Seeking a holiday to improve your health and wellbeing with some serious R&R? Spending time in nature has been proven to make us healthier and happier, so, to help inspire your next trip, we've listed the most relaxing and mindful outdoor activities in Europe.

From forest bathing in Belgium and foraging for mushrooms in Germany, to wild swimming in Slovenia and stand-up paddle boarding in the Netherlands, you'll find a way to reconnect with the outdoors...

To find more inspiration for incredible outdoor experiences across the continent, check out Outdoor Europe.

Outdoor Europe

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An English translation of the Japanese phrase Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is the therapeutic act of spending quiet, mindful time in nature. Belgium's primeval Sonian Forest is a serene and remarkably accessible spot where visitors can soak up the peace of the trees just 30 minutes by bus from the centre of Brussels. Wide trails that are solid under both foot and wheelchair gently wind through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known locally as the “Beech Cathedral.” Pause on the tranquil banks of the lakes dotted throughout the forest and take a moment to reflect; sitting by the water, drift into a meditative calm as you listen to the gentle rustling of nearby beech trees.

With its focus on the meditative pull of the paddle through the water, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a natural stress reliever. Ijsselmeer, the largest lake in the Netherlands, is protected by a dam and provides perfect conditions for slowly drifting along the water on your board. Tufted ducks and great crested grebes provide quiet companionship on the lake, whilst the traditional towns and villages lining the water’s edge make for a scenic setting.

Far from the fluorescent lights of the local supermarket, foraging in Mother Nature's pantry is the perfect antidote to rushed urban living. Reconnect with your hunter-gatherer roots by roaming through Germany's fairy-tale-like Black Forest after an autumn downpour—the best time for mushroom gathering. Armed with nothing but a wicker basket and a keen eye (the bronze leaves covering the pathways can make mushrooms hard to spot at first), you'll discover many delectable specimens. Remeber, not all of these fungi are edible and you should only pick something when you are 100 percent sure what it is—a foraging course or a guidebook should give you enough knowledge to give it a go.

Harness the purifying powers of geothermal waters and experience the drowsy contentment that comes from lowering yourself into a natural bath. Still not sold? Now imagine an awe-inspiring, otherworldly wilderness providing the backdrop to your soak. Amid the rugged black lava fields and rainbow-coloured rhyolite mountains of Iceland’s unforgiving interior, you’ll discover the magma-warmed springs of Landmannalaugar. Accessible only on foot or with a 4WD, these middle-of-nowhere pools lie 112 miles (180 km) east of Reykjavik and are often enjoyed by groups of seasoned hikers. Start with an invigorating plunge into the cold spring, before enjoying a well earned soak in the steaming hot waters.

Walking need not be difficult – you don't have to scale a mountain or sport special gear for a walk to be meaningful. Even an unhurried stroll, the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, can have stress-relieving benefits. Slowly meander along the wooden paths and footbridges of Plitvice Lakes National Park on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and you’ll discover an ancient oasis of dense woodland, craggy cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Each season here brings something different: lush greenery in spring and summer; fiery foliage in autumn; and a frozen wonderland in winter. For a more serene experience, visit either side of summer when visitor numbers are lower.

A chain of nine islands scattered across the Atlantic ocean, the Azores offer thermal springs, UNESCO-listed vineyards and world-class hiking routes. But it’s offshore, in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, where you’ll experience one of the most profound of all wildlife experiences. Home to a third of all whale species, the deep-blue waters surrounding this Portuguese archipelago are one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. With 28 species of cetaceans recorded here, the telltale puff of air on the horizon could signal a blue whale, a sperm whale, or even a humpback whale preparing to breach the water.

Flora spotting is a feast for the senses, an oppurtunity to experience the most beautiful sights and smells of the plant kingdom. The bewitching mountain meadows of Wengen, found high in the Swiss Alps, erupt every summer with a riot of wildflowers that paint the hills in vibrant hues of gold, yellow and blue. Drink in the pure alpine air, sweetened by the citrusy smell of primrose and buzzing with the sound of busy bumblebees.

Slovene poet France Prešeren described Lake Bled as a “second Eden” and we can’t disagree. This is without doubt one of Europe’s most picturesque lakes: the shimmering waters are ringed by rich green fir trees, Bled Castle clings to its rocky cliffside perch, the pretty Pilgrimage Church appears to float in the middle of lake on its islet, and the soaring snow-dusted peaks of the Julian Alps brood in the distance. Natural thermal springs warm the lake to a pleasant 73 °F (23 °C) in summer so you can take your time and enjoy the beautiful backdrop. Best of all, the site is easy to access, located less than 45 minutes by car from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana. 

A practice dating back thousands of years, mudbathing is known for its health benefits, from improving skin conditions and the function of the central nervous system to providing relief from chronic ailments. You could pay for an exorbitantly priced mud bath at a spa or you could take advantage of what Mother Earth offers up for free on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano in Italy. Many swear by the soothing effect of the mineral-rich mud on inflamed joints and creaky bones, while silky smooth skin is almost guaranteed. Once you get over the sulfur-smell, the experience is supremely relaxing as the mud is lovely and warm, and the views are spectacular.

Deep in the North Atlantic, a volcanic archipelago rises up from the writhing waters midway between Norway and Iceland. This far-flung cluster of 18 rocky islands, otherwise known as the Faroes, is home to some of Europe’s most striking landscapes–and some of its most diverse birdlife. With their colourful striped beaks, bright orange feet and wistful eyes, puffins never fail to delight–and on windswept Mykines, you can see them in their thousands. Take the 4-mile (6 km) round hike to Holmur Lighthouse and you're sure to spot these charming birds fluttering in and out of their nests, moving dried grass around and skipping out to sea to fish. Even a few moments in their company prove why they are one of the world's best-loved birds.

10 unforgettable hikes across Europe

From seeking out vampiric castles to following in the footsteps of pilgrims and polar explorers, here are 10 incredible outdoor European adventures that offer the chance to get off the grid and immerse yourself in the wilderness.

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