Sweden is the first country in the world prescribed to patients by doctors – welcome to a destination of a different nature.
THE SWEDISH PRESCRIPTION
Across the world, doctors are increasingly prescribing time in nature or cultural activities to support both mental and physical health.
Sweden has taken this one step further, becoming the first country to be offered on prescription.
More than just a scenic escape, Sweden is ranked as a global frontrunner in quality of life and routinely named as one of the world’s happiest nations.
As such, the Scandinavian country has been shown to support measurable health outcomes and a lifestyle centred on balance and belonging.
With easy access to both nature and culture, Sweden’s unique way of life makes it an ideal pace to reset the mind and body.
The Swedish Prescription is a global communications initiative by Visit Sweden, the official marketing company tasked by the Swedish government with promoting the country as a travel destination.
Visit Sweden has teamed up with medical professionals ready to prescribe a stay in Sweden when appropriate so patients can benefit from the country’s restorative experiences.
Together with Yvonne Forsell, a senior professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the company has identified a set of activities visiting patients can benefit from across three areas – nature, lifestyle, and culture.
NURTURE IN NATURE
It’s well known that spending time in nature has numerous health benefits, and Sweden offers space to breathe, eases stress, and boosts energy.
Nature is always close by as there are some 100,000 lakes and over 5,000 nature reserves in the country, meaning visitors are never far away from a blue space or green area – even in the cities.
There are several activities that can boost health in Swedish nature, including forest bathing, foraging, cycling, sky watching, and sleeping.
The former is a sensory escape into nature as Sweden’s vast forests offer a tranquil retreat that can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve focus.
Far from the everyday hustle and stress, forest bathers are immersed in the calm of the Swedish woods – engaging all the senses for a truly rejuvenating experience.
There’s something instinctively calming about being surrounded by trees; the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and earthy scent of moss all tap into a sense of peace and presence.
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The foraging culture in Sweden is equally strong and, come late summer, nature lovers spend days in the forests collecting berries, mushrooms, and plants.
Sweden is also an ideal destination for cycling, which is one of the best ways to discover this beautiful country and explore its long stretches of varied coastline, bustling cities, and lush countryside.
Physical activity whilst travelling promotes well-being, and regular cycling is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Sky watching, meanwhile, is linked to reduced stress and increased emotional well-being. In addition to excellent stargazing, enjoy two seasonal natural phenomena – the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights.
The Midnight Sun – incidentally the name of Swedish singer Zara Larsson’s fifth studio album released in September 2025 – occurs in summer above the Arctic Circle when the sun stays above the horizon for several weeks.
This means it remains visible even in the middle of the night, creating extended daylight hours that can feel both unusual and fascinating for first-time visitors.
In winter, the Northern Lights put on one of nature’s most spectacular shows, and Northern Sweden is one of the best places to experience them.
From September to March, the skies above Swedish Lapland come alive in shimmering shades of green, pink, and violet.
At night, Sweden also provides all the right conditions for restorative sleep and ‘Swede dreams’ thanks to its natural darkness, cool temperatures, clean air, and peaceful, varied nature.
SWEDISH WAY OF LIFE
Sweden consistently ranks amongst the world’s best countries for quality of life, sustainability, safety, happiness, and more.
So, what’s the secret? Whilst there’s no single answer, the Swedish lifestyle is often highlighted due to its strong emphasis on work-life balance.
There are three simple ways to embrace the Swedish way of life, the first of which is ‘fika’ – a cherished tradition and cornerstone of daily life.
‘Fika’ usually involves freshly brewed coffee served with something sweet, with cinnamon buns being the most popular choice.
Whilst ‘fika’ may seem like just a coffee and cake break, it holds much deeper cultural significance in Sweden and is a moment to pause, connect, and recharge.
Then there’s ‘lagom’, meaning ‘just the right amount’, a uniquely Swedish concept that embraces balance, moderation, and contentment.
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For Swedes, ‘lagom’ isn’t about doing less – it’s about finding harmony in everyday life, doing things mindfully, and avoiding excess.
Sauna bathing is another rejuvenating Swedish ritual that has a long tradition in Scandinavia and is often combined with a refreshing dip in one of the many scenic cold bath houses along the coast.
Swedish sauna culture is relaxed and unpretentious, providing a space for quiet reflection. It also offers several health benefits, including better sleep quality and a significantly lower risk of dementia.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Cultural engagement can reduce depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Rooted in tradition yet bursting with creativity, Swedish culture has long been recognised as a source of well-being and has been available on prescription in parts of the country for over 20 years.
Museums invite guests on a journey through time where they can step into the life of a Viking, wander through fairytale-like royal castles, or take a nostalgic trip through Swedish rail history.
Sweden is also a global player in the music world and one of the most metal-dense countries per capita with over 5,000 metal bands.
Metal music has been shown to enhance positive emotions and help regulate anger, however attending live events of any genre is linked to greater life satisfaction.
Along with musicians, many inspiring women have helped shape Swedish culture, including pioneering pilgrims, courageous activists, creative minds, and cultural icons, and the country is dotted with places that pay tribute to them.
A cultural experience in Sweden will not only leave lasting memories but also nourish the mind and soul.
