Swedish Doctors Can Now Prescribe Travel as Medicine for Stress and Burnout
Sweden has become the first country in the world where doctors can prescribe travel. The innovative initiative, called “The Swedish Prescription,” launched in September 2025. It positions travel not as a luxury, but as a legitimate tool for preventive and restorative healthcare .
Visit Sweden partnered with health professionals to develop this groundbreaking concept. The program taps into Sweden’s deep cultural connection to nature. It draws on “friluftsliv,” the Swedish philosophy of outdoor life, as a therapeutic resource .
The goal is simple but powerful. Time in nature, meaningful cultural experiences, and deep rest are not indulgences. They are medicine for the mind and body.
How the Prescription Works
The process is straightforward and accessible. Eligible doctors evaluate patients dealing with stress, fatigue, or mild anxiety. They then recommend customized Swedish experiences as part of a wellness plan.
A prescribed stay might include several key elements. Forest bathing, or “skogsbad,” involves immersive walks through ancient woodlands. Traditional sauna rituals in Lapland promote deep relaxation and reduce inflammation.
Cold-water swims in pristine archipelagos boost circulation and mood. Gentle cycling, nourishing local food, and unstructured time to rest complete the experience. Patients can even download a referral-style document from Visit Sweden to support conversations with their healthcare provider .
The initiative comes with an important caveat. Healthcare professionals must use their clinical judgement to determine suitability. Acute or severe cases must still be addressed through standard medical care. This is not a replacement for professional treatment, but a complement to it .
The Science Behind the Concept
Decades of research support what Swedes have always known. Time in nature lowers cortisol, the primary stress hormone. It reduces inflammation, improves mood, and supports better sleep .
Gentle movement near water has measurable mental health benefits. Fewer digital distractions allow the nervous system to reset. Relief from chronic stress leads to tangible improvements in both mental and physical health.
Sweden’s vast, untamed spaces make it a perfect laboratory for this approach. Nearly 97 percent of the country is uninhabited. The “allemansrätten,” or freedom to roam, lets anyone hike, forage, or simply breathe in peace without permission .
What This Means for Wellness Travel
Sweden’s initiative reframes the entire concept of wellness tourism. Unlike Bali’s retreats or Japan’s hot springs, Sweden emphasizes everyday experiences as therapy. The focus is on restoration, simplicity, and nervous-system regulation rather than adrenaline or excess.
The program highlights Swedish lifestyle habits with proven health benefits. Cycling or hiking through extensive national trails promotes physical activity. The daily ritual of fika, a coffee break with friends, supports social connection. Cultural activities in uncrowded spaces provide mental stimulation without overwhelm .
Visitors are encouraged to see these practices as more than travel experiences. They are routines to adopt at home for long-term wellbeing. Sweden’s reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world forms the backdrop for this project .
The Bigger Picture
You don’t actually need a passport to benefit from this idea. Arielle Ford, a wellness writer, captured the essence perfectly. “The true medicine isn’t Sweden itself,” she wrote. “It’s the way of being” .
You can create a Swedish-inspired wellness staycation anywhere. Schedule intentional time off. Start mornings with a quiet walk outdoors, even just around the block. Build a simple sauna ritual using a hot bath followed by a cool shower.
Eat slowly and savor real food. Turn meals into experiences instead of multitasking sessions. Reduce screen time, especially in the evening. Give yourself permission to do less, without guilt.
Most importantly, slow the pace. Let your nervous system feel safe again. Healing doesn’t always arrive in a bottle. Sometimes it shows up as fresh air, beauty, movement, silence, and the radical act of giving yourself time to breathe.
