Wildlife and plants

Setting off to hike through Europe’s forests means immersing yourself in a living, mysterious, and captivating world. From the boreal expanses of Scandinavia to the ancient beech woods of Central Europe, through Mediterranean oak groves and the towering Alpine ranges, every trail tells the story of rich ecosystems where wildlife plays a vital role. For curious hikers, every step can become a meeting with the wild — provided you know how to observe, listen, and respect...

Japan, a green and mountainous island country, is home to a rich and diverse wildlife. Among the inhabitants of its dense forests is a species that is as fascinating as it is fearsome: the brown bear. Found on the islands of Honshū, Shikoku and Kyushu, it represents a potential danger for the many hikers who follow Japanese trails.

According to official statistics, encounters between bears and humans have been increasing steadily in recent years in Japan...