Walking through a forest can improve your health and mood, these are some of the primeval forests of Spain and other European countries where you can enjoy a good bath among the trees.
We all like the idea of walking through a forest among large trees, listening to the rustle of branches and leaves in the wind and perhaps the murmur of a nearby stream. It’s not surprising that many meditation apps include the forest in their relaxing sounds menu. However, it is not a new age fad: the benefits of forests are confirmed by scientific studies.
It was found that the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or bathing in the forest, increases physical and mental well-being. This effect is produced by reducing stress hormones, heart rate and blood pressure, and strengthening the immune system. Furthermore, there is an increase in the subjective feeling of happiness and an increase in creativity.
Where can you practice a bath in the forest? In principle, any forest will do (urban parks are also a good substitute), but if you have the opportunity, it’s best to get lost in one of the primary forests that still exist in the world.
Primeval forests
Primary or primitive forests can be defined as a forest of indigenous species in which ecological processes have not been significantly disturbed by human action. Do these forests exist? Intact primary forests are found mainly in the Amazon, the northern latitudes, the Congo Basin, and Indonesia. Places where virtually no human beings enter.
But, fortunately, primeval forests can still be found as fragments of landscapes, even in the most developed parts of the world. Although not virgin forests, they maintain the species and its natural cycles and, if left alone, return to wild forests within a few decades.
In Spain and across Europe, many of these forests are protected but are still threatened in many places by illegal logging and forest fires. These are some old-growth forests at your fingertips, so you can take a good bath, get to know them and learn to love them:
Hayedo de Montejo, Madrid
This is one of the last strongholds of the primeval forests of Spain. There are only 250 hectares, a World Heritage Site, and you can choose three paths to go along them: the one that passes along the river, along the slope or the high path that goes to the lookout. The species it contains are mainly oaks, yews, birches, poplars and, above all, the beeches that give it its name. It is also a refuge for endangered species, such as wild cats, otters and badgers. The capacity is controlled and the visit must be scheduled in advance.
Hayedo from Lizardoia, Navarre
Photograph: HIKING ROUTES
This forest is located in the Selva de Irati, in the north of Navarre, and is a beech forest that presents spectacular colors in the autumn. Tours through the woods are organized from the interpretation center in the town of Ochagavía.
Oak forest of the Muniellos Integral Natural Reserve, Asturias
It is the largest oak forest in Spain and belongs to the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias natural parks. It is one of the best preserved old-growth forests in Europe and only admits 20 visitors a day, so it is essential to book the “bathroom” several weeks in advance.
Hayedo De La Tejera Negra, Guadalajara
The Tejera Negra beech forest, in the province of Guadalajara, is part of the Ayllón massif, the eastern end of the Central System of the Iberian Peninsula, and has been declared a World Heritage Site. It’s one of the southernmost beech forests in Europe, and the changes in the color of the trees’ leaves throughout the year are a sight to behold.
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Lleida
The National Park of Aigües Tortes (Tortuous Waters) and Lake San Mauricio were declared a protected natural area in 1955 and are the only declared national park in the autonomous community of Catalonia. In the lower part grow oaks, ash, beech and hazelnuts, while above 1,500 meters of altitude and up to 2,000, black pine and spruce dominate.
The Black Forest, Germany
Germany’s Black Forest is perhaps the most famous forest in central Europe. The first permanent settlements are 1,000 years old, but exploration over the past 200 years has almost completely destroyed the primeval forest. Currently, it is a protected area and in the process of reforestation to recover the original forest.
However, the forests of this vast region are impressive, with dense evergreen forests, dramatic mountains and picturesque villages. The few relatively unspoilt areas that remain today consist of swamps, exposed rock beds, cliffs, slopes and some forest areas protected from use for many decades, giving us an idea of what the primitive Black Forest might have looked like. .
The Taiga, Finland
Finland is the country in the world with the largest forest cover for its size. The forests of Taiga Selvagem, formed by a mixture of spruce, pine and birch trees. Despite being primeval forests, they are relatively new in geological terms, as they were formed at the beginning of the Holocene, about 12,000 years ago, when the ice receded.
Białowieża Forest, Poland
Much of Poland remains virgin forest, although it is threatened by logging and could change in coming years. The Białowieża Forest is one of the last parts of the primeval forest that stretched across the European plain. This forest is also the refuge of the last European bison.
Hallerbos Forest, Belgium
Hallerbos Forest, or ‘Blue Forest’, is a forest known in the region for its bell-topped carpet that covers the ground for a few weeks each spring, attracting many visitors. There are also giant sequoias that make the visit worthwhile. Historically it was part of Silva Carbonaria, a beech and oak forest known in Roman times. Although it was razed during World War II, it has since recovered.
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Gateway to the region, Lake Bohinj is surrounded by high mountains and dense forests that are home to endangered species such as the brown bear, wolf and mountain goat.
Quo Science Travel Section sponsored by Hyundai