Your guide to forest bathing in Romania

Forest bathing in Romania’s natural parks

Romania has 23 national natural parks, most of them in the Carpathians, and it seems only natural to jump straight to recommending these ones as the perfect place for forest bathing. And when you do get to one of the mountain routes, for sure it’s a forest galore! Allow yourself to use all your senses to breathe it all in.

Meanwhile, take a peak around you for wildlife (you should be able to spot the footprints of deer, boars, or bears). A great part of the natural landscape in the country is untouched or only slightly touched by human intervention, But there’s also the reverse: with all the hectic urbanization trends, everybody’s invading nature in every (sometimes unrespectful) possible way.

Forest bathing near the big cities

While it’s almost impossible not to be mesmerized by the rich biodiversity and wild paths, the truth is many tourists visit Romania to experience the bustling nightlife in the big cities.

In the aftermath of a few wild nights, the idea of forest bathing actually sounds calming. Indeed, some incredible forests await for you to explore at a slow pace at a stone’s throw from Sibiu, Brașov, or Cluj. The only challenge might be, probably, to find the perfect spot.

Some say coniferous trees are the best for forest bathing, but it’s harder to find such…exclusivity. And one efficient practice is to go where the locals go and then test the place to feel it and get to know it. 

Don’t be scared off by some urban legends about the place or by the somewhat neglected or wild aspect. Also, it will probably take a bit of time to avoid the crowds and some courage to take the less visible path, but it’s not impossible. 

Forest bathing near Bucharest

In the Middle Ages, most of what is today’s Bucharest used to be covered in thick, lush forests that served the locals as a refuge in case of foreign invasions. Heavy deforestation started in the 19th century when trade took off.

 Bucharest is now surrounded by just some remnants of those forests. Some you can’t access, and some are just a bad joke when looking for relaxing walks (noise, litter, and barbecue amateurs are some reasons). Consequently, it’s hard to have solid recommendations on this topic.

 Sometimes, you have to look further away from the capital. That’s why most people of Bucharest flee the city whenever they can. Alternatively, they literally invade whatever green space is at hand.

Some hidden gems for forest bathing

Usually located around lesser touristic cities or overshadowed by popular touristic attractions nearby, these places are perfect for forest bathing. The good news is that you can find them perfectly quiet and deserted no matter the season or the time of day.

When to go forest bathing in Romania

I’ll never cease to recommend spring or autumn as the best seasons to try forest bathing in Romania. For the guaranteed show off the forest sounds and colors. But whatever time works for you is fine, after all. The experience is all that matters.