Swedish wellness and spa culture is rooted in tradition, dating back to the fifth century. Today, many Swedish spa hotels and spa resorts offering a wide range of saunas and treatments are perfectly located in beautiful areas of the Swedish countryside. Sauna bathing is a tradition deeply rooted in the Swedish culture up north and a rising trend in the cities.
Aside from being a holistic health treatment, the , saunas across the country provide a place for social exchange between families, partners and friends. Whether by the sea, a lake or in a forest, Swedish spa hotels and spa resorts offer a harmonious connection to nature, eco-friendly products, locally sourced food, and invigorating outdoor activities. The country is also home to the world-renowned Swedish massage, which involves light, gentle strokes to calm and relax you.
So what better place to indulge in one? Swedish spas and saunas are not just relaxing, they are also great for your mind, body and soul. Here are some of the best health benefits of sauna and spa rituals:. Birch twigs at Kukkolaforsen, Haparanda. Using birch twigs to tap the skin lightly is a common practice in sauna culture to increase blood flow. Most Swedish spa resorts and spa hotels provide towels, robes and slippers, but do bring your own swimwear and exercise clothes.
For non-spa saunas, you may need to bring your own towel. But many saunas these days encourage you to wear a towel or swimwear especially in a unisex sauna to show consideration towards others. Here are some of the best spas in Sweden, starting off with icy Northern spa resorts and ending with coastal spas in the South. They all offer day spa packages and overnight packages, but there are a few exceptions which are noted below.
Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan, Kiruna. Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, hosts a spa resort in an unforgettable environment. Instead of blocking out the winter, the Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan has integrated it into the experience. Wander between the warming waters of the indoor and outdoor pools, relax in steamy saunas, and experience a classic Swedish massage. At Kukkolaforsen in Haparanda, you can try several types of saunas: a wood-fired sauna, a smoke sauna, Pirti's greenhouse sauna, a village sauna and a VIP sauna.
