Swedish wellness and spa culture is rooted in tradition, dating back to the fifth century. Emphasising holistic balance, relaxation and well-being, it’s something even the pillaging Vikings enjoyed.
Today, many Swedish spa hotels and spa resorts offering a wide range of saunas and treatments are perfectly located in beautiful areas of the Swedish countryside.
Sauna bathing is a tradition deeply rooted in the Swedish culture up north and a rising trend in the cities. Aside from being a holistic health treatment, the many saunas across the country provide a place for social exchange between families, partners and friends. And with many different types of saunas to choose from, there’s one to suit every taste.
Whether by the sea, a lake or in a forest, Swedish spa hotels and spa resorts offer a harmonious connection to nature, eco-friendly products, locally sourced food, and invigorating outdoor activities. The country is also home to the world-renowned Swedish massage, which involves light, gentle strokes to calm and relax you. So what better place to indulge in one?
Swedish spas and saunas are not just relaxing, they are also great for your mind, body and soul. Here are some of the best health benefits of sauna and spa rituals:
At Kukkolaforsen in Haparanda, you can try several different types of saunas: wood-fired sauna, smoke sauna, Pirti's greenhouse sauna, village sauna and VIP sauna.
Photo: Kukkolaforsen
Most Swedish spa resorts and spa hotels provide towels, robes and slippers, but do bring your own swimwear and exercise clothes. For non-spa saunas, you may need to bring your own towel. And before you dive headfirst into a Swedish sauna, there’s something you should know – nudity is not uncommon and has traditionally been part of the sauna experience. To Swedes, there’s nothing odd or sexy about it. It’s rooted in the Swedish love for nature. But many saunas these days encourage you to wear a towel or swimwear (especially in a unisex sauna) to show consideration towards others. If you’re unsure what to wear, you can always check clothing rules beforehand.
Here are some of the best spas in Sweden, starting off with icy Northern spa resorts and ending with coastal spas in the South. They all offer day spa packages and overnight packages, but there are a few exceptions (which are noted below).
Camp Ripan in Kiruna, a family-run retreat offering cabins, a restaurant and an Arctic spa experience.
Photo: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland
Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, hosts a spa resort in an unforgettable environment. Instead of blocking out the winter, the Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan has integrated it into the experience. Wander between the warming waters of the indoor and outdoor pools, relax in steamy saunas, and experience a classic Swedish massage. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights!
At Kukkolaforsen just outside Haparanda, you can try several different types of saunas and cool off with a dip in the passing Torne River.
Photo: Kukkolaforsen
Capturing the spirit of the Swedish and Finnish Lapland regions, Kukkolaforsen is an experience and knowledge centre. With rustic accommodation, fishing, and 13 different saunas, this is the place to experience traditional sauna rituals. One can accommodate some 60 people, boasting the largest wood-fired oven in Sweden, and between sauna trips you can take a cold bath in the Kukkola rapids.
At Arctic Bath in Harads, they have an outdoor pool where you can enjoy a warm bath at the same time as you can breathe in the pure nordic air.
Photo: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland
For a more high-end Northern retreat, choose Arctic Bath in Harads. A serene and tranquil atmosphere where you stay in modern cabins located by the water or nestled among birch trees. Enjoy three saunas, two outdoor jacuzzis and a range of sumptuous spa treatments. There’s also an open-air cold bath, providing you with an invigorating experience – Swedish style.
Opened in 2008, Copperhill Mountain is located right on the forest edge of Förberget 730 metres above sea level.
Photo: Tomas Arlemo/Nordic Hotels & Resorts
If you’re looking to combine your spa experience with skiing, Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre is a perfect option. Enjoy the panoramic mountain views as you choose between relaxing in the two indoor pools, the outdoor pool, or the two saunas. Feeling fancy? Book the private spa area to enjoy a few hours of luxury with friends and family or treat yourself to a relaxing massage after a day on the slopes.
Orbaden Spa & Resort is situated in the "riviera of Hälsingland".
Photo: Katarina Hansson/Orbaden Spa & Resort
Further south, Orbaden on the Ljusnan Riviera has been a go-to spot for Swedes since the early 20th century. Focusing on the healing properties of water, Orbaden offers lake views, complimentary luxury spa products, various pools, saunas, and over 30 different spa treatments.
Selma Spa has multiple indoor pools and saunas where you can relax and calm down. They've also got Scandinavia's biggest range of spa treatments.
Photo: Selma Spa
For a historical Swedish spa experience, visit Selma Spa in Värmland – Sweden’s first-ever spa hotel. Located next to the forest and overlooking a scenic lake, it offers various saunas, pools, spa treatments and exercise classes. You can also enjoy seasonal, organic dining in a quaint setting here.
