Wellness walks

Slow down. Breathe in. Stroll on. 

Whether you're wandering through wildflower meadows or strolling lakeside with a gelato in hand, wellness walks are the perfect way to unwind on holiday.

From gentle forest paths to breezy coastal trails, these calming walks blend nature, movement, and mood-boosting scenery to help you switch off and feel fantastic.

Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it’s an Aperol Spritz by the lake. For others, it’s hiking into the hills for a bit of peace and perspective. But whatever your pace, a wellness walk is a great way to reconnect with nature, and yourself.

What is a Wellness Walk?

So, what makes a walk feel like a wellness moment? It’s not about counting steps or conquering peaks – it’s about finding peace, soaking up the views, and letting your mind (and feet) wander.

Here’s what to look for:

• Peaceful surroundings: Quiet trails in nature.
• Gentle terrain: Routes that are easy to moderate, avoiding steep inclines or tricky paths.
• Uninterrupted paths: Free from road crossings to keep you fully immersed.
• Stunning scenery: Forests, meadows, and coastal views provide a calming backdrop. Restful stops: Scenic spots to pause and take it all in.
• Nearby comforts: A charming café to reward yourself at the end of the walk. Manageable distances: Enough to rejuvenate, but not so long that it feels overwhelming.
• Wildlife moments: Wildlife to spot along the way.

Our recommended wellness walks

Feel-good strolls. Soul-soothing scenery. From barefoot trails to lakeside loops, these are the walks that bring all the calm, fresh air, and nature-boosting benefits you need on holiday.

Many of these are part of our guided walks included with your holiday, and led by local experts who know all the best scenic spots, nature highlights, and hidden gems along the way.

Whether you’re after a peaceful forest path, a panoramic viewpoint, or a walk that ends with cake, there’s something here to help you truly switch off and unwind.

In the Heart of the UNESCO Puez Odle Natural Park 

Where: Selva, The Dolomites, Italy

This full-day guided walk from Selva takes you deep into the stunning Puez Odle Natural Park, a protected area right in the heart of the Dolomites and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why it’s good for wellness

This walk offers a calm and steady pace through one of the most scenic corners of the Dolomites. You’ll wind through meadows and forest trails, with plenty of space to breathe deeply and enjoy the moment.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there’s the option to take on the steeper climb to the Mastlé–Santa Cristina Panoramic Balcony. The effort is rewarded with incredible views of Val Gardena and the surrounding mountain peaks.

There are regular stops to take in the scenery and enjoy the quiet, with a break at a traditional mountain rifugio for local food and a relaxed rest before heading back.

Tall to the Taseralm 

Where: Merano, The Dolomites, Italy

This peaceful full-day walk is one of our included guided walks in Merano and is perfect for anyone looking to soak up the natural beauty of South Tyrol. With sweeping views, quiet forest trails, and charming alpine hamlets along the way, it’s wellness walking at its finest.

Why it's good for wellness

The route begins with a scenic cable car ride up to Tall (Oberkirn), followed by a gentle trail through woods, meadows, and quiet country lanes. You’ll pass rustic farmland and the charming mountain hamlet of Videgg, with views of the Ifinger mountain and Merano basin opening up around you.

The path continues through peaceful forest along the Taser Höhenweg, where you’ll hear mountain streams, breathe in fresh alpine air, and move at a pace that’s just right. The Taseralm at the end is the perfect place to pause, rest, and enjoy the mountain setting.

The Forest Wellness Trail

Where: Saalbach Hinterglemm

The Forest Wellness Trail is a short and relaxing loop surrounded by spruce trees and fresh alpine air. It’s ideal for a gentle stroll, solo moment, or a slow wander with friends or family.

Why it's good for wellness

Designed with relaxation in mind, this trail invites you to slow down and tune into your surroundings. You’ll walk through quiet forest, take in the scent of pine, and pass calming features like dedicated yoga spots, picnic areas, and even a little forest library. 

This walk is easy to access, suitable for all ages, and gives you time to truly switch off and reconnect with nature.

Stilluptal Valley 

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria

The Stilluptal Valley is one of the most peaceful places in the Zillertal Alps. With flower-filled meadows, a glistening reservoir, and the soothing sound of waterfalls, it’s the perfect spot for a slow, scenic walk.

