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Discover Mindfulness in Nature: Exploring FitCamp’s Heart and Barefoot Trails

When we started FitCamp Montenegro at its location in the heart of Montenegro, we promised to keep enriching the property along the way, so our visitors and guests could enjoy the same way we do and explore the nature surrounding us. This sort of enrichment is the creation of our trails well-tucked in nature – one in the middle of the forest and the other in the secluded valley.

In a world driven by screens and schedules, the Heart and Barefoot Trails at FitCamp Montenegro offer a serene escape, where nature heals, grounds, and inspires. These trails aren’t just paths through nature – they’re an invitation to reconnect with the earth and ourselves.

The Science of Healing with Nature

Have you ever heard of the nature-healing concept? No, it wasn’t invented by us at FitCamp, it’s a globally known thing, present mostly in the countries which put a lot of effort into maintaining and improving the general well-being of their citizens.

For instance, shirin-yoku is a concept of forest bathing, derived from Japanese, first coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama the former director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. There are written proofs that humankind has been practising this concept from ancient times, through the Middle Ages until today.

In Finland, The Finnish Forest Association organises activities focused on well-being and mind and body recovery for various groups, companies, and communities.

In Japan, Shinrin-yoku was developed as a response to the increasing urbanisation and technological advancements and was put forth to inspire the Japanese public to reconnect with nature as a means to protect the forests.

In South Korea, they opened the Saneum National Recreational Forest in 2009. Since then, they have opened numerous and by 2020, there were 32 therapeutic forests in South Korea.

In the USA, the U.S. Forest Service certified guides for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. These certified guides conduct 2-hour sessions in El Yunque Rainforest where they bring along participants to experience the powerful effect of forest therapy.

This is what the FitCamp Montenegro crew craves to show and practise with our guests and visitors. The powerful time in nature and the so-called forest bathing help reduce stress and anxiety, boost your immune system and mental clarity and improve cardiovascular health. The nature-healing or forest bathing involves:

  • Listening to forest sounds, i.e. birds and insects
  • Touching the ground, the trees, and the leaves
  • Smelling the flowers and other essential oils of the plants and trees
  • Observing the surroundings and scenery
  • Tasting the crispiness of the air while breathing.

Give us a chance to give you these sensations by passing our wonderous trails in nature.

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Barefoot Trail: Grounding and Sensory Healing

Our Barefoot Trail is an immersive journey designed to reconnect you with nature through sensory stimulation. The trail features 5 different surfaces – cool pebbles, sand, pine cones, moss and dry branches – each carefully curated to awaken your senses and provide a unique grounding experience. Guests often describe walking the trail as invigorating and soothing, as it gently massages the feet and encourages mindfulness with every step.

Walking barefoot, also known as grounding or earthing, has been scientifically linked to a range of health benefits:

  • Improved Sleep – Direct contact with the earth helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm.
  • Reduced Inflammation – The Earth’s natural electrons neutralise free radicals, alleviating inflammation and pain.
  • Enhanced Circulation and Sensory Awareness – Stimulating the soles of your feet promotes better blood flow and reawakens nerve endings, boosting overall vitality.

One of our guests, Lyna, described her experience: “Walking the Barefoot Trail felt like a reset button for my mind and body. Each step reminded me to slow down and appreciate the simple, grounding beauty of nature. By the end, I felt more connected – not just to the earth, but to myself.”

If you wondered why would someone even walk barefoot, here are just a few benefits:

  • It reconnects you to the earth’s natural energies.
  • It enhances your body-mind awareness.
  • It promotes a calming, meditative state.

Heart Trail: Walking for Emotional and Physical Well-being

The Heart Trail at FitCamp is a serene, approx. 1-km circular path that elegantly winds around the property, offering a mindful escape into nature. This trail was a collective effort – marked with care and joy by our team, guests from Germany, and a volunteer from Uruguay, all accompanied by the calming presence of our loyal dogs Arya and Sivi, including our guests’ furry companion, Bayley.