Sturebadet is a bath in centre of Stockholm with a long history. It was opened in the late 1800's. Today it is a modern Spa that offers bath, treatments, excerise and a restaurant.
Photo: Tuukka Ervasti/Imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Tuukka Ervasti/Imagebank.sweden.se
Photo: Ellery Beach House/ESS group
If you’re planning on visiting Stockholm, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Sturebadet, a luxury spa oasis in the middle of the city, dates back to the 1800s. This day spa offers both a hot and cold bath, saunas, an aromatherapy room, exercise classes, and spa treatments from head to toe.
If you want to opt outside the city, cosy Smådalarö Gård in the Stockholm archipelago invites guests to a rejuvenating spa experience. The spa hotel features heated outdoor pools, various invigorating sauna treatments, and the opportunity to enjoy refreshing sauna and cold baths in the nearby sea.
There’s also a trendy beach resort in Stockholm: Ellery Beach House. In this welcoming getaway located outside the city on the island of Lidingö, urban life feels far away. With its private jetty and 60s and 70s-inspired interior, you can experience a luxurious, well-equipped spa, as well as pool tables, running tracks, padel and boule courts. And the best bit – overnight packages are available!
Yasuragi has several saunas and pools. If you want time for relaxation and recuperation, this is the place for you!
Photo: Yasuragi
For an exceptional spa experience, visit Yasuragi – once voted the best spa in Sweden at the World Spa Awards. Inspired by Japanese bathing culture, it offers serenity, beauty and harmony with outdoor hot springs, indoor pools and saunas. Enjoy activities such as Japanese gymnastics, yin yoga, sound healing, meditation and cupping. And indulge in one of the three Japanese restaurants before tucking yourself into bed for a harmonious night’s sleep.
You can find Upper House Spa on the 19th floor in the Gothia Towers in Gothenburg. The spa has an outdoor pool with a glass floor and a view over Liseberg Amusement Park and Gothenburg.
Photo: Upper House
Photo: Upper House
Photo: Carolina Ehn/Lotus Hotel Group
Photo: Treetop Spa
On the West coast in Gothenburg, several day spas also offer overnight packages. Upper House Spa is a modern luxury spa on the 19th floor which features a hammam, steam saunas, dry saunas, exercise classes and soul-soothing spa treatments. And don’t miss the glass-bottom outdoor pool, and gym with the best view of the city.
Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa offers you a sauna oasis, hot outdoor pools, light therapy rooms, many relaxing lounges, and a sun terrace where you can soak up the Nordic rays. For a one-off experience, Treetop Spa Hangout & Hotel offers award-winning relaxation high among the treetops. With indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and four bars surrounded by nature and stunning views of Gothenburg, this is the perfect weekend getaway.
Further south in Halland, Sinnenas Spa at Ästad Vingård offers Sweden’s only underwater sauna. Surrounded by one of Sweden’s largest vineyards on a stunning nature reserve, this spa and hotel offers guests a tranquil experience. And it’s topped off by a one-star Michelin restaurant that offers a Scandinavian tasting menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.
Hotel Tylösand, located in southern Sweden, has been named Sweden's leading spa centre several times. For example, you can try mixing your own scrub, biohacking treatment and vegan facials.
Photo: Visit Halland
Just a stone’s throw from one of Sweden’s most well-known beaches is Hotel Tylösand. Their spa has won multiple prizes for its innovative approach that includes biohacking treatments using lasers and infrared light, designed to aid wellness. Its treatments also include classic or vegan facial treatments, ecological sugar scrubs, a range of massages and more. You can even mix your own scrub in what is Sweden’s first spa lab.
At Kosta Boda Art Hotel in the Kingdom of Crystal, glass is part of the spa experience too. Unwind in the warm indoor pool or book one of the hotel’s signature treatments, which include massages using heated glass artworks.
Photo: Destination Kosta
In Småland, Kosta Boda Art Hotel & Spa lets you explore Sweden’s Kingdom of Crystal. Beautiful glass and glass art has been crafted in this region since 1742, and the spa plays on this by offering special spa treatments involving warm glass. There’s also a VIP spa, a modern gym, and three restaurants that showcase the regional glass art.
Ystad Saltsjöbad is a hotel and spa located right by the beach in Ystad.
Photo: Ystad Saltsjöbad
On the southern tip of Sweden, Ystad Saltsjöbad is a coastal spa with a tropical rainforest theme. This lush and steamy retreat allows you to experience opulent spa treatments from around the world. Try the Dead Sea salt for a clarifying scrub, the Turkish hammam for steamy relaxation, the detoxifying Moroccan mud mask, and much more.
Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in this soothing aspect of Swedish culture. By doing so, not only will you experience the serenity of Swedish saunas and spas, but you'll also get to reap the health benefits they offer, many with a backdrop of a beautiful location.
