The concepts of Nordic wellness and sleep tourism are gathering momentum. Sweden—with its natural darkness, cool temperatures, clean air, and zen–inducing nature—offers some of the world's best sleep experiences. Let’s dive into some 'Swede dreams'.
As far as travel trends go, wellness holidays are part of the current zeitgeist – and increasingly so. According to multiple reports there's a definite global shift towards relaxation and self-care – two pillars of the wave centring on holistic health in travel.
Sweden's unique natural environment provides the ideal setting for anyone longing for restorative sleep and a digital detox, so much so that we’ve coined the term 'Swede dreams.' Here’s why:
A 2017 case study by Karolinska Institutet established that after 72 hours spent in nature, stress levels plummet by 70%, and blood pressure and heart rate also decrease – a perfect recipe for sound sleep. In Dalsland, just an hour from Gothenburg, the 72-Hour Cabin concept allows you to experience these benefits firsthand, with glass cabins offering serene settings from deep forests to a private island overlooking Lake Ånimmen.
Whichever part of the country you find yourself in, natural havens of tranquillity are within easy reach. Deep relaxation and uninterrupted sleep can be had even in close proximity to the larger cities, specifically across the archipelagos of Stockholm and Gothenburg. In short, 'Swede dreams' await wherever you lay your head.
Winter on the west coast
Sweden is largely surrounded by ocean and has vast archipelagos on both the east and west coasts. Skärhamn, on the West Coast, is a yachting centre and home to the Nordic Watercolour Museum (Akvarellmuseet).
Photo: Per Pixel Peterson/imagebank.sweden.se
Winter on the west coast
Photo: Per Pixel Peterson/imagebank.sweden.se
Glass cabin at Henriksholm, West Sweden
Photo: Anna-Lena Lundqvist/Visit Sweden
Granö Beckasin, Västerbotten
Photo: Bea Holmberg/Visit Sweden
Arctic Retreat, Swedish Lapland
Photo: Graeme Richardson/Arctic Retreat
A major part of the Nordic wellness concept revolves around spending as much time as possible in nature, even when asleep. Sweden offers a wide range of accommodation options that take full advantage of the natural wonderlands up and down the country.
Tucked away in northern Sweden’s forests, Gunnarsby – an hour's drive from Luleå – where you’ll find eco-lodge Arctic Retreat, offering timber cabins with private jacuzzis. Hugging Sweden’s largest forest river, the Råne River, your stay may involve slumber-enhancing activities such as fishing and kayaking.
Granö Beckasin, near Umeå, is famed for its luxurious bird's nests, which will have you sleeping in the treetops. Should you prefer a more conventional, yet equally nature-based, option – consider the ground-level cabins, eco-hotel or campsite.
Have you always dreamed of spending the night in the Stockholm archipelago? Lotstornet Svedtiljas of Landsort offers a unique stay at the southernmost outpost of the archipelago. The historic tower has been fully renovated and features six modern double rooms with shared bathrooms on each floor. Enjoy stunning views that blend maritime history with contemporary comfort for an unforgettable experience.
Located in Köpmannebro in west Sweden, Swedish Country Living is a KRAV-certified farm offering various accommodation options with scenic views of a lake near the forest. Their smallest off-grid wooden cottages, designed with Scandinavian interiors, provide an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused getaway.
Camping in the archipelago
With over 30 000 islands, the Stockholm Archipelago is the largest of its kind in Sweden. As long as you cause no harm or disturbance, you are free to set up camp virtually anywhere you want, thanks to the Swedish Freedom to Roam.
Photo: Anders Klapp/Visit Sweden
Camping in the archipelago
Photo: Anders Klapp/Visit Sweden
Svartådalen, Västmanland
Photo: Roger Borgelid
Kayaking, Smögen
Photo: Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden
Midnight sun, Swedish Lapland
Photo: Peter Rosén/Swedish Lapland
No matter where you stay, being at one with nature in Sweden is easily attainable. Thanks to the country’s Right of Public Access, anyone can spend time in nature – even pitching a tent. Sweden's forests, archipelagos and lakes lend themselves to a range of low-impact, relaxing activities that prepare both body and mind for a good night's sleep.
The mindful, meditative practice of forest bathing ('skogsbad') allows you to benefit from nature's healing powers simply by sitting on a rock, slowly breathing in the moss-infused air and listening to the wind in the trees.
Other forms of 'nature therapy' are forest walks and kayaking, during which you can take a spontaneous detour for a spot of berry picking, bird watching or wild swimming.
For those who prefer hiking, there are a variety of well-established trails across Sweden, all of which will immerse you in the unique natural terrain associated with each part of the country – be it the vast, alpine environment of Swedish Lapland, the deep, old-growth forests of Dalarna, or the sprawling west coast archipelago.
Additionally, in line with the growing 'sensory travel' movement, a cluster of so-called 'silent retreats' and 'dark retreats' has sprung up across Sweden. These retreats allow you to swap the distractions and noise of urban life for soul-soothing silence and quiet introspection.
That said, Sweden naturally ticks all the boxes in terms of achieving better sleep – 'Swede dreams' should fall into your lap. As the autumn and winter months bring serene stillness and cosy darkness, it's the ideal time to relax and rejuvenate. Why not organise your own 'sleep retreat' and discover the natural tranquillity that is found in Sweden?
