Recharge and reconnect with nature in Helsinki’s archipelago. Experience forest bathing with a trained guide. Awaken your senses and find inner peace.
- JT-Line Waterbus from Merisatama to Pihlajasaari Island - Escape the city and discover a hidden natural retreat cherished by locals! Embark on a forest bathing journey with a certified Forest Therapy Guide on the picturesque Pihlajasaari Island, just a short 10-minute boat trip away.
For thousands of years, humans have recognized the healing power of nature. Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku or forest therapy, originated in Japan in the 1980s. This evidence-based, holistic practice enhances the health benefits of nature, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and boosting the immune system.
Meet your guide at the pier and board the boat. Soon, you’ll arrive at an island adorned with sandy beaches, forest trails, and intriguing rock formations. Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, feeling the fresh sea breeze wash away your worries. Let the sounds of birds, the whispering wind, and the gentle waves soothe your soul.
Throughout the journey, your guide will lead you through simple sensory, breathing, and nature connection exercises designed to help you unwind and reconnect with nature—and yourself.
The experience concludes with a sharing circle, where we enjoy campfire coffee or tea and Finnish snacks. You’ll leave with a peaceful mind, body, and soul.
- Therapeutic essential oil on skin (voluntary)
- Snacks
- Tea and coffee
- Sleeping pads, rain cloaks in case of rain
- Safety plan and first aid kit
- Return boat ticket: adults 9 € per person, pensioners 6 €
- Bottled water
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!
- You can participate without prior knowledge and skills, normal physical health is sufficient. Excursion includes some moderate rock climbs and rough paths.
- Take some spare warm clothing according to weather, we move at a slow pace. Comfortable shoes, no high heels.
- Pets, smoking, drinking not allowed
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
