Ayahuasca Retreats in Sweden (Sverige) and Beyond: An International Perspective

APL Shamanic Journeys retreats blog
Although Sweden lies far from the Amazon, interest in Ayahuasca (or «iowaska» / «ayawaska» / «auwashka») continues to grow steadily there. Each year, we welcome an increasing number of guests from the Nordic countries—especially Sweden. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Ayahuasca (or «shamanic tea») in Sweden: from its legal status to the possibilities for experiencing it safely and authentically

Why Choose an Ayahuasca Retreat Outside Sweden?

While Ayahuasca itself is not explicitly listed as a banned substance, it contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine), which is classified as a Schedule I drug under Swedish law. This means that any substance containing DMT is illegal to possess, use, import, or distribute in Sweden—even if it is part of a traditional or ceremonial brew like Ayahuasca.
In recent years, there have been legal cases in Sweden where individuals were prosecuted for importing or using Ayahuasca, often resulting in convictions or suspended sentences. Authorities do not typically recognize the brew’s traditional or spiritual uses as a valid defense.
So, while interest in Ayahuasca is growing among Swedes, ceremonies must be attended abroad, in countries where its use is legal and culturally accepted—such as in parts of South America or some retreat centers in Europe that comply with local laws.

Best Places for an Ayahuasca Retreat Near Sweden in Europe

If you're a resident of Sweden and want to experience Ayahuasca legally, there is a solution. It’s a much wiser choice to experience Ayahuasca plant medicine in a country where it’s legally permitted and safely practiced—whether that’s somewhere nearby in the EU with more relaxed regulations, or deep in the Amazon where the tradition originates and is fully embraced.

Ireland

Ayahuasca tea is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, and in recent years, a number of “retreats” have begun hosting ceremonies in places like Dublin. However, this does **not** make Ayahuasca legal in the country. All such gatherings operate in a legal grey area, without official protection or regulation. For a safe and fully legal experience, it’s strongly recommended to travel to a country where Ayahuasca is either regulated or traditionally accepted—whether within the EU or in the Amazon itself.
Ireland

Netherlands

Ayahuasca’s legal standing in Netherlands is complicated, sitting at the intersection of religious rights and drug legislation. A report by ICEERS explores how the Santo Daime church uses Ayahuasca in its rituals, highlighting a 2018 Supreme Court decision that officially classified the brew as a controlled substance.
The Netherlands

Spain

Spain has more soft regulations compared to many other countries, and there are several Ayahuasca retreats that operate legally within its borders. However, it’s important to draw a clear distinction: Spain is also a popular tourist destination, and not all offerings are rooted in genuine respect for the Ayahuasca medicine.
Spain

Retreats in Ibiza / Mallorca / Barcelona / Malaga

A proper retreat should be dedicated solely to Ayahuasca medicine, with a strong focus on the integrity and professionalism of the entire team—especially the shaman and facilitators. If a so-called retreat offers a mix of substances like magic mushrooms, San Pedro, and others, it’s often a red flag. This usually indicates a commercial, tourist-oriented setup that prioritizes recreational experiences over authentic, respectful work with this plant medicine.

Portugal

While Portugal is one of the more tolerant countries in Europe regarding drug use, the legality of Ayahuasca remains uncertain, as it is not officially protected under the law. Some Ayahuasca ceremonies do take place in Portugal, often in a legal grey area. In 2001, the country decriminalized the possession and personal use of all drugs, including those containing DMT, such as Ayahuasca. However, decriminalization is not the same as legalization.
Portugal

Top 3 Best Ayahuasca Retreats Outside Sweden for Spiritual Growth

If you’re based in Sweden and want to experience Ayahuasca in a respectful, traditional, and well-guided way—but don’t have the means to travel all the way to South America—there are reputable options not too far away. Below, we’ve listed retreats in nearby locations that we trust and recommend for a safe and meaningful experience.

APL Journeys Retreats

APL Shamanic Journeys offers traditional Ayahuasca retreats guided by Shipibo shamans from the Peruvian Amazon, combined with professional, trauma-informed support from a Western team. Their main location is a luxurious resort in Spain, where retreats are held with a strong focus on safety, authenticity, integration therapy, and deep personal transformation. Each retreat includes four Ayahuasca ceremonies, integration support, and a small, intimate group setting to ensure personal attention and care.
APL Shamanic Journeys
APL Shamanic Journeys
BEST UPCOMING
Ayahuasca Retreats

SPAIN

This 7-day Ayahuasca retreat in Spain offers traditional ceremonies with Peruvian Shamans and support from trauma-informed facilitators and a therapist, focusing on personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
ECUADOR
This 10-day Ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador is a transformative journey across the country. Participants travel through diverse regions, staying in various locations, including thermal spa in mountains and the Amazon jungle with the Achuar tribes.
PERU
This 8-day Ayahuasca retreat or Dieta with Teacher Plants in Peru is led by Maestro Pepe from the Netflix documentary "The Last Shaman." Set in the Amazon rainforest, it includes four Ayahuasca ceremonies, integration circles, personal consultations, and excursions.
Ocean Front Retreat
Journey to Tribes
With “The Last Shaman”

Sinchi Runa

Sinchi Runa is a retreat center originally based in Portugal, offering Ayahuasca. The center blends Amazonian traditions with spiritual teachings from various lineages, focusing on deep inner work and spiritual awakening. It's a place suited for those seeking a broad spiritual journey, but it's important to research thoroughly before attending.
Sinchi Runa

Behold

Behold Retreats is a wellness company offering high-end, curated psychedelic experiences, including Ayahuasca and psilocybin retreats, in locations such as the Netherlands, where psilocybin truffles are legal. Their retreats (events) are positioned as luxury, personalized journeys for transformation and self-discovery, combining plant medicine with coaching and integration support. While the Netherlands retreats focus primarily on psilocybin due to legal restrictions, Ayahuasca is sometimes offered in other countries.
APL Shamanic Journeys
Behold

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Finding a Safe Ayahuasca Retreat Near Sweden: What You Need to Know

Here are a few tips to help you choose a trustworthy Ayahuasca retreat near Sweden, focusing on the most important criteria:

Legitimacy of the Retreat

  • Check Legal Status in the Country
Ensure the retreat operates in a country where Ayahuasca is legal or decriminalized. Avoid places functioning in legal grey areas or underground settings, especially in countries where DMT is strictly prohibited.

