by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 11:50 AM ET, Tue September 23, 2025
Sweden is positioning itself as the first country in the world where doctors can prescribe travel as a tool to improve health and well-being.
The initiative is supported by a new international survey, which shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents would be open to spending more time in nature if recommended by a physician.
The survey, conducted by YouGov in June and July 2025, also found that most people had not previously heard of nature, social, or cultural prescriptions by doctors. Despite this, there is growing interest in integrating these activities into preventive healthcare strategies.
“Nature, social settings and culture have restorative powers, and evidently, Sweden has these assets in abundance. I would welcome discussing with my patients how Swedish nature and lifestyle could benefit their health – and am open to prescribing a visit there if my patients request it,” said Stacy Beller Stryer, associate medical director at ParkRXAmerica.
The World Health Organization recognizes the role of nature in human health, and studies have shown that nature prescriptions can benefit both physical and mental well-being. Social and cultural activities have shown similar positive effects.
“We have made great strides in making nature prescription a more integral part of public health – but there is much more to be done. I welcome Sweden's initiative and hope it will help break down institutional and organisational barriers, ultimately benefiting all patients,” added Beller Stryer.
As part of the initiative, Visit Sweden has published a list of scientifically vetted activities, designed to guide conversations between doctors and patients and support prescriptions for health-boosting visits to Sweden.
Topics From This Article to Explore
