Radoboj—Croatia’s first continental destination to offer forest bathing as an officially recognized health and wellness practice—is a unique sanctuary for resetting body and mind in perfect harmony with nature.
Article by Ivana Vodogažec
Jasna Vukas, president of the Forest Power Association
Radoboj is the centre for forest bathing in continental Croatia.
Forest bathing, organized by the Forest Power Association (Snaga šume, www.snaga-sume.eu), is a slow-paced walk lasting approximately two and a half to three hours, featuring occasional pauses reserved for sitting and meditating.
Conducted in a group setting, it takes place in a calm atmosphere—free from mobile phones—led by a certified guide who encourages participants to relax and deeply connect with nature through all their senses:
The core philosophy is to surrender to nature and be truly present in the “here and now”.
With the approval of the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the Forest Power Association, the Poliderma Polyclinic has opened a branch office in Radoboj as an institution authorized to provide health and wellness services with a holistic approach centred on forest bathing.
The Croatian Zagorje region is home to several certified trails specifically designed for forest bathing.
In the Radoboj area, there are two such trails:
Additionally, there is a certified trail in Tuheljske Toplice, starting near the historic Mihanović Castle.
The Forest Power Association is continuously expanding its network of forest bathing trails throughout the Croatian Zagorje region.
According to Jasna Vukas, the association’s president, they plan to utilise a certified trail in Varaždinske Toplice in cooperation with experts from the local Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation.
They also plan to establish three additional trails by the end of the year:
In collaboration with the Forest Power Association, the travel agency Idilira—which specialises in holidays throughout the Croatian Zagorje region—organises forest bathing sessions for groups as part of custom-tailored travel packages.
More information is available at www.idilira.com.
This spring, the new Zagorske Gore Nature Park was officially established.
This area in northwestern Croatia encompasses:
It is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and rich cultural and historical heritage.
Nestled within this new nature park on the slopes of Strahinjčica, in the immediate vicinity of Krapina, lies the municipality of Radoboj, often considered a hidden gem.