While in some countries, wellbeing (and the more commercially term wellness, which is not quite the same) can be perceived as rather materialistic, such as in luxury, status and flashy - in Sweden, wellbeing is quieter, more balanced and deeply integrated with nature and society. There is an emphasis on lagom (which in Swedish means: not too much and not too little), where equality, work-life balance, and connection to the outdoors are part of everyone's life. This can be reflected in people's lifestyle choices as well, and their respect towards nature for physical and mental restoration.
In Sweden, there are 10,6 million people living (as of May 2025), and it includes a total area of roughly 450 square kilometers, meaning that there are 23.3 people per square kilometer. In other words, a lot of space to roam in, being one of the more sparsely populated countries in Europe. Add onto this, that forests and lakes account for nearly 78% of Sweden’s total land area, making it also one of Europe’s most nature-rich countries, perfect for forest bathing, nature-hiking, kayaking, and the freedom to roam in nature. A key concept is “friluftsliv”, or “open-air life.” This isn't just about going for a hike, but it's a way of living. It's common to see people leave the office by 16:00 (4 pm) to enjoy a walk in the woods or escape to their summer cottages (sommarstugor) on weekends, where swimming in lakes and using saunas are a natural part of their life.
Well-being is also seen as something shared by the whole society and not just about individuals. In Sweden, people feel safe and included because there's a strong sense of community, trust in leaders, and not much social hierarchy. When it comes to wellbeing, new trends in Swedish wellness include wild swimming clubs, forest therapy sessions, and eco-lodges with zero environmental footprint, all reflecting the belief that sustainability and personal health are intrinsically connected.
a typical Swedish summer house (sommarstuga)
If you want to connect with wellbeing the Swedish way, you have to be prepared to minimalistic accommodation types, as wellbeing, and wellness tourism here isn't about five-star Spa getaways and luxury Saunas (not yet, atleast), instead it attracts travelers into a restorative nature-first experience, with cottages, camping, and tree-houses as accommodation stays, where nature is central in everything. For digital detox and mindfulness practices (such as forest bathing), the Swedish wellbeing experience is highly recommended. Here you will find pure air, quiet lakes, a deep connection to forestal nature, a peaceful silence (with the occasional sound of soft whisper of wind through the trees), and no people around to disturb your peace of mind. The smell of nature is strong here as well, with pinetrees and fresh air that fills your lungs to instantly ground you.
This experience will help lead to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improvement of mood and focus, strenghtening of the immune functions, and the sense of calmness and connection.
Of course, in order to travel to Sweden for wellbeing practices in nature, these may be best experienced during the summer months (around beginning of June - middle of September) as the country is a nordic country and not so far away from the arctic (depending on where in Sweden you are), and one needs to get used to the weather being occasionally cool, fresh, and full of contrasts, even during the summer months. This also means that it is full of sunlight and the temperatures can be just perfect for swimming in the lakes. Sweden's weather is defintely part of its charm, and needs to be fully appreciated.
For people coming from countries with hot summers, the nordic weather, combined with the nature, may be just perfect for you.
Also the winter in Sweden has its charm, with cozy cottage moments taking over. You wil never feel cold inside the houses, as they are all heated, often with warm fireplaces. The snow covering the ground and the fresh nordic air is outside. These are perfect times to witness Aurora Borealis (northern lights) as well, but also the darkness and the silence. Many also enjoy the contrast of hot saunas followed by cold dips in icy lakes, a refreshing practice that stimulates both the body and the mind!
Sweden as a destination is good for physical activites and mental strength, access to pure nature, wellness as embedded in daily life and as a method to prevent illnesses.