  • Transparency of the Organization
A legitimate retreat will be open about its team, location, dates, safety protocols, and what is included in the experience. Be cautious of vague or overly secretive operations.

  • Clear Safety and Medical Policies
The retreat should conduct medical and psychological screenings before accepting participants, and have protocols for dealing with emergencies during ceremonies.

Experience and Credentials of the Facilitators

  • Trained and Experienced Shamans
Look for retreats that work with indigenous healers or highly trained gurus with deep experience in the Ayahuasca tradition, especially from the Amazon region (e.g., Shipibo, Quechua, or other lineages).

  • Trauma-Informed Support Team
Ensure the facilitators and support staff are trauma-informed and trained in integration therapy. This is critical for participants with sensitive backgrounds or intense experiences.

  • Number of Ceremonies Led
Ask how many ceremonies the facilitators have led and what kind of experiences they’ve guided. A solid track record is a good sign of expertise and responsibility.

Reputation and Testimonials

  • Verified Participant Reviews
Look for independent reviews from past participants, ideally from multiple sources (Google, retreat platforms, personal blogs). Read both positive and critical feedback to get a balanced view.

  • Word-of-Mouth and Community Endorsements
Ask within conscious communities or forums (like Reddit, Facebook groups, or trusted wellness networks) if anyone has attended and can recommend a retreat based on personal experience.

  • Presence and Consistency Online
An established retreat center will often have an updated website, social media presence, and ongoing communication. A lack of consistency or disappearing content can be a red flag.

Safety Measures and Integration Support

  • Medical Screening and Monitoring
The retreat should collect thorough medical and mental health information beforehand, and ideally have someone trained in emergency response during ceremonies.

  • Small Group Size
Smaller groups (10–20 people max) usually allow for more personalized attention and safer ceremonies, with facilitators being able to track each participant’s self discovery process.

  • Integration Support
Choose a retreat that offers structured integration support, both during and after the retreat—through circles, one-on-one sessions, or coaching—to help make sense of the experience and apply it in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions аbout Ayahuasca in Sverige (Sweden)

In this section, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions.

How Much Does an Ayahuasca Retreat Cost Beyond Sweden?

The cost of an Ayahuasca retreat, whether in Sweden or abroad, typically depends on the number of days, the quality of accommodation, the professionalism of the team, the expertise of the shaman or guru leading the retreat, and the number of ceremonies included.

In Sweden, although retreats operate in a legal grey area, prices for underground ceremonies may start at around €150–€250 for a single-night event.

In more established retreat centers abroad—such as in Spain, Portugal, or the Netherlands—trip costs generally range from:
3-4 day retreat
€400–€600
5-day retreat
€700–€1,200
7–8 day retreat
 €1,200–€2,000+

The prices listed above do not include travel costs.
In South America, especially in Peru or Brazil, trip cost can be lower (starting around €800 for a week) but vary depending on whether the retreat is run by a local center or caters to international guests with higher standards of care and accommodation.
As you can see, Ayahuasca trip costs vary widely—you can find everything from cheap options to high-end, luxury retreats.

Is Ayahuasca Legal in Sweden?

No, Ayahuasca is not legal in Sweden.
While the Ayahuasca brew itself is not specifically listed in Swedish drug laws, it contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine)—a powerful psychedelic and a Class I controlled substance in Sweden. This means that possession, use, import, or distribution of Ayahuasca is illegal under Swedish law.

In recent years, there have been legal cases where individuals were prosecuted for importing or serving Ayahuasca, even for spiritual or ceremonial purposes. Swedish authorities do not recognize its traditional or religious use as a valid legal defense.

In short, all Ayahuasca ceremonies in Sweden currently operate in a legal grey or outright illegal area, and attending them carries potential legal risks. For a safe and legal experience, it’s strongly recommended to attend a retreat in countries where Ayahuasca is permitted

How to Choose a Safe Ayahuasca Retreat Outside of Sverige?

When choosing a safe Ayahuasca retreat outside Sweden, keep these key points in mind:

-Legality: Choose a country where Ayahuasca is legal or decriminalized (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Peru).
-Experience: Look for retreats led by trained shamans and trauma-informed staff.
-Reputation: Check honest reviews and transparent information online.
-Safety: Ensure medical screening is required and emergency protocols are in place.
-Focus: Avoid retreats offering many substances—true centers focus on Ayahuasca with respect.

Can Ayahuasca Ceremonies Offer a Meaningful Alternative to Traditional Addiction Rehab?

Ayahuasca ceremonies have shown promising potential as a meaningful alternative—or complement—to traditional addiction rehab programs, especially for individuals seeking a deeper, spiritual approach to healing. Unlike conventional methods that often focus solely on behavioral therapy or medication, Ayahuasca can help individuals explore the emotional and psychological roots of their addiction, often uncovering unresolved trauma or inner conflict. Research and anecdotal reports suggest that, when guided by experienced shamans and supported by proper integration, Ayahuasca can lead to significant breakthroughs in self-understanding, emotional release, and long-term behavioral change. However, it's essential that these ceremonies take place in a safe, structured, and legally regulated environment, and they are not a substitute for professional medical care when needed.
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