Wellness vacations Scandinavian style
Relax and slow down in Scandinavian style on your vacation
The traditions of the Scandinavian lifestyle go back hundreds of years. In the rush and crush of modern life, the rarities are what we value most, such as space, quiet and time. Pure nature, relaxing sauna, a spoonful of traditional treatments, and wild food for serving - you can transform yourself into a new person during your holiday.
Our hand-crafted Scandinavian vacations all offer experiences that will guarantee you return home from holiday feeling better and healthier.
Refreshing start for the morning
Ice swimming is an experience that leaves you feeling fantastic and refreshed. Many of our autumn, winter and spring tours to Norway, Finland and Sweden have 'easy to access' spots within the resort or lodge where you can go ice swimming. Local hosts will love arranging this for you. Likewise, nearly all our handpicked accommodation in Iceland has swimming in cold pools or hot springs within walking range.
During the summer, head down to the lake or foreshore for a dip. Water might be still slightly chilly, but the cold water sets you perfectly up for the day ahead. The change is amazing and the resulting energy boost can stay with you for the rest of the day. And of course, feel free to do as the locals do, skinny dip without any concerns.
If you are doing a Scandinavian city holiday, there are easy options to get a fresh start to the day. Copenhagen locals can be found swimming from the city's docks, any day of the year. Helsinki locals combine a harbour swim with sauna at one of the many public sauna facilities.
Of course, if the sound of ice swimming on vacation is a little extreme, just enjoy Scandinavian leisure centres with each hotel, private saunas and day spas.
Day - hike into the silence
The space to breathe, a time to dream, hiking, cross-country skiing, exploring the lakes or simply a gentle walk in the woods. Walking in nature not only refreshes and relaxes the brain, but also frees the spirit. Spending regular time in the forest is proven to lower blood pressure, detox your body and improve your overall mood.
Our Scandinavian holidays take you 'off the beaten track' and into the countryside. Taking a moment each day to enjoy nature after sightseeing is easy if you are surrounded by it.
Afternoon: Nourish yourself with Scandinavian superfoods
Everyman’s right in the forests guarantees that you are allowed to pick almost anything your heart and mouth desires. Wild berries are packed with sweet flavours, healthy vitamins and flavonoids nourishing your body and soul. It is not uncommon during the summer and autumn months to find berries to pick at each stop along your journey. And you can be sure to enjoy local, organic produce including superfoods for dinner as local chefs pride themselves on showcasing their regional specialities.
Evening: Unwind in the heat of saunas and spas
Sauna is a traditional place for physical and mental cleansing. Try a herbal sauna with traditional spa treatments. Also, wood, smoke and steam saunas are options to step into the heat and enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleaned both body and mind. Many of our Lapland lodges have a variety of saunas to experience.
And in Scandinavia, you can be sure to have a lot of time in nature.
Wellness highlights of our 50 Degrees North Scandinavian vacation packages:
Lapland Adventure Week - Experience the Finnish Lapland and visit a Scandinavian style wellness centre with a wide range of therapies and treatments.
Green Forests & Blue Lakes, Finland self drive - Unwind by the lake in Anttolanhovi Wellness Village.
New Years in the Lyngen Alps Norway- Relax in a Jacuzzi under the Northern Lights.
Image credits: Mikko Ryhanen, Kari Ylitalo, Hotel Haikko Manor, Riitta Weijola / Vastavalo, Jani Seppanen / Vastavalo, Jussi Helttunen, Harri Tarvainen, Eetu Ahanen and Mikko Ryhanen.