A Comprehensive Guide to Wellness Travel in Sweden and Norway

The concept of hygge, embodying the Scandinavian essence of cozy happiness, has gained global recognition. For outdoor enthusiasts in search of mindful getaways, Norway and Sweden offer fresh experiences in nature that will enrich both your vocabulary and your views.

In Norway, immerse yourself in friluftsliv, the philosophy of embracing a simple outdoor lifestyle and disconnecting to reconnect with nature and your inner self. Sparkling fjords, serene beaches, and reflective mountain vistas beckon those in search of an adventure paradise that is both pristine and peaceful. Here, the call of the wild is not a roar but the rhythm of your heartbeat upon reaching a peak, the melody of birdsong breaking the silence of untouched national parks, and the rush of cascading waterfalls.

In Sweden, experience skogsbad, or forest bathing, which invites contemplation and exploration. With 70 percent of the country blanketed in lush trees, ancient forests and green canopies are easily reachable, even from the most bustling city.

Witness the northern lights and the midnight sun in Norway

From the northern lights and the midnight sun to vibrant fishing villages, Tromsø is home to many of Norway's most iconic sights. This Arctic hub and university town offers both rich cultural experiences and opportunities for quiet reflection.

These natural wonders can also be seen in the Lofoten Islands. Since the 9th century, intrepid Vikings navigated the Svolværgeita pinnacle and Himmeltindan Mountain, venturing far beyond the Arctic Circle into uncharted territories. Despite the modern amenities that have emerged over the centuries—such as traditional fishing cabins turned into cozy family-run accommodations at Holmen Lofoten—the essence and scenery of this region remain largely untouched.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Lofoten enjoys a significantly milder climate compared to other locations at the same latitude. For surfers, this creates one of the northernmost paradises on the planet. It's common to spot yogis at hidden beaches or horseback riders galloping along the shores of Gimsøya Island, where expansive sands blend with an infinite sky.

The Lofoten Islands offer countless opportunities to rejuvenate, whether by land or sea. Small-group skiing and sailing excursions provide a perfect mix of adventure, while hikers, climbers, and cyclists can push their limits on guided or solo tours.

Experience the great outdoors in Norway’s national parks

With the midnight sun, you gain extra hours for adventures, allowing for greater physical and mental achievements in the remote Svalbard archipelago. In these far-off corners of the earth, experience the stunning natural wonder of the midnight sun, where golden rays envelop the sky.

Over 60 percent of Svalbard is designated as protected land. This fragile ecosystem near the North Pole is home to walruses, polar bears, and reindeer—often, the number of reindeer surpasses that of human hikers. For a truly surreal experience, explore the tranquil ice caves of Svalbard.

Norway’s national parks, such as the undulating tundra of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella and the jagged peaks of Rondane, are essential for anyone seeking genuine peace. The hiking trails in Rondane cater to various skill levels, with many visitors choosing day trips or driving tours. The serene pace is more than compensated by the stunning scenery, including several waterfalls and chances to see one of Norway’s last wild reindeer herds. You can also spot them, along with musk oxen, in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, where hikers and skiers often visit the Mardal waterfall.

For a restful stay, the converted farmhouse accommodations at Gammel-Kleppe Heritage Hotel feel like stepping into a fairytale. The nine wooden rooms, many featuring fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of nature, come with a farm-fresh breakfast and access to wood-fired sauna facilities.

This retreat is ideally situated near Rondane and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, as well as the mountainous Jotunheimen region. Known as the “home of the giants,” this lofty plateau gives you a sense of being on top of the world, reminiscent of the intrepid Norse who traversed Northern Europe’s highest mountains here.

Glaciers sculpted these peaks over numerous ice ages, shaping some of Norway’s most famous landscapes. The country boasts over 1,000 fjords, formed as glaciers carved U-shaped valleys that later filled with seawater. Today, the lush valleys and flowing waterfalls are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Explore Norway’s stunning beaches

With an extensive coastline, Norway boasts the highest number of beaches globally. Here, azure waves crash against a limitless sky, occasionally interrupted by sunbathers or surfers. While you might not see many people, seabirds flit between the white-sand dunes that create hiking paths.

For peaceful rivers, southern Norway awaits. In the Setesdal Valley, fishermen can enjoy the sunshine while awaiting a bite from perch or bleke, the local non-migratory salmon.

Immerse yourself in forest bathing in Sweden

Forest bathing, known as skogsbad in Sweden, involves more than just wandering through the woods—it’s about engaging all five senses. Experience the sunlight shimmering through the leafy canopy, feel the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, and breathe in the fresh scent of pine among various tree species that cover 70 percent of Sweden, including spruce, beech, and oak.

Similar to meditation, forest bathing can be practiced alone or with guidance, and in Sweden, skogsbad extends beyond just wooded areas. The diverse landscape ranges from rushing rivers in the north, framed by majestic mountains, to sandy beaches and wildflower-strewn meadows in the south.

Embark on an adventure in Sweden’s national parks

Sweden's stringent logging regulations from the early 20th century have preserved the health and integrity of its forests, nurturing its natural beauty and fragile ecosystems. Located in Swedish Lapland, the rugged Sarek National Park is Europe’s oldest national park, often referred to as the “last great wilderness of the North.” Here, adventurers can truly escape the crowds, as there are no marked trails and the challenging landscape includes six of Sweden's thirteen peaks over 6,500 feet and 100 glaciers.

At Skuleskogen National Park, where the mountains kiss the sea, striking red granite cliffs offer breathtaking views over the Bothnian Sea. From the summit, it's clear why UNESCO recognized the High Coast of Sweden as a World Heritage site. The park’s diverse geography resembles a living geology textbook, with trails catering to all skill levels leading to sandy beaches and ancient forests, where twisted, windswept pines conjure images from Lord of the Rings.

In the southern region of Småland, national parks like Norra Kvill evoke the enchanting worlds of Tolkien. In Sweden, magnificent oaks and pines have long been safeguarded as communal treasures. The untouched forests of Småland have remained unlogged for 150 years, offering breathtaking views to those who hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak. Elsewhere, entire boulder fields are blanketed in moss, while Stora Idgölen lake dances with water lilies and star-shaped bogbean flowers.

Such tranquility and forest bathing experiences are not limited to rugged or remote areas. Just 12 miles from the heart of Stockholm, visitors can discover natural beauty at Tyresta National Park. Here, spruce trees mingle with moss and lichen, and lakes sparkle as around 8,000 animal species roam freely, seemingly unbothered by their human visitors. In this serene landscape, as throughout Sweden, forests are cherished as a shared sanctuary.