Why it's good for wellness

This valley walk offers space to breathe, move gently, and enjoy nature at its calmest. The trail follows a quiet road alongside the Stillup Reservoir, with towering peaks on one side and colourful alpine flowers on the other.

The scenery shifts as you walk, but the feeling of peace stays the same. It’s a walk that invites you to take your time, stop for photos, and feel the stress melt away with every step.

If you're looking for more than just views, Mayrhofen also has walks with creative twists, like the Art River trail or a cheese-themed path past a traditional dairy farm.

Kupljenik Viewpoint

Where: Lake Bled

This gentle guided walk explores the quieter side of Bled, taking you through peaceful woodlands, sleepy villages, and up to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal choice for a slower-paced day in nature.

Why it's good for wellness

The trail winds through shady forest paths and open meadows, with birdsong and mountain air guiding your way. The ascent to the Kupljenik viewpoint is steady but not strenuous, giving you the perfect excuse to pause and take in the views.

From the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic perspective over Lake Bled, the Karavanke mountains, and the Sava River valley.

This walk is all about quiet scenery, gentle movement, and reconnecting with the natural world. You’ll walk through local hamlets and forest clearings, with time to stop, stretch, and just breathe.

Nendaz, Switzerland

Top Wellness Walk: Barefoot Trail

Why it’s special: This sensory walk is all about connecting with nature, one barefoot step at a time. Feel everything from soft moss to cool river stones under your feet.

Start on a playful barefoot loop with a mix of textures like wood chips, sand, pine cones and pebbles. The trail ends at the Printse River where you can dip your feet for a refreshing natural footbath. .

• Trail type: Designed for sensory experiences, featuring natural textures like grass, sand, and water.
• Trail length: 1.5km, ideal for a short yet impactful walk.
• Nearby attractions: Combine with a visit to local vineyards or alpine viewpoints.

This trail is perfect for families and nature lovers alike. The new Barefoot Trail offers a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy unforgettable walks and feel different textures beneath your feet. The trail starts with various natural surfaces, including sand, wood chips, pebbles, pine cones, wood pieces, earth, moss, and pine needles.

You can continue your barefoot adventure along a signposted path marked with white panels featuring playful footprints. The walk lasts about 50 minutes and ends at the refreshing Printse River, where you can dip your feet in for a cool, relaxing footbath.

• Trail type: Designed for sensory experiences, featuring natural textures like grass, sand, and water.
• Trail length: 1.5km, ideal for a short yet impactful walk.
• Nearby attractions: Combine with a visit to local vineyards or alpine viewpoints.

Kandersteg, Switzerland

Think traditional alpine villages, wildflower-filled valleys, and walks that feel like a deep breath of fresh air.

Top Wellness Walk: Oeschinensee Lake Walk

Why it’s special: Oeschinensee is a natural wonder and the perfect place to slow down. This peaceful lakeside trail is filled with wildflowers, grazing animals and postcard-worthy views.

From the top of the Oeschinen gondola, it’s an easy stroll to the lake. The trail is ideal for a relaxed wander, a lakeside picnic or even a paddle if the sun’s out. For something a little more adventurous, hike further into the mountains or explore the nearby Gasterntal Glacier Valley.

You can take a relaxing stroll along the lake, rent a boat to enjoy the water, or simply take in the views. However, be aware that it can get quite busy in high season, so it’s best to catch the first lift if you're visiting in July or August. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, picnic, or dine with a view at the lakeside restaurant, Oeschinensee offers endless ways to enjoy a day out with the family.

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 3km (to the lakeside and back)
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Highlights: Optional boat rentals and lakeside dining spots.

Funchal, Madeira

Madeira’s famous levadas are the island’s best-kept secret for wellness. Think mountain views, fragrant flowers and peaceful paths through lush green valleys.

Top wellness walk: Paradise Valley Levada Walk with Afternoon Tea (Guided)

Why it’s special: This gentle walk takes you through one of Madeira’s prettiest valleys with sweeping sea views, wildflowers and a tasty reward at the end.

Led by a local guide, you’ll follow a peaceful levada path through the hills. The walk finishes at a charming tea house where you can enjoy homemade cakes, sweet potato bread and jam in the garden.

