About us
International Academie for Natural Health & Forest Bathing
The International Academy for Natural Health and Forest Bathing provides you with effective, scientifically proven tools to guide you on your path to success. Our goal is to ensure that the graduates of our training, continuing education, and professional development programs are equipped to lead and design their own professional courses, workshops, and seminars.
The International Academy for Natural Health & Forest Bathing (IANHFB) was founded in 2024 and is part of the German Academy for Forest Bathing and Health (DAWG), which was established in 2018. The headquarters, led by Jasmin Schlimm-Thierjung, are located in St. Martin, Rhineland-Palatinate. The team currently consists of 8 permanent employees, including trainees, and more than 20 freelance trainers and lecturers. Our academy is constantly evolving!
Primarily, IANHFB and DAWG are educational institutions, and since 2018, they have been training course leaders for forest bathing. DAWG is thus one of the first institutes in Germany to offer training in this field. Since then, more than 2500 forest bathing course leaders and 3000 course leaders and trainers for other programs have been trained.
With many years of experience in training and continuing education, coaching, corporate health management, nature and experiential education, and the continuous development of training concepts, the German Academy for Forest Bathing and Health offers the highest level of training quality. With the expansion on an international level, we are taking another step into the future.
Our Unique Selling Proposition
The IANHFB Advantages for Participants and Graduates: Because Forest Bathing Is Not Just Forest Bathing.
The Leading Institution for Nature-Based Education and Forest Bathing in the German-Speaking and European Regions, with Over 5,000 Graduates.
Germany's Largest Congress on Forest and Nature Health
Nature Campus with Annual Live Networking Event Exclusively for Graduates
Lifetime Access to Our Internal Area with All Training Materials, Updated Annually
Extensive Manuals, Worksheets, & Supplementary Materials with a Minimum of 150 Pages
Detailed Information in the Manual with Studies and Scientific Findings
Personalized Certificate with Quality Seal for Your Own Website
Mission Statement
Our Mission
We are dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. We believe that a strong connection with nature enhances one's quality of life. Understanding the significant challenges that many individuals face in both their professional and personal lives, we recognize the importance of addressing these challenges with resilience and balance. To achieve this, individuals need tranquility, relaxation, and spaces where they can rejuvenate.
Through our training programs, seminars, and retreats, we facilitate personal development that enables people to reconnect with nature, deepen that connection, integrate it into their lives, and ultimately share it with others.
The forest holds a special significance for us as it provides comprehensive health benefits and is accessible throughout Germany. Therefore, our training programs focus on the forest, incorporating and adapting the Japanese concept of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) to Germany. This has become the cornerstone of IANHFB, exemplified by our flagship training program, “Forest Bathing Course Leader – Mindfulness in the Forest.”
However, relaxation alone is often not enough to achieve balance and satisfaction. Hence, we have expanded our training program to include essential topics, all closely related to nature.
Our Vision
We aim to create a regional platform that spans neighboring countries, bringing together people who, like us, are passionate about forests and health, and who live for this connection.
Our Quality Seal
Our instructors are authorized to use the seal "Certified Quality by the International Academy for Natural Health & Forest Bathing" This seal is awarded only to participants who have successfully completed our top-tier training for trainers and consultants, fulfilling all course content and achieving all educational objectives. Receiving this quality seal guarantees a high level of training excellence.
Our Approach to Collaboration
We are a team and treat each other with respect. Each individual takes responsibility for themselves, the entire team, and the tasks at hand. Every member has specific roles to fulfill. Through the diligent execution of our responsibilities and regular communication, we achieve results that consistently meet our clients' highest expectations. Our goal is not only the complete satisfaction of our clients but also the driving force behind our work, with their enthusiasm serving as our motivation. This, in turn, brings us immense joy.
Our Self-Understanding
We see ourselves not merely as an educational institution but also as a "Forest Bathing Expert Hub." We aim to connect "forest specialists" with "experts in relaxation and health in the forest" to collectively nurture and develop the concept of forest bathing and health.
We are guests in the forest—without the forest, there would be no forest bathing or nature experiences. This is also conveyed to our graduates during their training. Our understanding of "Interacting with the Forest" includes a detailed statement that forms the basis of our training and is lived by all of us.
We Support Sustainable Development!
Protecting nature, engaging socially and culturally, and embracing the principle "What I love, I protect!" are the foundations for preserving our world. We are passionate about supporting green projects of all kinds. We have already participated in numerous initiatives for sustainable development through actions or educational efforts across various regions in Germany and Europe and have implemented our own projects.
Our Focus Areas:
- Educational and community initiatives
- Forest bathing and health trails in therapeutic forests and tourism regions
- Educational trails for kindergartens and schools
- Hiking exhibitions on forest and nature health
- Conferences
- Tree planting actions
A key approach for us is training local people, as they carry their knowledge into their communities. Only through this can we achieve a long-term shift in attitudes towards the environment and nature. We welcome further ideas and suggestions and invite everyone to participate. We are happy to receive project ideas via email.
Get to Know Us!
You can also find more insights into our work and extensive offerings on our social media channels, YouTube and during our online information sessions.
- The Team from the International Academy for Natural Health & Forest Bathing -
More Information
Meet Our Team
A skilled team in the back office handles all inquiries related to training programs, travel arrangements, enrollment status, participant documentation, accounting, marketing, and more.
Our Trainers
The highly motivated instructors at IANHFB bring a wealth of experience and both personal and professional qualifications to their roles. Each one has personally experienced and internalized the philosophy and mission of the Academy.
Our Locations
We offer our events across Europe, with locations by the sea, in monasteries, in the desert, or in the mountains, creating exceptional and inspiring experiences.
“There are no lines in nature, only areas of color that contrast with each other.”
Edouard Manet