How to find happiness on your holiday in Finland

Did you know that Finland has been named the happiest country in the world once again? For the eighth year in a row, Finland tops the World Happiness Report—thanks to its connection to nature, deep-rooted calm, and a lifestyle focused on balance and well-being. But happiness here isn’t just a ranking – it’s something you can experience for yourself. On your next trip, explore the joy-filled cities of Helsinki and Tampere and discover how locals live well every day. From cosy cafés and design saunas to lakeside serenity and cinnamon buns, your Finnish happiness journey starts here.

Explore Helsinki’s Happiness Hacks

The capital city is full of simple pleasures: sip coffee in a cosy café, stroll through design-forward districts, or take a ferry to a quiet island. Helsinki invites you to enjoy life at your own pace – no rush, no stress. Here are your Helsinki Happiness Hacks:

Find Stillness by the Sea: Nature Escapes Just Minutes from Helsinki

Looking for a moment of calm and clarity? Hop on a ferry from Helsinki and in just 15–30 minutes you’ll arrive in a completely different world. The sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to slow down with coastal walking paths, picnic spots, and a peaceful island atmosphere. For an even more nature-immersed escape, head to Vartiosaari, known as Helsinki’s “secret island,” where forest trails and water views offer the perfect setting to unwind. Surrounded by silence and sea air, you’ll quickly understand why Finns find their happiness in simple outdoor moments.

Happiness in Harmony: Discover the Joy of Finnish Design

In Finland, beauty isn’t loud – it’s thoughtful, functional, and rooted in everyday life. A stroll through Helsinki’s Design District reveals this quiet brilliance. Here, you’ll find boutiques, galleries, and cafés that celebrate minimalist aesthetics, natural materials, and sustainable craftsmanship. In this area, there is also the Architecture & Design Museum, which is worth a visit. Whether it’s a handcrafted ceramic mug or a perfectly balanced armchair, Finnish design brings joy through balance and purpose. Take your time, let inspiration sink in, and feel how good design isn’t just about how things look, but how they make you feel.

Steam, Sea & Serenity: The Finnish Sauna as a Source of Happiness

For Finns, happiness often begins in the sauna. It’s a place to disconnect, reflect, and simply be. In Helsinki, you can experience this cultural ritual in a uniquely scenic way at Löyly or Allas Sea Pool. These are two strikingly designed saunas right by the water. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in after a hot steam or taking an invigorating dip in the Baltic Sea, the combination of heat, cold, and calm is deeply rejuvenating. It’s more than wellness; it’s a way of reconnecting with yourself.

Flavours of Joy: Discover Finnish Happiness Through Food

Sometimes, happiness is as simple as a warm cinnamon bun and a strong cup of coffee. In Hakaniemi Market Hall, one of Helsinki’s most beloved food markets, you’ll find the heart of Finnish flavours under one roof. Sample fresh fish, dark rye bread, artisanal cheeses, and hearty local dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. Or take a quiet moment with a korvapuusti (a cardamom-laced cinnamon bun) paired with Finnish coffee, enjoyed slowly in good company or peaceful solitude. Here, food is not just fuel; it’s a source of comfort, connection, and everyday pleasure.

City Strolling, Finnish Style: Feel the Calm Rhythm of Helsinki

In Helsinki, even a simple walk can lead to happiness. The city is designed with people in mind: spacious, safe, and surrounded by nature. Whether you’re strolling through leafy boulevards, gliding along the shoreline by bike, or pausing in a park tucked between modern architecture, you’ll sense a deep calm built into the urban landscape. Here, architecture and design are not just about looks; they’re about how people feel in the spaces they inhabit. Take your time, move at your own pace, and let the peaceful flow of the city guide you toward a quieter, more mindful kind of joy.

Shared Smiles: Family Moments That Spark Joy

Happiness in Finland, of course, isn’t just for grown-ups; it’s something the whole family can feel. In Helsinki, it takes many forms: the thrill of a rollercoaster at Linnanmäki amusement park, close-up encounters with animals at the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari island, or hands-on discoveries at Heureka science centre in nearby Vantaa. These spaces are designed for curiosity, connection, and play, reminding us that happiness often lives in shared laughter, wide eyes, and time spent together. Whether it’s a day of adventure or quiet wonder, these experiences create memories that last far beyond the holiday.

