Winter in Sweden can be long, cold, and dark. But for anyone looking for a real, restful sleep, it’s perfect.
The ferry moves slowly through the icy waters of the Stockholm Archipelago, passing islands with names like Skarpö, Hjälmö, and Gällnö. Small red houses dot the docks. In Swedish, “Ö” means island, a hint at the quiet escapes that await.
A snowy path leads me to Skärgårdshotell, a cabin tucked on the edge of a forest overlooking Lake Svartsöfladen. It feels miles away from the busy world.
Inside, the cabin is simple: a bed, a chair, a table. No TV, no distractions. Just silence and space. Here, sleep is the main focus.
Sleep tourism is growing globally, with travelers choosing hotels and retreats to help them rest. Sweden takes a more natural approach, letting peaceful landscapes and quiet surroundings do the work.
Christian Benedict, a sleep researcher at Uppsala University, says: “Time in nature improves mental health and sleep.
The Stockholm archipelago has over 30,000 islands. I often wake in the city with my mind racing. Here, life slows. I walk through the forest, watch the lake, read, and follow the day’s natural rhythm—a complete contrast to city life.
Svartsö means “the black island,” named for its granite bedrock. At dusk, I walk past sheep, pigs, and goats to the shore. The sun sets, the forest quiets, and everything feels ready for sleep.
I end the day in the hotel sauna, tucked among the trees. The ritual leaves body and mind ready for a deep, natural sleep.