What makes the Heart Trail stand out is its distinctive markers: hearts instead of the standard hiking circles. This creative choice gave the trail its name, but the symbolism runs deeper. The hearts are a reminder of the trail’s purpose: to help visitors reconnect with nature and themselves, from the bottom of their hearts. Walking the Heart Trail is a gentle invitation to feel the love that flows between humans and the natural world, fostering mindfulness and appreciation with every step.

Beyond its aesthetic charm, the Heart Trail offers tangible emotional and physical benefits. Mindful walking along this path creates a space for reflection, emotional healing, and simply enjoying the silence. Physically, walking the trail can enhance cardiovascular health, improve joint mobility, and revitalise your overall sense of well-being.

The trail’s natural diversity makes it an ideal venue for FitCamp workshops, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga sessions. Currently offering a serene walking experience, the Heart Trail is a growing project. Plans are underway to establish activity stations along the route, enhancing its role as a haven for personal growth and exploration.

Walking the Heart Trail isn’t just a stroll through the forest – it’s a step toward inner balance, community connection, and a profound love for nature’s simple gifts.

Nature and Well-being: A Holistic Approach

At FitCamp Montenegro, the Heart Trail and Barefoot Trail are more than just paths through nature – they represent complementary journeys toward a balanced, mindful, and sustainable way of living. Each trail offers a distinct experience while together forming a holistic practice aligned with FitCamp’s philosophy of well-being, connection, and ecological harmony.

The Barefoot Trail invites you to embrace the earth through grounding, stimulating your senses, and rejuvenating your body as you connect with natural textures and energies. The Heart Trail, on the other hand, provides a sanctuary for reflection, emotional healing, and mindful movement. Together, they embody the synergy of physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.

Walking these trails reminds us of the beauty and simplicity of coexisting with nature – a principle at the core of a sustainable lifestyle. Your journey through FitCamp’s estate becomes a deeper connection to the earth, to yourself, and to the vibrant community we nurture here. Together, these trails are pathways to life more mindful, more connected, and more aligned with nature’s wisdom.

Take the first step on our path to healing, mindfulness, and connection by walking the Heart and Barefoot Trails. Pair your trail explorations with our mindfulness and nutrition workshops, guided nature walks, or yoga sessions to amplify your experience.

Book your stay for 2025 and be among the first to explore these unique paths designed to inspire a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle.

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2023 Blog Stories Recap

We were productive this year, and we crafted a blog per month in 2023. The December one is dedicated to the recap of all the great stories we had during this year. Let’s dive into them and thank you for the inspiration!

January – HERITAGE DEPICTED IN LOVING PIECES – YOUR EASY PATH TO LEARN ABOUT MONTENEGRO

February – AN UNEXPECTED DIGITAL DETOX AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT – RURAL COLIVING IN MONTENEGRO

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March – STAYCATION & WORKATION AT FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

April – THE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

May – HIKING ADVENTURE WITH MY DOG TO NOZDRA AND GOLIJA IN CENTRAL MONTENEGRO 

June – GUIDED STARGAZING EXPERIENCE IN MONTENEGRO

July – WELL-BEING HOLIDAYS: THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE & TRAVEL AT FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

August – HOW WE GAVE BIRTH TO “WOMEN WHO PLAY” OFFER

September – CO-LIVING IN THE FITCAMP COMMUNITY

October – 6 REASONS WHY FITCAMP MONTENEGRO IS A GREAT SPOT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS & DIGITAL NOMADS

women who play and enjoy nature on women's retreat

November – 6 REASONS TO JOIN A WOMEN’S RETREAT IN MONTENEGRO IN 2024

Thank you so much for your trust! We will do our best to share more amusing moments through stories in 2024! Happy holidays and best wishes for the upcoming year!