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 3km
• Duration: Approx. 4 hours (Walking time approx. 1.5 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: Mostly level walking path
• Terrain: Primarily level, but some areas may be uneven
• Useful Information: This guided walk includes Hotel pick-up and return. Water refills are available along the route. Please note, there are no toilet facilities on the walk until the tea house at the end.

Arinsal, Andorra

Hidden in the Pyrenees, Arinsal is a little slice of peace. It’s all about gentle climbs, clear mountain air, and wide-open views that make you forget your to-do list ever existed.

Top wellness walk: Cami del Pla de l’Estany

Why it’s special: This easy route leads to one of the prettiest glacial valleys in Andorra. It’s family-friendly, peaceful and filled with natural beauty.

Starting at the Arinsal Dyke, this walk gently climbs through hazel groves, pine forests and open meadows before reaching the Pla de l’Estany lake. Wildflowers bloom in spring and you’ll pass traditional stone farmhouses along the way.

There are two versions of the route, one easier and more suitable for small children, while the other is a bit more challenging due to its rougher terrain. Both paths are well signposted with white and red GR markings, as they follow parts of the GR11 and GR11.1 trails, with some sections also marked by yellow and red GRP signs.

As you walk, you’ll pass through groves of hazel trees and Scots pine, as well as open meadows that were once farmed, with old stone walls and traditional farmhouses called ‘bordes’ (such as Agunes and Coruvilla Bordes).

When you reach Pla de l’Estany, you’ll be greeted by a stunning glacial lake surrounded by a variety of plant species, including dogtooth violets, rose daphne, and primroses. In spring, the area comes alive with natural beauty.

Bergen, Norway

Norway is a perfect destination for easy, peaceful wellness walks, especially in Bergen. The city, known as the "city of the seven mountains," offers beautiful, serene walking paths with stunning views. Two of its most popular peaks, Floyen and Ulriken, are accessible and ideal for relaxation and exploration.

You can easily reach Mount Fløyen via a funicular, which takes you to a lovely park, lake, café, and a network of well-marked walking trails.

For a bit more adventure, head to Ulriken by cable car, or take on the 1,300 stone-cut stairs if you're up for a challenge. From both mountains, you can enjoy some of the best views in Bergen, making these walks perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility in nature.

Mount Fløyen

Mount Fløyen offers a variety of walking options that you can adjust based on your ability and preference. If you're looking for an easier option, you can take the funicular to the top of the mountain and then enjoy a leisurely walk back down to the city, which is around 3.5 kilometers and all downhill with scenic views along the way.

For a bit more of a wellness challenge, hike up the mountain to get your blood pumping. The steady uphill climb, with some steeper sections, will get your heart rate up, but the panoramic views over the city from the top make it all worth the effort.

At the summit, you'll find cafés, restaurants, and even more trails to explore if you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure.

Ability: Easy/Moderate (depending on whether you decide to walk up or down the mountain, or both!)
Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Morzine, France

Set in the heart of the French Alps, Morzine is your gateway to green trails, crystal-clear lakes and easy-access mountain walks.

Top Wellness Walk: Lac Montriond Loop

Why it’s special: This peaceful walk around one of Haute-Savoie’s largest lakes is perfect for slow strolls, sunny picnics or a paddle in the shallows.

Lac Montriond is easily accessible from Morzine by public transport and is the third-largest natural lake in the Haute-Savoie region.
The terrain around the lake is mostly flat, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or to relax and soak up the sun by the shore.

If you're in the mood for a bit more adventure, you can extend your walk to the Ardent waterfall. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views are definitely worth it.

Walks in nature that fit your nature

There’s something uniquely grounding about walking in nature. Whether you're exploring wildflower meadows or walking a coastal path with sweeping sea views, these moments help you feel calm and focused.

We’re proud to partner with Mind Over Mountains, an amazing charity that uses nature to support mental health. Our partnership includes both funding and volunteering because we believe in the positive impact of spending time outdoors. With our long history of organising nature-based holidays since 1934, it’s a perfect fit.

Wherever you’re headed, a wellness walk is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. So, lace up your shoes, take a deep breath, and let nature work its magic. Every step brings you closer to feeling refreshed and restored. Getting outside really is great for a reason.