Breathing slowly, walking in the silence of the forest and finding balance again: in Fai della Paganella, the Parco del Respiro is the ideal place to discover forest bathing in Trentino, immersed in an alpine beech forest that regenerates body and mind.
In the heart of the Paganella plateau, in Fai della Paganella, the forest has long been a true ally of wellbeing. Here lies the Parco del Respiro, one of the first and most important spaces in Italy dedicated to forest bathing – the mindful immersion in nature that originated in Japan and is now internationally recognised for its psychophysical benefits.
Surrounded by a magnificent alpine beech forest, the Parco del Respiro is open to everyone. There is no entrance fee, only a symbolic “pact” with the forest: to respect it, protect it and experience it with awareness. Only in this way can nature fully return its regenerative power.
What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
Known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bathing”, this wellness practice consists of spending time in the forest in a slow and mindful way, stimulating the senses through deep breathing, listening to natural sounds, observation and physical contact with the environment.
Promoted by the Japanese government since the 1980s as a preventive health practice, forest bathing has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, particularly by the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, confirming its benefits for both body and mind.
The benefits of forest bathing
Spending time in the forest, breathing air enriched with the volatile substances released by trees (monoterpenes or phytoncides), helps to:
- reduce stress and cortisol levels
- improve mood and cognitive abilities
- lower blood pressure
- strengthen the immune system
- increase the activity of Natural Killer lymphocytes, essential for the body’s defence
Benefits can already appear after a single experience lasting a few hours, but become longer-lasting with repeated visits to the forest.
The ideal forest? The beech woods of Fai della Paganella
Not all forests are the same. Research shows that some tree species emit higher quantities of monoterpenes. Among them, beech trees are particularly effective, especially from late spring to summer, when the canopy is fully developed.
The Parco del Respiro in Fai della Paganella extends through a mature forest rich in beech, spruce, Scots pine and larch – an ideal combination for forest bathing. Sun exposure and the play of light filtering through the leaves further enhance the sensory experience, making this forest a true “natural therapeutic park”, unique in Europe.
How to practise forest bathing
No training or special equipment is required. Forest bathing is practised by walking slowly, stopping when needed, breathing deeply and allowing space for silence and listening.
According to Japanese medical guidelines:
- the ideal time is 10–12 hours in the forest over 2–3 days
- individual sessions should last at least 2–3 hours
- even a single 3–4 hour experience can significantly reduce stress
In the Parco del Respiro, trails and panoramic viewpoints invite contemplation and slowing down, turning a simple walk into a deeply regenerative experience.
An experience to be lived, with respect for nature
The Parco del Respiro in Fai della Paganella is not just a place to visit, but an experience to be lived with respect and awareness. Every visitor plays an active role in protecting the forest, because its health is closely linked to our own.
An invitation to slow down, breathe and rediscover balance, immersed in the nature of Trentino.
