Finland

Finland is consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country for several reasons, including an accessible outdoorsy lifestyle. Winter offers a chance to catch the magical northern lights, encounter reindeer and learn about Indigenous Sámi culture from their herders, and warm up in one of the nation’s many saunas. During summer’s long, sunny days, take a cold plunge in (or a boat ride on) one of 188,000 lakes or walk and forage for mushrooms and berries in beautifully untouched birch, spruce, and pine forests.

red cabins on a lake island in Finland

Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the sixth year in a row.

Shutterstock

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Finland.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
HOTELS
AFAR’s picks for the 31 best new hotels in the world.
Airbnb is giving away a stay at Santa’s home in Finnish Lapland to one lucky family. The only catch? The elves might put you to work in the post office.
It’s easy to see why these ski chalets and mountain cabins are among the highest rated on Airbnb.
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
After the Danish capital launched its popular CopenPay initiative last year, which effectively “pays” travelers who engage in more sustainable tourism efforts, the program’s success is inspiring others to do the same.
The shores of the Baltic Sea offer a quieter, more soulful kind of summer escape.
Hurricane-free Caribbean beaches, empty canals in Venice, and lush safaris—all can be yours in off season.
Afar’s picks for the 25 best new hotels in the world.
Lots of time off, generous parental leave policies, and shorter workweeks are a few of the perks of living in these spots.
One of the secrets to Finnish happiness? Getting used to the discomfort—and subsequent joy—of cold plunging.
If the idea of gliding down a mountain among crowds doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not alone.
Purchase select Helly Hansen ski pants and jackets to score a free day on the slopes at premiere ski resorts in California, Colorado, Vermont, Canada, Switzerland, Finland, and elsewhere. Here’s how it works.
Sponsored by the Nordics
From folklore and food to landscapes and literature, find adventure and enrichment in the lesser-known regions of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.