walk amid shady and green trees and consciously absorb this natural atmosphere with all senses. And it's best to leave the phone at home...