It’s well known that spending time in nature has numerous health benefits. Sweden, with its vast and accessible landscapes, offers the ideal conditions for boosting your wellbeing.
In Sweden, nature is always close by. With some 100,000 lakes and over 5,000 nature reserves, you’re never far away from a blue space or a green area – even in the cities. And there’s no need for prior experience of spending time in the forest; Sweden’s nature is accessible and welcoming. Below are five ways in which Swedish nature can help you feel better.
Immerse yourself in the Swedish forest and engage all your senses for a rejuvenating experience. Listen to birdsong. Smell the scent of moss. Run your hand over the bark of a tree and watch the sunlight filter through the branches. Taste a berry or two. Sit back and just be. Forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve focus.
There’s something special about walking into the forest to harvest your own food. In late summer and early autumn, Swedish nature becomes a pantry brimming with berries and mushrooms. Thanks to the Right of Public Access, ‘Allemansrätten’, everyone is welcome to join the feast. Foraging supports mental restoration, and bilberries and lingonberries are excellent sources of antioxidants.
With its growing network of well-marked and well-maintained national cycling routes, Sweden is an ideal cycling destination. Choose between coastal tracks, lush countryside trails, or ride along Göta Canal – recently named Europe’s best cycling route. Physical activity while travelling promotes wellbeing, and regular cycling is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Forget binge-watching TV into the late night. Swedish nature offers a far more captivating spectacle. In addition to excellent stargazing, you’ll find two seasonal natural phenomena. In summer, the golden light lingers around the clock in the northern parts of the country. In winter, the Northern Lights put on what is often called the greatest light show on earth. Viewing the night sky is linked to reduced stress and increased emotional wellbeing.
Natural darkness. Clean and cool air. Silence. Swedish nature provides all the right conditions for restorative sleep. For a truly peaceful experience, spend a few nights in a secluded forest cabin, far from light pollution and modern distractions. Spending time away from artificial light can help reset your body’s circadian rhythm, while clean air supports respiratory health and mental clarity. Swede dreams!
Whether you’re looking to unwind, boost your health or reconnect with nature, Sweden offers a breath of fresh air in every sense of the word.