Long dark nights, cool temperatures, fresh air and soothing nature make Sweden one of the world's best places for recreation and relaxation. Here, Nordic well-being is combined with the growing trend of sleep tourism, and a range of destinations offer experiences focused on recovery, rest and the opportunity to enjoy sweet, Swedish dreams - Swede Dreams!

Participating in wellness trips is a trend that may reflect our time's need to escape the stress and noise of everyday life to focus on recovery and relaxation.

Several reports point to a global trend where relaxation, self-care and good sleep are central elements in the increasing interest in holistic health in travel. Condé Nast Traveler  writes: ”Sleep tourism is the health trend we’ve all been waiting for,” and ELLE  points out: ”Forget sightseeing: Sleep retreats are the new wellness trend that combats stress.” Hilton's annual trend report  further confirms the new trend and designates 2024 as ”The Great Recharge-year”, where more and more travelers prioritize sleep in peaceful environments.

And Sweden is the perfect destination to enjoy rest, relaxation and good sleep – what we call Swede Dreams.

· Sweden's natural darkness during autumn and winter is perfect for a restful night's sleep.

· Cool temperatures create an ideal sleeping environment. Research shows that 18°C is the optimal bedroom temperature for a good night's sleep and in Sweden it is often offered naturally.

· Clean air is known to improve sleep quality and Sweden consistently ranks among the top countries in the world when it comes to good air quality.

· Peaceful environments, where only the sounds of nature break the silence, provide the calm that contributes to good relaxation. In Sweden, these places are numerous and relatively easily accessible.

A study from Karolinska Institutet (2017) showed that 72 hours in nature can reduce stress levels by 70 percent, making Sweden an ideal environment for relaxing retreats.

Fjällnäs: Photo Mikael Bertmar

Now the autumn and winter months await, offering quiet and cozy evenings perfect for relaxation and recovery. From glass cabins in the south to treetop accommodations in the north, Sweden offers many options designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Here are some examples of where you can enjoy sweet Swedish dreams – Swede Dreams!

Bergaliv Orbaden in Hälsingland offers a stay of simplicity and recovery in its landscape hotel high up on Åsberget near Orbaden. Here on the slope of the mountaintop lies Lofthusen with rooms close to nature that allow visitors to experience the finer details of life.

Lindeborgs Eco Retreat Photo: Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner

Lindeborgs Eco Retreat in Sörmland offers a relaxing stay on the farm, either in the award-winning Ekoladan, the cozy red cottage or in a newly built nature hut in the middle of nature. If you want to experience more than the tranquility of the farm, there are plenty of activities nearby, such as high-altitude railways, horseback riding, kayak rentals and steamboat tours.

Nature lodge Photo Josefine Espenkrona 

Naturlogi in Östergötland offers unique forest accommodations, with everything from simple wind shelters with mosquito nets, to suites with private hot tubs. All accommodations have a fireplace and guests cook their meals over the fire with sustainable ingredients delivered in a basket.

The Lake Cottage Photo: Anfasteröd Gårdsvik

Anfasteröd Gårdsvik Can't decide between the sea and the forest? Then this family-run farm, located on a forested slope with views of the Bohuslän archipelago, might be for you. Here you can choose between a glamping experience in heated safari tents or staying in the carefully renovated historic buildings. Anfasteröd has been a popular holiday destination for over a hundred years, and the owners care for the area by limiting the number of guests to preserve the balance of nature.

Stora Karlsö Photo: Magnus Melin

Stora Karlsö is an island just off Gotland and is known for its rich birdlife. Here you can stay in the old lighthouse on a cliff with a fantastic view of the sunset or in a beach house with direct access to the bathing jetty. The nature reserve offers a unique experience where proximity to nature is the focus and offers a perfect place to rest.

Fjällnäs Photo: Emelie Nilsson 

Fjällnäs in Jämtland is Sweden's oldest mountain hotel and a unique place to experience the constant changes of nature. Here, surrounded by mountains and a peaceful lake, you will find peace and recovery. The rooms are furnished with care for Swedish quality and design, where materials and colors blend into the scenic surroundings.

The 72-Hour Cabin consists of glass cabins deep in the forests of Dalsland. Here you get the chance to relax and reduce stress by spending three days close to nature. The design and concept are based on research that shows the positive effects of being in natural environments on well-being.

Sapmi Nature Photo: ©sapminature

Sápmi Nature Camp Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laponia, Sápmi Nature Camp offers the opportunity to spend the night in traditional Sami lavvu tents, similar to tipis. Hosted by Sami families, guests gain an insight into the region's lifestyle and culture.

Granö Beckasin in Västerbotten offers charming tree houses, also known as bird nests, high up in the treetops. For those who prefer to live on the ground level, there are cottages, hotels and camping – all surrounded by the peaceful nature of Norrland.

Swedish Country Living Photo: Jonas Ingman/westsweden.com 

Swedish Country Living, located in Western Sweden, is an environmentally certified farm that offers accommodations with beautiful views of the lake and forest. The small, off-grid The wooden cottages with Scandinavian design offer an ideal retreat for those seeking peace and privacy.

Even Nordic hotel chains, such as Scandic, have embraced the growing trend of sleep tourism, where, for example, some facilities offer "Superior Sleep" rooms specially designed for optimal sleep.

Source: visit Sweden