Discover Slovenia’s First Self-Guided Forest Bathing Experience
A new sensory trail for self-guided forest bathing opened near Rudi Lodge beneath Donačka Gora. The first self-guided forest bathing experience of its kind in Slovenia invites visitors to slow down and discover the mountain’s natural surroundings mindfully and through all the senses.
Donačka Gora holds an important place in Slovenia’s natural and hiking heritage. As early as 1853, Dr Ernst Froelich, a physician from nearby Rogaška Slatina, had what is considered the first purpose-built mountain trail in Slovenia created here.
The new sensory trail continues this connection between spending time in nature, movement and wellbeing, but with a deliberately slower and more contemplative approach. Locals often say they are going to “hug Donačka” when walking around the mountain. The new trail takes the idea a step further, inviting visitors to truly “meet” Donačka Gora.
The trail was co-created by Cvetka Avguštin, the first certified forest therapist among Slovenian physicians, together with colleagues from the Slovenian Forest Therapy Association. At the opening, Maja Šilc of the Slovenian Forest Therapy Association highlighted the changing relationship between people and nature and the importance of understanding sustainable development through direct experiences of the natural environment.
A 600-Metre Journey Through the Senses
The new experience follows part of a marked hiking trail along the edge of a valuable primeval beech forest. The route is approximately 600 metres long, with visitors encouraged to allow around 60 minutes for the complete experience.
Along the way, five sensory invitations encourage participants to alternate between movement and stillness, observe their surroundings closely, explore relationships between living beings and develop their own personal connection with nature.
Audio guidance for the self-guided forest bathing experience is also available via QR code.
Rather than prescribing what visitors should feel or experience, the trail creates space for an individual and more immersive encounter with Donačka Gora and its natural environment.
The trail was developed as part of the Sustainable Development of the Donačka Gora Area project, funded by the European Union.
Source and photos: Rogatec Institute for Culture, Tourism and Development
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