A slow boat to inner peace
WANT TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE AND DE-STRESS DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK? SLOW TV HAS THE ANSWER, SAYS JOSH STEPHENSON
DESPITE the gradual easing of lockdowns across Europe, it remains highly unlikely that any of us will be jetting off to sunnier climes anytime soon. Understandable, of course, but the health benefits of travel, which include reducing stress and boosting happiness, need to be replaced somehow and we think we have the answer.
Slow TV, a Norwegian invention dating back to 2009, is the broadcast of long, epic journeys (usually by boat or train) through stunning scenery completely in real time. No cutaways, commentary or music. If it takes five hours to get there, well, you’ve got a five-hour show. While not for everyone, naturally, for those who want to escape from the stresses of modern life, Slow TV could be described as akin to meditation. Try it for yourself and check out these three classic journeys.
Bergensbanen: From Oslo to Bergen
Travel back to 2009 when the Slow TV phenomenon began aboard the Bergensbanen express. Take in the glorious Norwegian countryside as you slowly wind your way across Norway, crossing mountains and stopping at Voss, Myrdal, Finse, Geilo and Gol. Running at just over seven hours – it would have been bang on seven but, spoilers, there’s a signal failure at one of the stops – this is the perfect introduction to Slow TV.
youtube.com
Hurtigruten: Minute By Minute
Ready to take your Slow TV experience up a notch? Return to Norway and enjoy this voyage at sea, which takes in one of Norway’s most storied travelling traditions: the Norway Coastal Express, or Hurtigruten. This 134-hour journey – it is split into more manageable fourto five-hour chunks – on the MS Nordnorge starts at the very north of the country in Kirkenes following the coast all the way down to the comparatively southern port of Bergen.
tv.nrk.no
All Aboard: The Canal Trip
It’s not just the Norwegians who have embraced the Slow TV movement, we Brits have tried our hand at it as well. BBC Four had an entire season devoted to turning things down a notch and one of the programmes that aired was this delightful meander along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Winding through the countryside on a narrowboat, easing through tunnels and passing through bridges, this is as relaxing as it comes.
youtube.com