Discover Everyday Happiness in Tampere

Surrounded by lakes and forests, Tampere combines natural beauty with a vibrant urban spirit. It’s often called Finland’s sauna capital, and it’s a place where happiness bubbles up in surprising ways. Find out how to experience happiness in Tampere:

Soak in the Bliss: Sauna Moments by the Lake

In Tampere, happiness steams gently in the air. Known as Finland’s sauna capital, the city offers the perfect balance of old and new. Step into the warm, wood-scented atmosphere of Rajaportti, Finland’s oldest public sauna, where tradition lives on and time slows down. Or experience the stylish Kuuma sauna complex in the city centre, complete with a bar, lake views and a dipping pool in the harbour of Lake Pyhäjärvi. Whether you prefer rustic charm or modern comfort, the Finnish sauna ritual brings a sense of calm, connection, and deep contentment – true happiness, the Finnish way.

Nature, Views & Doughnuts: Everyday Happiness in Tampere

In Tampere, nature is always just around the corner—and with it, the chance to pause and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Pyynikki Park, with its towering pines and lakeside trails, invites you to breathe deeply, take a dip, or simply soak in the silence. Climb the Pyynikki Observation Tower for panoramic views over glistening lakes and treetops, then treat yourself to a fresh sugar doughnut from the charming café on the ground level – a beloved local tradition. It’s a moment of reward, warmth, and joy that perfectly captures the spirit of Finnish happiness: natural, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying.

Tastes with Heart: Discover the Comfort of Tampere’s Local Cuisine

Happiness in Tampere can also be found on a plate: warm, hearty, and rooted in tradition. Start at Tammelantori Market, where you can try the city’s signature dish, mustamakkara (blood sausage) served with tangy lingonberry jam, a surprisingly comforting combination locals swear by. Stroll through the historic Tampere Market Hall, one of the largest in Scandinavia, where fresh produce, baked goods, and cosy lunch counters invite you to slow down and savour. For a modern twist, indulge in a Nordic-style dinner at one of Tampere’s contemporary restaurants, where seasonal ingredients meet thoughtful presentation.

A View from Above: Find Peace in the Panorama

Sometimes, all it takes to feel happiness is a new perspective. In Tampere, climbing the Näsinneula Tower, Finland’s tallest observation tower, offers exactly that. From the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360° views over shimmering lakes, lush forests, and the gentle curves of the city below. It’s a quiet, awe-inspiring moment that invites reflection and wonder. Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, or under a sky full of clouds, the view reminds you of Finland’s vast natural beauty. And how happiness can be as simple as standing still and taking in the view.

Whimsy & Wonder: Discover Culture with Character

Tampere is full of delightful surprises, and its museums are no exception. Step into the Moomin Museum, a magical space where Finland’s most beloved storybook characters come to life through original drawings, immersive exhibits, and a sense of childlike wonder. It’s a joyful experience for visitors of all ages, rooted in imagination and warmth. For something deeper, visit the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, which celebrates people, progress, and everyday culture in creative and thought-provoking ways. Whether playful or powerful, these museums remind us that happiness can be found in stories, art, and the values we share.

Family Fun by the Water: Make Memories at Särkänniemi

For families, happiness in Tampere often starts at Särkänniemi: a lakeside amusement park where joy is around every corner. Set beside sparkling water, the park offers more than just rides: there’s an aquarium, a petting zoo, an observation tower, and attractions that cater to every age and energy level. Whether you’re sharing laughs on a rollercoaster, feeding animals with the little ones, or watching the sun set from the tower, Särkänniemi is all about creating moments of connection and joy. It’s proof that in Finland, happiness isn’t complicated – it’s shared.

Whether it’s the creative calm of Helsinki or the lakeside charm of Tampere, happiness in Finland is easy to find – you just have to follow the locals’ lead: slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Ready to experience Finland for yourself? Come and find YOUR happiness in the land of a thousand lakes, endless forests, and welcoming smiles!