Helsinki Archipelago Forest Bathing Experience
Are you tired of being busy and glued to your phone? Recharge your body and mind and awaken all your senses again by reconnecting with nature in a new way!
Neither a hike nor a naturalist walk, forest bathing is a heart-felt, science-based wellbeing practice that continues to gain global popularity. It involves walking slowly, stopping and taking in the sounds, scents, colours, forms and the ambience of nature using all the five senses and engaging in simple nature connection activities. Forest bathing is as much about pausing to listen to your inner self as it is about listening to nature.
With a trained guide, it is much easier to slow down (one of the hardest things) – first the body, then the mind. You can leave all effort behind and relax into the experience, knowing that the guide will keep track of time and route, leading you safely every step of the way.
Welcome to enjoy Helsinki archipelago together and slow down with SOWL!
Options
Helsinki Archipelago Forest Bathing Experience
What's included in Helsinki Archipelago Forest Bathing Experience
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Leave the city behind and find a secret nature haven of the locals! Join a professional Forest Therapy Guide for a forest bathing experience on the beautiful Pihlajasaari Island, just a 10-minute boat ride away. Humans have known the healing effects of nature for millennia. Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy) was developed in Japan in the 80’s. It is an evidence-based, holistic practice that boosts the health benefits of nature and promotes relaxation, reduces stress and improves the immune system. Meet your guide at the pier and hop on the boat. Soon you will be greeted by sandy beaches, forest paths and imagination-sparking rock formations. Sense the island nature with every cell of your body and feel the fresh sea breeze wash away your troubles. Surrender to the sounds of birdsong, humming wind and the lapping of the waves. Along the way the guide invites you to do easy sensory, breathing and nature connection activities to help you relax and let go. Reconnect with nature – and yourself. We conclude with smelling aromatherapeutic oil, sharing our experiences and tasting Finnish bilberry juice. Your mind, body and soul are filled with peace.
Inclusions
- Therapeutic essential oil on skin (voluntary)
- Finnish wild bilberry shot (no alcohol)
- Sleeping pads
- Safety plan, first aid kit
- A certified wilderness and forest therapy guide
- Return boat ticket: adult 9,30€, pensioner 6,30€
- We save nature by not offering bottled water. Bring your own water bottle, fresh tap water is available on the island.
- On a rainy day, bring a raincoat/cloak. We do not cancel or offer refunds because of rain.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You can participate without any prior knowledge and skills. Normal physical mobility is sufficient. Excursion may include some moderate climbs and rough paths.
- Take some spare warm clothing and windproof jacket according to the weather, we move at a slow pace. Comfortable shoes, no high heels.
- Pets, smoking, drinking not allowed
- Minimum age 16
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Pier behind Cafe Carusel, JT-line boat. Your guide is wearing a green cap with the text SOWL. Please arrive 10 mins before departure. Boat tickets sold on board (card payment). After the forest bathing walk you can explore the island on your own if you like.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Optional: you can buy the boat ticket beforehand, go to https://jtline.shop.crd.fi/
