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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.