Viking wellness is one of the most talked-about travel trends for 2026 according to Condé Nast Traveller And Sweden is at the forefront of this growing movement. Here, old traditions such as wood-fired baths and relaxing forest experiences are given new life in modern interpretations, with a focus on simplicity, nature at the centre, and time as the ultimate luxury.

Although history sometimes paints a different picture, hygiene and personal grooming, alongside rituals and well-being in nature, were an obvious part of everyday Viking life. Regular baths, various beauty rituals, and the tradition of alternating between intense heat and icy cold served both practical and social functions.

Today, these age-old customs are awakening new interest among travellers who are increasingly seeking tranquility and wish to swap digital noise for simple, sensory experiences. In Sweden's forests and by its lakes, the same landscapes that were once home to the Vikings, traditions have been given new life in a modern interpretation, offering a close connection to a lifestyle characterised by restoration and timelessness.

Here is a selection of wellness experiences in Sweden

Master cold and heat

• Silva Spa at Trakt Forest Hotel This spa is tucked away in the woods and offers baths in wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna by a small lake – an experience for all the senses.
• The sauna at Uppvallen's Fäbod, located on a glamping site deep in the forest, offers a fantastic setting for the ritual of alternating between heat and cold, both summer and winter.
• The Creek Cabin at Hyssna Forest Resort In the middle of a moss-covered valley, this cottage offers a switch between warm baths and dips in a free-flowing stream.

Three culinary experiences in tune with the fire

• Åre Nature Studio Here, every meal begins around an open fire outdoors. Chef Fredrik Karlsson creates his menus using ingredients foraged, hunted and caught in the local area, which provides a clear and direct link to the changing seasons.
• Asa Herrgård As part of the initiative Edible Country Guests gather seasonal ingredients and eat together at a long wooden table in the middle of the forest.
• Knystaforsen This Michelin-starred restaurant, located in a former sawmill, puts the campfire at the centre of the dining experience.

The overall experience

• Forest retreat with Elles Outdoor Food A tranquil retreat open all year round, offering open-fire cooking and forest spa experiences, where guests can unwind in harmony with nature.
• Forest retreat with Wild Sweden This six-day retreat is aimed at those who love unspoilt nature and adventure. The programme includes forest yoga, a wood-fired sauna, lake swimming, and two nights of camping by a lake in wolf territory.
• Retreat at the farm of Sibbjäns On Gotland, this boutique farm offers a more refined interpretation of Viking well-being. Natural pool, wood-fired sauna, and a regenerative ”farm-to-table” philosophy.

Viking Wellness in Stockholm

• Forest Water Spa, Villa Foresta Hotel A true oasis of 900 m² with sea views, located in the iconic Villa Foresta hotel. The spa area offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as several saunas. Opening Spring 2026.
• Hagastrand The hotel and spa unite Nordic heritage with contemporary design and were designed by the Swedish architectural firm Wingårdhs. The spa forms the heart of the experience with its snow room, an 18-metre long pool bathed in natural light, underwater music, and a sauna where sound, scents, and warmth interact.
• Emberlin de Frantzén restaurant is a new restaurant created by the multi-Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén where wood-fired cooking is explored from a modern perspective. The restaurant will open in summer 2026.