Sweden was the first country to be recommended for its health benefits, and the country now encourages travelers to experience one of its best wellness experiences: the Northern Lights.

A rare solar maximum is about to occur, which will make the aurora display brighter, more frequent and easier to see. Travelers to Sweden will have front-row access to one of nature’s most powerful mood boosters.

The health benefits of seeing the Northern Lights speak for themselves. Studies show it can help lower stress, improve moods and generate emotional restoration.

“Seeing the Northern Lights is a great way to connect with the night sky, and my research suggests that this connection is beneficial for our mental health and happiness,” said Dr. Chris Barnes, psychologist, University of Derby.

With the Northern Lights visible for about 200 nights a year in Sweden, the phenomenon is not only a one-of-a-kind experience but can also be therapeutic as well. Travelers can experience it from unique places like saunas, outdoor hot tubs, forest cabins or during a silent reindeer ride.

Sweden offers a variety of comfortable viewing spots combining natural immersion with classic Nordic hospitality, including Aurora Safari Camp, Arctic Bath, Treehotel, Pinetree Lodge, Máttáráhkká Northern Light Lodge, Camp Ripan, Arctic Gourmet Cabin and Fjellborg Arctic Lodge.

You can be sure you never miss the opportunity to see the Northern Lights with several apps alerting you to the Northern Lights. Apps like My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Now, Hello Aurora and The IRF Aurora Alert app are free to download and provide local forecasts and real-time notifications.