For the eighth year in a row, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country – a feat that continues to surprise many travelers unfamiliar with this quiet Nordic gem! With its deep forests, pristine lakes, and tranquil wilderness, Finland offers a serene contrast to more heavily trafficked destinations like Iceland. Yet, despite its beauty and stability, Finland remains under the radar for many globetrotters.
Why? One reason may lie in the Finnish temperament, with a modest population deeply rooted in nature. Unlike some countries that shout their charm from the rooftops, Finland whispers. But as its tourism industry begins to gain momentum, the world is starting to listen.
If you think Finland is simply a less popular alternative to Iceland, think again. Here’s why this Nordic nation deserves a top spot on your travel list:
The Sacred Art of Sauna
If happiness had a physical form in Finland, it would be the sauna. With over 3 million saunas for just 5.5 million people, Finland takes its sauna culture seriously. These aren’t just for wellness, they’re woven into daily life and tradition.
A typical Finnish sauna sits in a wooden hut near a lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Inside, stones heated to nearly 200°F are doused with water, creating a dry, penetrating heat. But it’s more than physical, it’s spiritual. The sauna is a place for quiet reflection, honest conversation, even romance. Historically, it was the cleanest room in the house, and many children were born there.
Today, sauna culture is so important it’s been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If you visit Finland and skip the sauna, you’ve missed the heart of the country.
Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
When people dream of the Northern Lights, Iceland and Norway usually come to mind. But Finland’s Lapland region offers some of the best Aurora Borealis viewing on Earth, with fewer crowds and an equally magical landscape.
Located in the Arctic Circle, Lapland stretches across Finland’s northern border with Sweden, Norway, and Russia. From late August to early April, the skies often explode in waves of green, pink, purple, and white light. The further north you go, the more brilliant the display.
Bonus: Lapland is also home to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where visitors can meet the jolly man himself year-round!
The Land of a Thousand (Actually, 187,888) Lakes
Finland isn’t called “The Land of a Thousand Lakes” for nothing (though the real number is closer to 188,000). That’s the highest lake-to-land ratio in the world!
These lakes, formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago, shape the Finnish way of life. In summer, locals swim, boat, fish, and bask in the midnight sun. In winter, the lakes become icy playgrounds for skiing, skating, snowmobiling, and kick-sledding.
Whether you want to relax in a lakeside cabin or explore Finland’s vast freshwater system by kayak, the landscape invites you to unplug and unwind.
Sustainability That Runs Deep
Finland is more than just pretty scenery… It’s one of the world’s most environmentally conscious countries. Long before sustainability was trending, Finland was leading the way with policies that prioritize clean energy, conservation, and climate action.
The goal? Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95% by 2050.
One standout example is the Päijänne Tunnel, a 75-mile underground waterway that delivers fresh lake water to Helsinki using gravity alone. Along the way, it helps generate over 7 million kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric energy annually, proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
Quirky green fact: Helsinki has 13 public piers dedicated to carpet washing. Yes, Finns still hand-wash their rugs with biodegradable pine oil soap, a beloved tradition that uses less energy and speaks to the country’s low-impact ethos.
Year-Round Activities for Every Season
Finland doesn’t believe in an off-season. Whether it’s snow-covered forests or sunlit lakes, there’s always something to do:
Winter Adventures:
- Chase the Northern Lights by snowmobile
- Visit Santa Claus in Lapland
- Go dog sledding with huskies
- Try your hand at ice fishing
- Hit the slopes at one of Finland’s top ski resorts
Summer Escapes:
- Sail, canoe, or kayak across crystal-clear lakes
- Hike mountain trails under the midnight sun
- Play golf on lakeside courses
- Watch for wildlife (moose, bears, wolves, reindeer) across the country
- Reel in mackerel from a rental boat
A Way of Life Rooted in Balance
In Finland, success isn’t measured by material wealth. The ultimate dream? A quiet cabin by the lake, a sauna to unwind in, and quality time with family and friends.
Finns value simplicity, nature, and well-being over consumerism. This isn’t just a cultural quirk – it’s a philosophy that underpins the country’s happiness ranking. In a world increasingly driven by status and speed, Finland’s way of life is a reminder that happiness can be found in stillness, connection, and meaningful experiences.
So… could a Finnish cabin bring you joy? Would you embrace the religion of sauna?
If you’re curious about discovering Finland for yourself, have a look at our Finland Tours – carefully crafted itineraries that takes you from cozy city stays to the wintry magic of Lapland – or Contact Us to plan your dream trip!
