Why a trip to Sweden could be just what the doctor ordered

What if you could travel to a country on a doctor’s orders to improve how you feel? This Scandinavian country might just be the perfect prescription.

According to Visit Sweden, the country’s unique way of life, which emphasises balance and easy access to both nature and culture, makes it an ideal place to reset both mind and body.

As part of its latest wellness-focused campaign, the tourism board even positions the country as the first destination to be “prescribed” by doctors.

The tongue-in-cheek “Swedish Prescription” campaign was developed in collaboration with medical professionals and researchers, including Yvonne Forsell, a senior professor at Karolinska Institutet, to support would-be “patients” who are travelling to Sweden to make the most of its wellness offerings.

“If a patient asked for ways to manage stress or improve wellbeing, I would support a prescription for Sweden,” said Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, a board-certified paediatrician who works for the US federal government and is an associate medical director for Park Rx America, which advocates for nature-rich areas to be accessible to all and the outdoors being incorporated into daily life.

“Its access to nature and related cultural practices align with what works for mental and physical health,” she added.

In its 2025 quality of life index, Global Citizen Solutions ranked Sweden with a score of 91.5 – outranking Finland and Germany, with a very high happiness and wellbeing rating.

If this sounds like a prescription worth filling, Sweden may be calling.

‘Fika’

Leaning into the prescription theme, Visit Sweden jokingly warns that travellers to the Scandinavian country may experience sudden urges to read books like it’s the 1800s and dine on meatballs, while “if you find yourself developing a taste for herring and minimalism, consult your travel agent immediately”.

Other possible side effects include encounters of “fika” that can turn into regular habits. In Sweden, this is both a noun and a verb: you can have a fika, “’ta en fika”, or go for a coffee break, simply “fika”.

The concept comes from the old-Swedish word “kaffi” which means coffee. Over the years, “fika” alongside “fikabröd” became a moment to pause, connect with others, and most importantly, recharge.

While no one could pass on a sweet or savoury Swedish pastry, the key to a good “fika” session is good conversations with even better company and low screen-time.

Want to “fika” like a Swede? A favourite spot among Stockholmers is Vete-Katten with 18 branches and pastry shops in and around the capital.

Founded in 1928, the café serves up teas, coffees, juices and smoothies, alongside local favourites like classic blåbärsbulle, which are blueberry buns, and other sweet treats like tartlets, brownies and cakes.

There’s also hot food on offer at select locations, including goulash, pies and baked potatoes with a variety of toppings.

‘Lagom’

Visit Sweden describes “lagom” as running through Swedish society like cinnamon through a bun. Yet, the concept isn’t about overindulgence – quite the opposite.

Lagom is all about balance, and roughly translates as “just the right amount”. In Sweden, this can look like taking just one cinnamon bun during a “fika” get-together rather than two, so that there’s enough to go round for everyone. Or, staying in each other’s company long enough without burning the midnight oil.

Outside of “fika”, this can also look like avoiding burning without being excessively or constantly productive.

“So next time you’re wondering whether to do more, buy more or push harder – consider the Swedish way. Maybe ‘lagom’ really is best,” the tourism board advises.

In true “lagom” fashion, even exercise in moderation, like hiking, walking and time outdoors form a natural part of the daily rhythm.

In southern Sweden, the Skåneleden trail spans more than 1,600 kilometres, winding across coastal paths, forest and small towns. It’s divided into seven subtrails, so visitors can explore the routes that best suit their pace and level of adventure.

Steam, then an icy dip and repeat

If there’s one Swedish remedy for burnout, it may well be the steam and stillness of a sauna, then an icy plunge afterwards.

“The ritual of sauna bathing combined with cold-water dips isn’t just a pastime – it’s a cornerstone of wellness that offers an exhilarating experience and brings numerous health benefits,” according to Visit Sweden.

Benefits from the two extremes include boosting circulation, relaxing the muscles and reducing inflammation, strengthening immunity, reducing stress, improving sleep and skin health by flushing out pesky toxins, leaving you feeling anew.

Swedish sauna culture typically includes experiences by lakes, near nature or even floating on water. However, set 80 metres underground at Adventure Mine in Dalarna, visitors can sauna and cold bath with a journey into local folklore.

The three-and-a-half hour-long experience is tied to the legend of the “Lady of the Mine”, who is said to have watched over the tunnels and guided miners to hidden treasures.

Alongside multiple dips in the mine’s crystal clear water, visitors are also treated to local non-alcoholic beverages and nibbles from a charcuterie platter. The package starts from 2,450 SEK (€226.97) per person.