Public Guided Tour: Forest Bathing at the Botanical Garden

Hardly any other place is as well suited to Shinrin Yoku as this one.

Across 43 hectares, plant life from entire continents thrives here; just a few steps separate the native deciduous forest from the Alps, the Caucasus and the Far East. This density and diversity make forest bathing in the Botanical Garden something truly special. This walk is not about seeing as much as possible, but about slowing down.

Forest bathing, known as Shinrin Yoku in Japanese, refers to consciously spending time amongst trees, engaging all the senses. It is not a sport, nor is it about performance or imparting knowledge in the traditional sense. You walk slowly, pause, smell, touch and listen. Studies show that even a short session like this reduces stress hormones and restores focus.

On this walk through the outdoor grounds, they will guide you to some of the garden’s quietest corners. Amidst ancient trees and sweeping meadows, you’ll be guided through awareness exercises. You need no prior knowledge or particular level of fitness, just time and a willingness to embrace a different pace.

• Number of participants: max. 15 people
• Target group: Adults
• Booking: required
• Meeting point: Visitor Centre, Königin-Luise-Platz entrance
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Speaker: Sarah Maske on behalf of the Berlin Botanical Garden