Date: 26/03/2018

The secret to Finnish happiness

Author: Vanessa
Location: Finland

Finland is officially the happiest country in the world according to the latest UN Happiness report. The nation renowned for its work-life balance, world-class education and laid-back sauna culture overtook last year’s number one, Norway, by a small margin.

On the occasion of Finland’s happy win, we decided to shed some light on the lessons we’ve learned from Finland’s well-being-focussed lifestyle.

Finland’s love for Mother Nature

Finnish people love being outside. Mother Nature is seen as a teacher and a source of relaxation. Long summer nights inspire thousands of Finns to spend their weekends in small countryside cottages near a lake. Since summer only lasts around 100 days these days are jam-packed with action. Finns nurture their thirst for adventure by venturing out into the forests.  An active day outside is usually rounded off with a quiet evening by an open fireplace. 

Discover Finland’s wild side during summer

Join a 6-night multi-activity outdoor holiday. The small tour departs twice during summer and is led by experienced outdoor guides to spot bears, wolves and birdlife in Finland’s remote wilderness.

Finns take pride in their ability to appreciate the outdoors all year round. One of our favourite holidays showcasing Finland’s ability to adjust to the seasons is our ice-skating holiday in Southern Finland. During summer the lakes offer relaxation in winter they cry to be explored on ice-skates.

Go on a holiday on ice!

4-night break taking you to the frozen lakes of Southern Finland’s national park. Explore the frozen waterways by day and unwind in your hotel sauna by night.

Luxury is a feeling

The Finnish definition of luxury places a great emphasis on well-being. It means to deliver outdoor activities, spa experiences or local food at the highest possible standard. Luxury is less about a glamorous facade and more about appreciating the simple luxuries in life.

Classic boutique lodges tucked away in Finland’s winter forests score high on these simple luxuries. The lodges made from large logs of woods ooze cosiness with a touch of old-fashioned romance.

A presidential privilege

3-night stay at luxurious Javri Lodge, the former winter residence of Finland’s longest-serving president. 

A boutique escape

Kick back and relax during a 3-night stay in an adult-only boutique lodge in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The quiet lodge located near Rovaniemi can be reached with a direct flight from London.

Strike a balance

The Finnish capital is a great example of balancing between nature and culture. Helsinki is one of the greenest cities in the world. Since nature and architectural gems lurk behind every corner it'd be rude to not hop on a bike and explore! Beyond the bounds of the city, small islands and undulating forest tracks  await. To enjoy scenery as much as the cycling itself we recommend joining a  guided e-bike tour.

In Finland, every day is spa day! 

Finland is the land of the sauna.  At least once a week Finns take the time to unwind and fire up the sauna.  Since saunas are such a natural part of daily life, most hotels come with a sauna. To experience the best of  Finnish sauna life we recommend Hotel St. George.  

Experience Helsinki on a 3-night active wellness break.

Stay quirky

The Nordic countries are driven by nature-focused innovation. Design labels like Marimekko take much of their inspiration from the colours and shapes of nature. In the world of architecture, designers aim to create new ways to experience nature in all its glory. 

The mobile cabin

Explore nature’s cosmic light show from the comfort of your own mobile cabin. The cabin which is tucked to a remote location on a frozen lake offers unadulterated views of the Arctic skies. Far away from any kind of light pollution travellers have the chance to marvel the Aurora.

Find your perfect holiday in Finland

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