From Saunas to Skogsbad: The Nordics’ Blueprint for Balance and Serenity

Nordic wellness draws its essence from its untamed natural beauty. Boreal forests blanketing Finland and Sweden, iconic fjords carving through Norway, breathtaking coastal views along Denmark's shores, and enchanting Arctic expanses of Lapland have all shaped the Nordics' world-renowned wellness culture.  

Any journey to the Nordics promises one centred on balance, equality, and a profound appreciation of the natural world. Yet, the true magic of Nordic wellness lies in how the natural world enhances the dedicated wellness experiences shaped by centuries of cultural and philosophical commitment to holistic health. 

Finland's cherished and UNESCO-recognized sauna culture best exemplifies the Nordics' daily commitment to wellness. It may be surprising that a country with winters as long and harsh as Finland is also home to some of the world's happiest people, but it’s true. It's also home to the highest concentration of saunas in the world. 

The use of saunas in Finland dates back thousands of years, from when they were first used to survive the winter. Old Finnic tradition recognizes the steam, or löyly, as the sweat of Väinämöinen—a central figure of ancient Finnic mythology who’s credited with everything miraculous and wonderful—making it the most significant spiritual aspect of Finnish saunas. Over time, saunas evolved into the traditional wood-burning smoke saunas, a cornerstone of Finnish society today. 

Modern science supports Finland's long-held belief in the health benefits of sauna bathing, including stress relief, improved blood circulation, pain reduction, and improved cardiovascular health. So, whether you're taking a break from Helsinki's city life or savouring the löyly before your cold plunge into the frozen lake outside your wood-cabin sauna, Finnish saunas allow you to embrace the present moment while improving your physical health. 

Wellness in Sweden is similar to that in Finland in many respects. It heavily incorporates nature, saunas, hydrotherapy, and an emphasis on balance. Lagom, meaning "just enough," is the prevalent Swedish philosophy of pursuing satisfaction over excess, encouraging a lifestyle of harmony and simplicity. 

Lagom enhances the Swedish sauna and spa experience—crowned by the iconic Swedish massage—and plays a significant role in forest bathing, a popular aspect of wellness in Finland and Sweden. Forest bathing, or skogsbad, involves immersing oneself in a secluded natural atmosphere and focusing on the sensory experience. Many spa packages in Sweden feature forest bathing since Sweden's vast forests, peppered with countless lakes, are some of the best places in the world to escape your daily stresses and reconnect with nature in its purest form.  

Wellness in Norway, or Velvære, centres on two philosophies ingrained in their national identity: friluftsliv and kos. Friluftsliv is the mindset of celebrating and experiencing the outdoors and appreciating the unique opportunities of every season, from kayaking in the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord to cross-country skiing through frozen winter landscapes. Kos is a closely related concept, roughly translating to cozy, which describes the Norwegian philosophy of luxury as simplicity, cherishing the small pleasures in life with your loved ones.  

Hygge is a Danish concept similar to kos that focuses on cultivating warmth, authentic connections, and a mindful appreciation of the simplicity of life. Hygge is deeply embedded in Danish culture and is especially enjoyed in winter when cozying up in a cabin under a blanket with warm gløgg (mulled wine) and delicious Danish pastries. 

Drawing inspiration from and inspiring each other, a trip to the Nordics offers a special opportunity to rediscover wellness, nature, and, ultimately, ourselves. 

This article was produced in collaboration with Visit Europe and co-funded by the European Union.