Embracing Finnish Happiness, Why Finland Is the World’s Happiest Country

The latest World Happiness Report has found that Finland remains the happiest country in the world, for the eighth time in a row, and that it’s been the most joyful place to live since 2018.

Created by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report also found that other Nordic countries were more cheerful than most, with Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway ranking within places two to seven.

So, the question is: what makes Finland so happy, and how can travellers tap into it to bring some excitement and laughter to their own holiday experiences?

We’ve shared some insights into the unique traditions, landscapes, and cultures that Finns know and love, and explained why it’s a fantastic place to live and explore.

Factors Behind Finland’s Position as the Happiest Country Internationally

There are, of course, multiple aspects of life in Finland that contribute to the upbeat nature and outlook of its residents, including untouched natural landscapes, fairness and equality, beautiful architecture, and cultural traditions.

Some of the elements identified in the UN’s report include:

• World-class education, literacy and healthcare
• Transparent politics and fair applications of the law
• Freedoms of expression and robust equality legislation
• Good work/life balance with generous holiday entitlements
• Trust between strangers, communities and public organisations
• A sense of community, with 90% of people happy to pay taxes as their contribution and duty to society

While these factors might be difficult to replicate, the good news is that many others involve immersing yourself in Finland’s nature and sauna culture. The analyses found that connecting with nature is part of everyday life in Finland, leading to reduced stress and greater calm.

It also found that the deep-rooted sauna culture is integral to Finnish happiness, where people celebrate the simplicity of the ‘small moments’ and purposefully take the time to connect with friends, family and others.

How to Mimic the Finnish Approach to Happiness

People who responded to a poll measuring their satisfaction with their lives commented on some of the reasons behind their ratings, with saunas, swimming, skiing, and spending time outdoors all prominently featured.

However, there was also feedback about eating together. In Finland, dining alone is perceived as being detrimental to well-being, with 81% of Finnish families with children sharing at least one meal together per day.

Finns also commented that volunteering, donating money to charity, and helping strangers can help generate a better quality of life. However, Finland’s social support systems, healthcare, and education mean there is less reliance on charities than in many other countries.

Of course, if you’d like a taste of Finnish happiness, you can also arrange a wonderful escape, whether soaking in the long sunny days of the summer months or heading to Finnish Lapland in the winter for a snow-covered adventure.

Finland Getaways for Digital Detoxes in Nature

Finland’s remarkable scenery is a must-see, with packages like Arctic Wildlife in Finnish Lapland offering a breathtaking chance to visit the Ranua Resort, tucked away in the forest south of the Arctic Circle.

Guests can keep watch for polar bears, wolves, and moose, enjoy a Northern Lights safari, visit the Wildlife Park, try husky sledding, or simply relax and make the most of the scenery.

Another excellent way to ensure your valuable downtime embraces a sense of Finnish cheer is to retreat from the world on an Aurora Cabin and Winter Wonderland break, a short four-day, three-night trip near Lake Inari.

Visitors stay in private Aurora cabins with laser-heated glass to ensure they get an unobstructed view of the Aurora Borealis, with winter wonderland activities such as snowmobiling, husky safaris, and snowshoe excursions, a superb way to see the splendour of the Northern Lights up close and in person.

Holiday Packages to Experience Finnish Culture and Cuisine

Travellers who want to see what it would be like to live in Finland often choose our Finland in a Nutshell holiday, a week-long scenic rail trip that takes them past lakes, forests, and rivers, all aboard an eco-friendly train with multiple stop-offs along the way.

Starting in Helsinki, guests head to Kuopio, Oulu, Rovaniemi and Turku, with hotels pre-booked at each destination. There are options to explore the cities by bike, visit the Arktikum Science Museum, send a postcard from The Santa Village, cruise around the lakes, and, of course, visit the many local saunas.

If your perfect happiness recharge is more romantic and secluded, we’d recommend the Arctic Experience in Finnish Lapland, an adults-only trip to Lake Inari, staying at the gorgeous Wilderness Hotel Nangu with its rustic timber cabins.

Head for a gentle snowshoeing walk around the forest trails, search for the Northern Lights on a snowmobile, venture out on a wilderness Aurora Camp, and meet reindeer and huskies before reclining in your private accommodation for the evening.

Lakeside Lodges and Sauna Packages in Finland

Unwinding next to the still waters of a Finnish lake is hard to beat, and the Lake Escape is ideal if you need to spend a short break getting away from the pace and demands of everyday life. Based at the stunning Jarvisydan Spa Resort, by Lake Saimaa, this trip centres around spa treatments and delicious dining.

Options include peat footbaths, specialist traditional, steam, and smoke saunas, hot tubs, and hot stone massages, all within a quiet resort hidden beneath the forest’s greenery.

Another amazing way to sample Finnish-style relaxation is the Iso-Syote Hilltop Escape, where you’ll head to Southern Lapland and spend as much time as you wish indulging in the Arctic Spa, complete with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

Find More Inspiration About Planning a Finnish Escape to Boost Your Wellbeing

We’ve shared just a tiny selection of our most in-demand Finland holidays, and you’re always welcome to get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company team for more ideas or personalised recommendations, or you can browse our full range of Finnish escapes online.

Whether you’d love a week of blissful spa treatments, an outdoor hiking holiday, a wintery getaway with little ones or an action-packed Lapland itinerary, we’re on hand to help.