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Well-being Holidays: The Healing Power of Nature & Travel at FitCamp Montenegro

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become an increasingly important aspect of overall well-being. As stress levels rise, people are turning towards nature and travel to find relief and healing. At FitCamp Montenegro, we are pointing out the transformative power of nature, engaging in various activities like yoga, mindfulness, hiking, nutrition, reading, writing, and similar. So we decided to make a blog post about the profound connection between mental health and healing in nature, combined with the activities FitCamp Montenegro offers through our programs.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-day experience (such as Women’s Circle) or a 5-night stay (such as a Mindful Retreat or Wellbeing Holiday), FitCamp’s focus stays the same – to bring you to the next level of vacation by achieving permanent benefits that will serve you in your every day life too!

nature healing at fitcamp montenegro

Mental Health and Nature Healing

The link between mental health and spending time in nature must be clear to everyone. Nature has a remarkable way of calming the mind, reducing stress, and improving overall mood. At FitCamp Montenegro, visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauties of Montenegro. Surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountains, located in the close vicinity of crystal clear lakes and rivers, participants can experience a sense of tranquillity that revitalises their mental state.

The Healing Power of Travel

Travelling to unique and beautiful destinations such as Montenegro, opens a myriad of benefits for mental and physical health. Stepping out of the daily routine and experiencing new environments can encourage a sense of wonder and excitement, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. FitCamp Montenegro’s location provides an ideal backdrop for a transformative travel experience. Put your hands and feet into the soil, reconnect with our mother Earth and release all the stress your body accumulates through a simple practice such as grounding.

Discovering Ways of Mindfulness and Wellness

FitCamp Montenegro caters to individuals seeking mindfulness and wellness activities. Through carefully curated programs, participants can engage in activities like yoga and meditation, which enhance self-awareness and inner peace. The serenity of the surroundings adds an extra dimension to these practices, allowing participants to achieve a deeper level of mindfulness.

Yoga has long been honoured for its positive impact on mental and physical health. At FitCamp Montenegro, experienced yoga instructors lead classes tailored to all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, yoga can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. If you are more into fitness, we are here to offer this practice too.

Hiking is not only an excellent form of physical exercise but also a means of connecting with nature on a profound level. Montenegro offers marked hiking trails that take participants through scenic routes, where they can embrace the natural wonders and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering new heights. Read the experience of one of our guests here. 

Swimming is a refreshing activity that promotes mental clarity and relaxation. FitCamp Montenegro’s location is a 10-min drive from Krupac and Slano Lakes, which offers participants the opportunity to rejuvenate in the refreshing waters while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

FitCamp Montenegro is here for travellers seeking to experience the ultimate relaxation through yoga, nature healing, mindfulness, nutrition and all this by minding the environment and local community. The breathtaking landscapes, numerous activities, and the chance to explore the world contribute to a profound and transformative experience. By embarking on this journey of self-discovery, FitCamp Montenegro visitors can leave with a renewed sense of balance, inner peace, and overall well-being. The point is – you should disconnect to reconnect, and let us take you to the next level of vacation.

Welcome to our community!

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Hiking Adventure with My Dog to Nozdra and Golija in Central Montenegro 

One feels so beautiful by being accepted and creating connections with complete strangers around the world. Montenegro has a big soul, ready to heartwarmingly welcome you at any moment! Let’s check the story from our coliving guest Lisa, who was that kind to write the story for our website and share it with all of you! 💚

FitCamp Montenegro Hosts

Going hiking to the remains of the old Ottoman Fortress and back to FitCamp – that was the plan. 

In the morning, I packed my small backpack with some food and water for me and our dog Bailey and we took off. The first bit of the hike I knew already from the previous walks. I was super excited to go again, and this time even further to explore the fortress.

The weather was absolutely amazing – summer feeling in the air. For Bailey it was a bit too warm, so we were faster in the beginning to reach the higher peaks of the mountains as I already knew there was a little pond, and I planned to take a break, mainly so that Bailey could cool herself down by swimming.

And so we did. After the break, we made our way through the stunning landscapes with a bit of wind. While the first part was more rocky, we soon passed to a beautiful valley, with grass and trees all around. We passed a few old farmhouses (katun), some presumably still in use during summer. Once in a while, there were small ponds with water for the cattle, which Bailey also happily used.

After approximately 2,5 hours of walking, we could have seen the ruins of the fortress high up in the mountain above the valley. If we wanted to make the way up to reach the ruins, we needed to leave the hiking road and do a short walk up the mountain. I decided not to walk there as I already had a wild idea in my head. I wanted Bailey and me to save our energy for the adventure ahead. 

