Nordic Nirvana – experience Swedish spa resorts and sauna rituals

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 300,000 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:

• Stress reduction and improved mood.
• Enhanced circulation and cardiovascular health.
• Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Detoxification and improved skin health.
• Pain relief for muscles and joints.
• Strengthened immune system.
• Mental clarity and cognitive function.
• Improved sleep quality.
• Reduced tension headaches.

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.

18 of the best spas in Sweden

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).

Aurora Spa, Kiruna

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!

Kukkolaforsen, Haparanda

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.

Arctic Bath, Harads

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.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre

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, Vallsta

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, Sunne

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.

Day spas in Stockholm

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. A more budget-friendly day spa is Centralbadet, which dates back to 1904. Bathe in a hot or cold bath in the Roman section or relax in a unique Nordic sauna landscape. Both spas have restaurants that offer healthy food options.

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, Nacka

For an exceptional spa experience, visit Yasuragi – voted the best spa in Sweden at the 2023 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.

Day spas in Gothenburg

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.

Sinnenas Spa, Tvååker

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.

The Spa at Hotel Tylösand, Halmstad

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.

Kosta Boda Art Hotel & Spa, 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, Ystad

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.