Helsinki Archipelago Forest Bathing Experience on Pihlajasaari Island

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!

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 from Merisatamanranta Harbour (Merisatamanranta 10, Helsinki).

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.

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 sharing our experiences, enjoying campfire coffee or tea and Finnish snacks. Your mind, body and soul are filled with peace.

After the tour you can continue exploring the island on your own.

Welcome to enjoy Helsinki archipelago and slow down with SOWL!