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
Plenty of people resolve to read more every year. And what better reading challenge than to enjoy books by female writers from countries across the globe? Here are some selections to get you started.
Snowy backdrops and cozy firesides are the best for snuggling up to your special someone. Here’s where to plan your next romantic winter trip.
Suddenly working or reading in a coffee shop seems so old-fashioned, thanks to Oodi, Helsinki’s new forward-thinking central library.
A Baltic Sea voyage on Viking Cruises proves just the ticket to satisfy both our 30-something writer and her baby-boomer mom.
You don’t have to be an avid skier to enjoy the frosty climes of northern Finland—but you do need a spirit of adventure.
Above ground, it looks like a moonscape. Below ground, it feels like another world.
In some countries, you’re welcome to roam wherever you want. On an extended bike tour, one writer experienced the ins and outs of exercising that freedom. Here’s what she learned.
Scandinavian Airlines flights to Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen can earn a five-day car rental from Avis.
A trail of nine saunas in Kuusamo, Finland, introduces visitors to the many different kinds of Finnish sauna in the coziest way possible.