What in case your physician handed you a prescription not for drugs however for a visit to Sweden?
A sauna in Swedish Lapland for higher sleep, chilly plunges to spice up circulation, or a music pageant in Gothenburg to carry your temper. Sweden is popping these experiences right into a doctor-approved prescription.
A brand new world survey performed by YouGov for Go to Sweden revealed that most individuals will not be conversant in the idea of a nature or cultural prescription. Within the U.S., 64% of adults reported by no means having heard of a nature prescription, and solely 6% had ever obtained one from a doctor.
But curiosity is excessive. Practically two-thirds mentioned they’d spend time in nature if their physician really helpful it, and nearly half would contemplate asking about it proactively.
The concept is easy. Nature, tradition, and social connection have been proven to have quite a few advantages for bodily and psychological well being. The World Well being Group acknowledges that entry to nature can improve well-being, scale back stress, and decrease the danger of sure power circumstances.
Nature Prescriptions Aren’t a New Idea
The concept of prescribing time in nature will not be new. Applications within the U.S., equivalent to these promoted by Park RxAmerica, have already proven proof of cardiometabolic and psychological well being advantages. Nonetheless, Go to Sweden’s initiative is among the many first to pair this strategy with worldwide journey, offering medical doctors and sufferers with a compelling, science-based purpose to plan a restorative journey overseas.
“Nature, social settings, and tradition have restorative powers, and Sweden has these property in abundance,” says Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, Affiliate Medical Director for Park RxAmerica. “I’d welcome discussing with my sufferers how Swedish nature and way of life may benefit their well being — and am open to prescribing a go to to the nation if my sufferers request it.”
Contained in the Swedish Prescription
Sweden has launched a research-backed record of actions, vetted by a senior professor at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institutet, that highlights every expertise and its confirmed well being advantages.
Examples embody forest bathing in Sweden, which has a 69% forest cowl, linked to decrease blood strain and decreased stress; chilly plunges in one of many nation’s practically 100,000 lakes to spice up circulation and vitality; and stargazing in a single day on one in all Sweden’s 267,570 islands to assist reset the circadian rhythm.
Even cultural actions are included. From music festivals in Gothenburg that increase serotonin ranges to Sweden’s iconic fika custom, an unhurried espresso break that encourages mindfulness and connection.
Sweden is well-positioned to help this initiative. Stockholm was lately acknowledged as having the cleanest air of any European capital, and Sweden can also be house to the world’s first city nationwide park, the Royal Nationwide Metropolis Park, providing a gorgeous inexperienced house inside the metropolis itself.
With forests, hundreds of lakes, a number of archipelago trails, and a tradition rooted in sustainability, Sweden constantly ranks among the many world’s leaders for environmental high quality and high quality of life.
“Visiting Sweden is sort of a pure well being treatment,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Go to Sweden. “Our cozy fika custom, our ‘lagom’ balanced way of life, and our simply accessible nature are a soothing balm for physique and thoughts.”
Your Subsequent Wellness Trip: Sweden
By connecting evidence-based wellness practices with real-world experiences, like forest baths and chilly plunges, the nation affords vacationers an opportunity to return house not solely refreshed but in addition more healthy.
For these searching for a brand new strategy to self-care, medical doctors’ orders could quickly imply reserving a ticket to Sweden.
*Survey methodology: This survey was performed by the YouGov evaluation institute throughout 24 June and three July 2025 by way of on-line panels with +9000 18+ year-old respondents in numerous markets: Denmark (1003 respondents), Finland (1016), France (1023), Germany (1016), Netherlands (1025), Norway (1021), Sweden (1012), UK (1037) and USA (1005). A parallel survey was performed within the UK with medical professionals as respondents (147).
Journey Journalist, Digital Writer, Creator
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Journey Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Companion, Society of American Journey Writers and North American Journey Journalists Affiliation member, and the founding father of Wander Worthy. She covers trip locations, journey information, and tourism tendencies.