A new research-backed initiative sees doctors prescribing trips to Sweden for the health benefits.

Sweden, September 23, 2025: A sauna in Swedish Lapland for better sleep quality, cold plunges for improved circulation or a music festival in Gothenburg to raise serotonin levels? Though a strong majority have never heard of a so-called nature prescription, nature plays a crucial role in human health and wellbeing according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A new global survey*, commissioned by Visit Sweden and conducted by YouGov, revealed that a majority of respondents had not heard about nature, cultural or social prescriptions. But it also brings to light that 64% of respondents would be open to following doctors' recommendations to spend time in nature. 

With burnout and health challenges at record highs in the U.S., nature-based prescriptions are gaining traction and a systematic review of studies revealed that nature prescription programs showed evidence of cardiometabolic and mental health benefits. Now, Sweden is pioneering how travel itself can become part of the solution. A new initiative proposes activities in Sweden that doctors in several countries, including in the U.S., are ready to prescribe.

“Nature, social settings and culture have restorative powers, and evidently Sweden has these assets in abundance. Though many patients seem not to know that they can initiate this discussion with their doctors, as a physician, I would welcome discussing with my patients how Swedish nature and lifestyle could benefit their health – and am open to prescribing a visit to the country if my patients request it”, says Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, Associate Medical Director for Park RxAmerica.

Watch how experiences in Sweden can boost health. 

In the United States, 64% of adults said they had never heard of a nature prescription. 21% had heard of it but had never been prescribed one. Only six percent reported ever receiving such a prescription from their physician. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents said they would be open to spending time in nature if their doctor prescribed it, and nearly half (46%) would consider asking their doctor about a nature prescription.

Sweden's new initiative aims at raising awareness of scientifically vetted nature, community and cultural activities as complementary or alternative approaches to conventional treatments. Through the initiative, patients worldwide can now request a medical referral from their physician to benefit from the restorative qualities of visiting the country.

This research-backed list of Sweden-based experiences, reviewed by a senior professor at renowned Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, outlines the health effects of each activity and is available for download through visitsweden.com.

With plenty of forest providing easily accessible space for a soothing forest bath, a capital boasting the cleanest air in Europe, and lakes for taking cold plunges that enhance blood circulation, global indices consistently rank Sweden very high for its natural environment and lifestyle. An opportunity to highlight how travelling there on a nature, social or cultural prescription can boost health and wellbeing.

“Visiting Sweden is like a natural health remedy, which is why doctors from around the world can now prescribe Sweden for the benefit of their patients,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden. “Our cozy fika tradition, our “lagom”-balanced lifestyle and our easily accessible nature are a soothing balm for body and mind.”

Doctors and patients alike can explore experiences such as:

• Forest bathing in Sweden's 69% forest cover, proven to reduce stress and blood pressure.
• Cold plunges in one of the 100 00 lakes to enhance circulation and energy.
• Sleeping under a starry sky on one of Sweden's 267,570 islands, helping regulate sleep cycles and circadian rhythms.
• Music festivals, which can elevate serotonin levels and improve mood.
• Fika, the unhurried coffee break that encourages mindfulness and connection.

These activities are supported by Sweden's unique assets, including:

• Europe's cleanest air capital in 2025: Stockholm, known for its eco-friendly infrastructure
• 69% forest coverage, making Sweden one of Europe's most sparsely populated nations
• Close to 100.000 lakes, covering 9% of the country's surface area
• 267,570 islands, giving Sweden the most islands in the world
• The world's first urban national park, the Royal National City Park, offering green space within Stockholm

“We have made great strides in making nature prescriptions a more integral part of public health in the United States – but there is still so much more to be done. I welcome Sweden's initiative and hope it will help break down institutional and organizational barriers, ultimately benefiting all patients”, says Dr. Beller Stryer.

More information about nature, social and culture prescriptions in the United States:

1. Park Rx America
2. Social Prescribing USA
3. Nature Connection Guide
4. Mass Cultural Council
   

About Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer
Board-certified pediatrician doing public health work both for the federal government and associate medical director for parkrxamerica.org (PRA) aka natureprescribed.org. (Download Press photo)

More Information on The Swedish Prescription: visitsweden.com/the-swedish-prescription  

Cover photo: The Swedish Prescription. Credits: Visit Sweden (Download)

Press Imagery and video

Selected Destination images

For more information, press trips or access to spokespeople, please contact:
Josefin Haraldsson, Head of PR at Visit Sweden US, pressusa@visitsweden.com

*Survey methodology: This survey was conducted by the YouGov analysis institute during 24 June and 3 July 2025 through online panels with +9000 18+ year-old respondents in different markets: Denmark (1003 respondents), Finland (1016), France (1023), Germany (1016), Netherlands (1025), Norway (1021), Sweden (1012), UK (1037) and USA (1005). A parallel survey was conducted in the UK with medical professionals as respondents (147).

**Other Sources include: The 72-Hour Cabin Case Study, The dream destination for sleep tourism, Lagom: the Swedish secret to balanced living

Visit Sweden is a marketing company owned by the Swedish government. It is a national tourism organization to promote the destination Sweden to increase the country's attractiveness that contributes to tourism consumption, export earnings and employment. Visit Sweden works together with the Swedish tourism industry to effectively reach the most desired target groups for long-term sustainable tourism. Visit Sweden is based in Stockholm with local representation in several foreign markets. Welcome to Sweden - a destination of a different nature.