The Swedish Prescription is a global communications initiative by Visit Sweden. We have teamed up with medical professionals ready to prescribe a stay in Sweden so patients can benefit from the country's restorative experiences. By doing so, Sweden becomes the first country to be offered on prescription.
The Swedish
Prescription
Sweden is the first country in the world prescribed by doctors. Welcome to a destination of a different nature.
The Swedish Prescription
Did you know that Sweden is the first country in the world that your doctor can prescribe? Because our country is filled with activities that make you feel good, proven by science.
Photo: Alexander Erdbeer/Visit Sweden
Sweden’s unique way of life, rooted in balance and with easy access to both nature and culture, makes it an ideal place to reset your mind and body. Together with Swedish senior professor Yvonne Forsell, we’ve identified activities proven by science to help you feel better. That’s why you can now ask your doctor to prescribe Sweden.
The Swedish Prescription
Photo: Visit Sweden
Spending time in nature and engaging with culture are evidence-based ways to support both mental and physical health. Sweden offers an ideal setting for this kind of care.
Dr. Sam Everington
3 health benefits of Sweden
Ease your stress
Imagine a place where birdsong is the only sound that breaks the silence. Where you can go wild swimming in any lake and feast on nature’s generous pantry. Where you fall asleep under a starry night sky, far from light pollution. Discover how Swedish nature offers space to breathe, eases stress and boosts your energy.
Balance your everyday life
Ever heard of ‘fika’ and ‘lagom’? Two Swedish words rooted in a way of life that quietly champions balance. Sauna bathing followed by cold dips is another time-honoured wellbeing tradition. Add a little Swedish lifestyle to your day, and your wellbeing might just thank you.
Lift your spirits
Take a trip along the world’s longest art exhibition or experience the raw energy of one of Sweden’s 5,000+ metal bands. Culture on prescription – including museum visits and music experiences – has been a reality in Sweden for years. Explore Swedish culture and discover where to raise your serotonin levels.
If a patient asked for ways to manage stress or improve wellbeing, I would support a prescription for Sweden. Its access to nature and related cultural practices align with what works for mental and physical health.
Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer
Meet the doctors who support The Swedish Prescription
Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer
Board-certified paediatrician doing public health work both for the federal government and associate medical director for parkrxamerica.org (PRA) aka natureprescribed.org. Based in the US.
Dr. Sam Everington
Vice President of the British Medical Association. Received a knighthood for services to primary care. Based in the UK.
Dr. Maaike ten Thije-de Boer
Specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation medicine. Advocate for the lifestyle prescription movement. Based in the Netherlands.
Photo: Carolin Ubi
PD Dr. Michael Jeitler
Researcher in Green Space Interventions. Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Bosch Health Campus Stuttgart in Germany.
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