If you are looking to do more than just unwind on your next holiday, consider a destination that could genuinely improve your well-being: Sweden. Famed for its clean air, endless forests, and calming natural beauty, the Scandinavian country has just launched a world-first initiative—The Swedish Prescription.
This innovative programme positions Sweden as a “prescription travel destination,” backed by in-depth research from the Karolinska Institutet and global findings from a YouGov survey. The science is clear: time spent in nature, engaging with culture, and connecting with others can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Backed by research from Sweden’s prestigious Karolinska Institutet and insights from a global YouGov survey, the programme highlights how immersion in nature, culture, and social connection can have measurable health benefits. The concept is simple: patients from anywhere in the world can download a medical-style referral from Visit Sweden and present it to their doctor. Whether you're struggling with stress, poor sleep, or low mood, a trip to Sweden may now come with your physician’s approval. Think of it as paid time off with a prescription pad to back it up.
According to Visit Sweden, many traditional Swedish activities—such as forest bathing, foraging, sauna use, and viewing outdoor art—can significantly reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, regulate sleep patterns, and enhance mood. The research underlines how powerful everyday interactions with nature and culture can be in supporting both mental and physical health.
To help turn this concept into action, Visit Sweden has produced a Swedish Prescription Guide. This downloadable tool can be presented to healthcare providers, who may then recommend specific wellness-focused experiences during a trip to Sweden. The guide outlines 14 distinct areas where Swedish life and travel can benefit wellbeing, including:
Forest walks and nature immersion
Sauna bathing and cold plunges
Cycling on scenic national trails
Visiting tranquil art museums
Social and cultural engagement
There’s even room for doctors to tailor the “prescription” with personalised notes, allowing each visitor to experience a health-focused holiday designed just for them.
From boosting serotonin to improving circulation, the healing powers of Swedish life are now more than just anecdotal—they’re doctor-approved. After all, when your next trip to Sweden comes with health benefits and a medical referral, it’s hard to say no. Consider it rest and recovery—on prescription.
A wellness travel initiative by Visit Sweden that promotes nature and culture-based experiences as tools for better health.
Download the guide from Visit Sweden, take it to your doctor, and get personalised wellness activity suggestions for your trip.
Anyone, anywhere. It’s designed for global travellers looking to boost wellbeing through nature and cultural immersion.
Forest bathing, sauna use, foraging, cycling, outdoor art, and more—each with proven health benefits.
No—it’s a wellness tool, not a formal treatment. It's meant to complement, not replace, traditional healthcare.