Enjoying the beautiful weather and curious as I am, I called my partner. I quickly introduced her to my idea and was super happy to hear that she agreed to help out. Instead of turning to the fortress, I decided to go on, curious to see more of this beautiful mountain area. I wanted to dive deeper and enjoy this energy, nature and remoteness. Of course, previously, I checked the map that said it was possible to continue on the same hiking road for about 13 km to reach the main road again. From that point to FitCamp, there was about 21 km and I knew we couldn’t walk that distance on the same day, so that is where I needed my partner’s assistance. We were planning to meet on the main road that evening and the pick-up was with our camper van. After planning it all, Bailey and I took a break, ate some snacks and enjoyed the sun.

Heading on, the landscape was changing again and again, from rocky, to small forests and then a beautiful, wide and open valley. I could see that Bailey loved this just as much as I did, as she was bouncing and running a bit in front and around me. I could not believe that there was no one around, just us. 

Walking on, we reached another valley with a huge flock of sheep. So, we were not alone in the end… 

Slowly making our way towards the flock, I was looking for the shepherd. Also, I could not see any dogs, even if I was sure that there must be some. The sheep were all over the place. 

There weren’t any other options to pass further, but going directly into the flock. So, I took Bailey to my side and went slowly straight on. One moment, as we came closer, all sheep looked at us, forming a half circle. This was impressive. Even more impressive, when Bailey and I continued and I realised that the sheep were closing the circle behind us. I felt Bailey’s tension and was so grateful that she is such a calm dog, in most situations. On the other hand, I was not used to sheep and having them walking behind and around us, so I just wanted to get through the flock and out. 

Holding Bailey and walking, I talked aloud to calm down both of us. We speeded up a bit and finally made it out and turned away from the flock. 

I was super happy we made it and then I heard dogs and saw a shepherd approaching us. I waved and greeted him in my few, newly learned Montenegrins words, saying „Dobar dan“. 

He waved and greeted me with a big smile, obviously surprised to see us. He went on talking, gesturing – I tried and wished I would have learned more Montenegrin. Anyway, I just smiled and followed him as he was inviting me towards the house nearby. Meanwhile, Bailey and his dogs had also greeted each other. 

Bailey stayed outside while I went inside, following the shepherd. There was one room. Simple but cosy, with a bed, couch, basic stove and cooking area. We sat down, continuously trying to talk to each other. He even tried to call a few of his friends to help out translating. Unsuccessfully, but it was nice of him to try his best. He offered me what I thought was water and Fanta. I decided to go for the water but a few seconds later I realised when he was serving it in small glasses, that this was no water. This was rakija. Later, at FitCamp, I learnt that this is a typical alcoholic drink from Montenegro, usually made of grapes (but it can be made of other fruits) and intensively strong.

I remembered I had a muesli bar and offered him half. Then I slowly packed my bag and signalled to him that Bailey and I need to go on. He wasn’t happy as I believe he thought we planned to hike to Bosnia with just a small backpack. That was my guess, at least. Trying to communicate that everything was just fine – I thanked him. As a memory of this adventurous moment and this hospitable and welcoming shepherd, he left me to take a picture – both of us smiling and then waving goodbye.

I checked on the map and saw that we had about 1 hour of walking left. We took a small break, enjoying the beautiful views. After a while, I could already see the spot where the hiking road was intersecting with the main road, down the mountain. Pivoting down, we passed a few houses, reached the main road and then relaxed on the grass while waiting for our ride back home. 

The whole day and this hike turned out to be absolutely what I did not expect. And yet, this was just the perfect thing to happen that made this hike even more precious and unforgettable for Bailey and me.

Hvala Montenegro!

About author

Lisa Lützen is an Access Bars Facilitator, nature lover and adventurer. She spent a month at FitCamp Montenegro as our coliving guest, and we enjoyed the time with her, her partner and their lovely dog Bailey. We were amazed at how well they got the idea of our coliving concept and are more than happy to have made new friends. We are enthusiastic to welcome them again! To learn more about Lisa, click here.

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