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Forest bathing

Forest Bathing in Switzerland – Experiencing Nature Mindfully

Forest bathing, known in Japanese as Shinrin Yoku (“immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest”), refers to the mindful experience of spending time in the forest using all the senses. The focus is not on physical exercise or performance, but on consciously experiencing nature. Slow walking, observing colours, shapes, sounds and scents, and spending moments in silence help direct attention to the immediate surroundings and leave everyday concerns behind for a while.

The origins of forest bathing lie in Japan, where it has been promoted as a health practice since the 1980s. Over the past decades, it has also become established in Europe and Switzerland. Interest in forest bathing has grown in response to increasing urbanisation and the often hectic pace of modern life. For many people, the forest offers a place of calm, restoration and reconnection with nature.

Switzerland, with its diverse forest landscapes, provides ideal conditions for forest bathing. Approximately one third of the country’s land area is covered by forests. From the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Plateau to the Alps, a wide variety of forest ecosystems can be found, each with its own characteristic plant and animal communities. This diversity creates rich opportunities for experiencing nature and makes forests an important recreational resource for the population.

Scientific studies suggest that spending time in forests can promote well-being. Forest visits have been associated with reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improvements in mood and concentration. Both the natural environment itself and the mindful attention given to sensory experiences appear to contribute to these effects. The benefits of forest bathing are not solely based on subjective impressions. Research indicates that time spent in forests can reduce stress hormones, calm the nervous system and support overall well-being. One possible contributing factor is the presence of terpenes—volatile organic compounds released by trees and other plants, which are inhaled while spending time in the forest. Alongside these biological influences, tranquillity, sensory engagement and mindful awareness are also thought to play important roles in the health-promoting effects of forest environments.

As a result, forest bathing is increasingly recognised as a complementary practice for supporting both mental and physical health. Beyond its health benefits, forest bathing can foster a deeper relationship with nature. Those who take time to experience a forest consciously often notice details that are easily overlooked in everyday life: the rustling of leaves, the scent of damp earth, the interplay of light and shadow, or the diversity of plants and fungi. Such experiences can strengthen awareness of the value of natural habitats and encourage a more respectful relationship with the environment.

Forest bathing is therefore more than a relaxation technique. It invites us to experience the forest as a living ecosystem and to rediscover the connection between humans and the natural world.

Today, numerous organisations and practitioners offer forest bathing experiences throughout Switzerland, including guided walks, training programmes and health-related activities inspired by the principles of Shinrin Yoku.

Today, numerous organisations and practitioners offer forest bathing experiences throughout Switzerland, including guided walks, training programmes and health-related activities inspired by the principles of Shinrin Yoku.
Examples include: