Forest bathing – a literal translation of “Shinrin-Yoku” – is a preventive and immersive therapeutic practice widely recognised in Japan since the 1980s which is becoming increasingly popular globally. In a forest bath the goal is to connect with nature to gain strength from the trees, while disconnecting from frenetic modern life. Achieving this connection can give an inexhaustible source of benefits.
The principle is simple. Walk in the forest with full awareness of the environment enables feelings of strength and well-being to regenerate. As we breathe replenished air we can find ourselves enveloped in the calm of the forest with all our senses being awakened: smell, touch, taste, sight, hearing. With this we can engage with and be more aware of the environment that surrounds us.
How was Ettelbruck chosen?
Ettelbruck was chosen due to it being easy to get away from all sources of visual and noise pollution, the presence of remarkable trees, and the diversity of species in the forest environment (beech, oak, Douglas fir, etc.).
How long is the trail? How long should I devote to this?
The trail starts at Camping Ettelbruck and is 2.5km (1.6 miles) long in the heart of the forest. It takes about two hours to fully engage with the silvotherapy exercises set out in “Wellerbësch” forest.
