Sitting by an open fire and just staring into the flames. Waiting for the Northern Lights and feeling time creep along. Or ice fishing on a frozen lake, with nothing happening. It doesn't have to be a problem to sometimes be a little bored – on the contrary, it can be good for you. Research shows that boredom, or ”Boredom”, helping the brain to rest and recover. ”You need to be bored,” argues Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks.
Here are some examples of places where you can switch off, unwind, and do almost nothing in Sweden.

This insight may feel more relevant than ever. As the year draws to a close and to-do lists grow ever longer, Sweden offers a range of opportunities to disconnect, unwind and do absolutely nothing... or, almost nothing.

Research shows that we are increasingly finding it difficult to cope with the large amount and complexity of information that today's world contains. One also sees that sadness or ”Boredom” helps the brain to rest and recover, and provides time for reflection.

 ”One needs to be bored” said Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks in a interview earlier this year and a fresh study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows that a feeling of calm and recovery occurred in those who watched SVT's ”slow TV phenomenon”.” The Great Elk Migration.

Boredom – a global trend
However, being bored doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing – it can be about doing less and at a slower pace. As digital detox retreats and wellness trips become more common, slow travel is also gaining traction, slow travel, a larger role within the wellness and travel industries. According to WTM Global Travel Report 2025 Nature and well-being-focused trips are also in high demand among today's travellers.

Treat yourself to a bit of boredom
Sweden can be the right place for those who want to experience activities that take time and happen at a slower pace. It is one of Europe's most sparsely populated countries with large forests and thousands of lakes that are easily accessible, and where you can find a place just for yourself. Natural darkness, clear air, and deep silence create the perfect environment for rest and reflection.

”There are plenty of things to do in Sweden.” says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden. ”But among the best things you can actually do is to come here, embrace the silence – and just be bored.”

Here are some examples of experiences 

Live off-grid in a Swedish cabin:

• Hop Farm Beach, Hälsingland – Digital detox cabin where forest meets beach, two hours north of Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
• Stay Land, Sörmland Architect-designed cottages surrounded by archipelago nature, less than an hour south of Stockholm.
• Hyssna Forest Resort, West Sweden – Choose between treetop, cliffside, or waterside cabins, all with private outdoor hot tubs. Less than an hour from Gothenburg.

Stargazing in Swedish Lapland:

• Kiruna – Sweden's northernmost city, with over 25 days of polar night, is a fantastic backdrop and base for stargazing.
• Jukkasjärvi – Home to The world's first ice hotel, This village of 800 inhabitants and 1,000 dogs offers plenty of frozen charm.
• Abisko Located between mountains and right next to a national park, it is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Slow winter adventures beyond the ski slopes

• Björkliden, Swedish Lapland – A small ski resort with magnificent surroundings. Participate in a day trip up the mountain or a Northern Lights tour to a traditional lavvu.
• Åre, Jämtland – Avoid the ski crowds and take part in a Guided gastronomic walk with local flavours, or hike above the treeline to an igloo for lunch.
• Dalarna – Wander with a domesticated reindeer from Sweden's southernmost Sámi village, or Hike to Njupeskär waterfall and visit Old Tjikko, the world's oldest tree.

Crawling... even if there's no traffic.

• The Wilderness Trail (Vildmarksvägen) – Sweden's highest paved road, forming a remote circular route through forest, mountains and reindeer pastures.
• Blue Road (E12, Blue Road) – Winds from Norway to Finland through snowy, mountainous landscapes
• The Northern Lights Route (Route 99) – Considered a dream for Northern Lights hunters and anyone needing mental recuperation. Follows the Torne River from Haparanda to Karesuando.

Ice fishing – a masterclass in doing nothing

• Storsjön, Östersund A local favourite for those venturing out on their own. Perch, trout and whitefish hide beneath the ice, and local tackle shops can help you with gear and advice.
• Sälen, Dalarna – Join a guided tour to learn the basics, dig your own hole and cook your catch over an open fire.

Slow food experiences

• Tastes and stories from Sápmi Huuva Hideaway in Swedish Lapland
• Traditional vendace grilling at Kukkolaforsen, right on the border with Finland
• Slow dinner by the river at Knystaforsen in Halland, which has been awarded a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star, where the team prefers to cook outdoors over embers.

The slow art of bathing in cold water

• Arctic Bath, Swedish Lapland – A spa hotel floating on the Lule River, designed to honour the region's forestry history.
• Varberg, Halland –An iconic 19th-century wooden bathhouse, situated above the Kattegat with sweeping sea views.
• Helsingborg, Skåne – Perhaps Sweden’s most devoted cold-water swimming town, with three swimming pools and an annual cold-water swimming week (which actually lasts 12 days)

According to the press release.