By Letara Draghia
Copyright euroweeklynews
Sweden has launched the world’s first “travel on prescription” initiative, allowing doctors to recommend visits for mental and physical wellbeing.
The Swedish Prescription campaign, unveiled in September, is backed by research from Karolinska Institutet and supported by global physicians. It highlights the proven benefits of activities such as forest walks, sauna bathing, and cultural experiences.
A prescription for nature, culture and lifestyle
According to a YouGov survey commissioned by Visit Sweden, nearly two out of three people worldwide (63 per cent) said they would spend more time in nature if prescribed by a doctor. In the UK, 66 per cent of patients said they would follow a nature prescription, though only 3 per cent had ever received one.
“Nature, social settings and culture have restorative powers, and evidently, Sweden has these assets in abundance,” said Dr Stacy Beller Stryer, Associate Medical Director at ParkRxAmerica. London GP Sir Sam Everington, Vice President of the British Medical Association, added, “I welcome Sweden’s initiative and hope it will help break down institutional and organisational barriers, ultimately benefiting all patients.” Cited by Cision News.
What the Swedish travel prescription includes
The Swedish Prescription provides doctors with research-backed activities:
Forest bathing – reduces stress and lowers cortisol.
Sauna and cold plunges – improve sleep quality and circulation.
Cultural visits – linked to reduced depression and anxiety.
Fika breaks – social pauses proven to lower stress and boost focus.
Sleeping under the stars – helps reset the circadian rhythm for better rest.
With 70 per cent of Sweden covered by forest and more than 100,000 lakes, the country markets itself as a natural health destination rooted in friluftsliv – the Swedish tradition of “open-air life.”
The activities were reviewed by Professor Yvonne Forsell of Karolinska Institutet, one of the world’s leading medical universities. Sweden is positioning the initiative as a model for preventive healthcare that integrates nature, culture and lifestyle with tourism.
“Patients can now download a medical referral to support an application to their GP,” Visit Sweden confirmed in its release, making the initiative accessible worldwide.
Sweden’s scheme highlights a growing link between healthcare and travel. It offers more than leisure: a doctor-backed framework for wellbeing, rooted in clean air, balanced living, and cultural richness. For those managing stress, fatigue, or anxiety, a trip to Sweden may be just the ticket.
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