How to Make the Most of Nature in 2025
- Robert & Melinda Schoutens
- Dec 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Whether you are the type of person to create New Year‘s resolutions or not, we can all benefit from more time spent in nature. For those residing in Switzerland, we are quite privileged to have an abundance of outdoor activities available year round. Regardless if you are a city dweller or live in a location close to a forest or the mountains, nature exposure is essential for robust mental, physical and emotional health. Make the most of nature in 2025 !
Listed below, we provide a few suggestions to make increasing your nature exposure that much easier.
Set a Goal:
Believe it or not, in today's world, we must prioritize nature. In 2024, I made the goal of going on five hikes per month. This allowed me to focus on making nature a top priortity regardless of the season. I tracked my hikes on my calendar, which upon reflection, allowed me to see the trends in my own habits.
Enlist a Friend or Start a Group:
There is no better way to get out the door than to know someone is waiting for you! Start a hiking group that meets once a month. When encouraging others to join, provide enough lead time to give others plenty of advance notice. Consider using a website portal such as Evenrbrite or Eventfrog to advertise your hike and provide all of the necessary details.
Start Local:
We often overlook what we have in our own backyard, but we'd urge you to reconsider what is most accessible. If you live in close proximity to a river, consider a stroll along its banks.
If you live near a park, start your morning in a green setting that helps frame your day for the better. Our favorite green parks in the Basel area are:
If you Live in Switzerland, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Switzerland is home to 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites, all of which are impressive in their own right. If you aren‘t sure where to start, consider reviewing the list and select those most appealing to you. We can highly suggest a visit to the mighty Aletsch Glacier, spanning over 20 km in distance and the longest glacier in the Alpine region, this stunning body of ice is worth a visit. We provide hiking routes and suggestions in our first book, Fresh Air Kids Switzerland.
If you are looking to get an indepth Aletsch Glacier experience, consider hiring a guide and taking a tour. We profile all of the details for this remarkable experience in our newest book, Fresh Air Adventures Switzerland (English and German).
Try Something New with an Adventurous Flair:
The allure of new adventures is enticing. As we age, we often neglect the novelty of the new in exchange for the comfortable. Shake yourself out of that mindset and dare to try a new activities.
(Link resources below)
Consider Forest Bathing:
If your days are particularly stressful or if you are interested in trying the now ever so popular, forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), Switzerland has plenty of forests.
We particularly like the Teufelskeller Nature Reserve in Baden. The forest is gorgeous in the autumn when the colors are intense and the mushrooms are abundant.
If you would like to take a guided walk, consider a walk with Beàta Szablics.
The health benefits of forest bathing have been known throughout Japan since it was first introduced in the 1980's.
If you would like to read mor about forest bathing, consider the book, Walking in the Woods by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki.
Theme Trails:
If you are a family aching to get outside with your children, but not sure where to start, consider one of Switzerland‘s many theme trails. In our first book, we profile numerous theme trails that are certain to keep your children engaged. With interactive stations, oftentimes, beloved characters, or playgrounds, your children will walk without complaint!
Another tip we can highly suggest are the Alpine playgrounds in Switzerland. Often situated in the most picturesque locations, these playgrounds will captivate your children for our hours. A personal favorite is the playground adjacent to to Alpinhotel Bort or the Flower Park above Mürren. Grab a cup of coffee at the nearby restaurant and allow your children the opportunity to experience the Alps like never before.
Visit a Farm:
Visiting a local farm is not only an educational experience, but also entertaining for the entire family. In the Basel region, the Mathishof farm, particularly in the autumn, is a delightful for young and old. With numerous varieties of pumpkins and a corn maze, this local spot, is ideal.
Visit a Botanical Garden:
Is there anything better than visiting a botanical garden when it is in full bloom? The Merian Gärten located in Basel, is the most accessible and beautiful outdoor garden in the city. Particularly gorgeous during the spring months when the vast Iris garden is in bloom, it's no wonder tourists from all over come to witness this spectacle. The onsite cafés are the perfect spot for a coffee or lunch.
The University of Basel Botanical Gardens, small, but impressive, the tropical house, offer respite from the cold during the winter months. Free entry and accessible by foot or tram, a casual stroll through this oasis, is worthy of your time.
Finally:
Life is SO MUCH BETTER OUTDOORS, make the most of nature in 2025!
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