We hike down the hill this morning to catch the Floibanen funicular to Floyen. The cars are modern and clean. It is a rare and sunny day in Bergen and the locals are flocking to the mountain. We go along.

At the top, we enjoy the views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Smaller towns dot the islands and hills surrounding the city. I have to get out my sunglasses to combat the glare from the sunshine on the sea. It is beautiful here and I feel on top of the world.

A large map lays out the immediate area of parklands. I take a photo so I don’t get lost in the forest. People rush in all directions, excited to make their way into the forest. Moms with baby buggies, elderly men and women, teenage joggers… the whole town seems to be rushing to the woods.

I am intrigued by the promise of the troll forest. It is underwhelming in person give what my imagination concocted, yet still charming. Wooden carvings sit beside a large playground to provide entertainment for adults and children alike. We look and take fun photos, but the forest calls….at least to me. My husband heads back to the park hub to find a place to people watch and I walk into the woods.

The broad trail winds up the mountain in a steep and steady climb. The cold wind chaps my lips, but the sun is warm on my face. My thick goose down coat keeps away any chill. I smell the fir trees and the strong scent of rotting needles. I breathe deep. The ground is frozen but the top layers are beginning to thaw. The sun makes shadows among the trees. I feel alive in ways that only the deep forest can stir in me.

About a mile into the walk, the views become even more spectacular, revealing lakes and rivers amongst the trees. In my world, it doesn’t get any better than this. I am forest bathing. I hug a tree, literally, to feel the soft moss and cold bark. Sunlight, thick trees, birdsong, green moss and flowing water…this is God’s country.

Realizing I have been gone a long while, I reluctantly turn around and head back to the park hub. As I head downhill, I notice the steady stream of senior citizens out for a walk. They are impressive, as the hike is strenuous and completely uphill. But they are just enjoying the habits of a lifetime spent in the forest. Their bones know the way.

Preschoolers run wild at the trailhead. Their faces are covered in dirt and silly grins. They scream and laugh amidst the trees. I find my husband sitting on a bench enjoying the view and patiently waiting for my return. We get coffee and marvel at the coffee lids which are compostable and shaped like a pringles potato chip. Scandinavian design in organic cardboard. Forest friendly.

I am not yet willing to leave the forest, so we decide to find the lake I saw from the mountain. We walk a half mile into the woods and find the charming little lake. Ducks swim contentedly. We take the path around, dodging ice patches and mud puddles. Further into the woods I see boardwalks over muddy moss and wetland. Adventure awaits.

We walk across marshy ground further into the woods. Sometimes there is boardwalk and other times there are just tree roots or rocks. Because we pass lots of people along the way, we think we are not lost. Eventually we emerge at the mountain edge with beautiful views of the valley. We can see the length of the valley to Bergen and the sea beyond. The sun is much lower in the sky and the light is softening.

We are hungry and it is unfortunately time to head back. I am excited to see the goats of the mountain who live along the trail, but they are hiding today. A metal insignia is my only goat sighting.

Disappointing but, it is okay. My heart is full. The forest filled it. I inhale one final deep breath of pine and we head back to the train. A perfect day in the woods….forest bathing.