Why Is Finland the Happiest Country? I Flew North to Find Out

By Ananya Toshniwal

Published on

I recently visited Finland, and even before landing, I found myself intrigued by its reputation as the happiest country in the world. Finnair, with its calm efficiency and understated warmth, offered a fitting introduction. But as I gazed at the blue horizon somewhere over the Baltic, I couldn’t help but wonder: what exactly makes this quiet, wintry, northern nation so happy? It seemed puzzling—Finland isn’t loud in the news, its winters are long and dark, and its population is relatively small and scattered. With that curiosity in mind, I arrived in Helsinki ready to explore.

My first day began with a walk along Helsinki’s sea-facing promenade, where joggers, cyclists, and bundled-up locals moved at a gentle pace. Unlike most capitals, Helsinki never felt rushed. The quiet elegance of the city was already apparent—especially as I passed the Helsinki Cathedral, its white facade and minimalist design standing proudly above Senate Square. At the historic Market Hall, I sampled local meats, salmon soup, and cheeses—each dish simple but made with a deep respect for ingredients.

Not far from the center, I took a short ferry ride (interestingly, a common mode of public transport) to Suomenlinna Islands, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress home to 800 residents. Winding paths led me past museums, ceramic studios, and cafes nestled into old military buildings. The windswept shoreline where children played as though on cue from a postcard captured the feeling of stepping into a slower time, where community, not convenience, shaped daily life.

I also visited Helsinki’s central library Oodi, a definite highlight. It was more than just books—a hub where everyone can belong. With tech like CAD stations and 3D printers accessible for just €1.50, it’s easy to see why it draws locals of all ages. The kids’ play areas, quiet corners, and shared work zones reflected Finland’s spirit of openness and shared civic pride.

Next morning, I boarded a cruise to Tallinn, Estonia, just two hours across the Baltic. The journey itself felt quietly luxurious—cafes, deck views, duty-free shops, and warm lighting. It was one of those moments that added something unexpected to my trip. In Tallinn’s Old Town, cobbled streets led to medieval towers and restaurants like Old Hansa. A contrast to Finland’s modern minimalism, yet the same peaceful rhythm remained.

My last morning began at Allas, where outdoor pools face the harbour and a chic café serves local meals. I watched children laugh in the water while adults sipped coffee in wool hats, all without the stress and bustle that city life usually demands.

An evening at Löyly, a contemporary seaside sauna complex, found me rotating between hot cedar rooms and bracing dips in the 6°C Baltic Sea. What struck me was how deeply nature is embedded in city life. Locals sat in silence or soft conversation, sweat rolling down their faces. There’s a respect for the body and mind here—a cleansing ritual central to Finns for centuries, confirmed by the 3 million saunas across the country!

The cuisine mirrored Finnish culture: unfussy, fresh, and deeply seasonal. At Ravintola Skörd, a farm-to-table restaurant, I sampled a six-course meal crafted entirely from local produce—delicate fish, root vegetables, and cloudberries so tart they made me pause between bites. Even the presentation reflected the country’s ethos: thoughtful, not showy.

But nothing captured Finnish joy quite like their love of coffee. The concept of fika—an afternoon coffee and sweet treat with loved ones—is taken seriously here. I indulged in a cinnamon bun and Mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie) taste test across local spots like Fazer Café, Robert’s Coffee, and Espresso House. It wasn’t just scrumptious desserts—it was about slowing down, sharing laughter, and quiet moments that matter.

Planning Your Own Finnish Escape

Where to Stay:

Scandic Hotels offer excellent value—modern rooms, in-house saunas, gyms, and central locations ideal for exploring Helsinki.

How to Take the Tallinn Cruise:

Use Ferryscanner to compare routes, timings, and prices. I tried both Eckerö Line and Tallink Silja—the latter had more onboard dining and shops, but both offer smooth service and Baltic views.

Curious About Finnish Happiness?

Each year, the city hosts the Helsinki Happiness Hacks programme, where lucky participants are flown to Finland to experience the country’s well-being secrets firsthand. Applications open in spring—check the official tourism board for updates.

By the end of my trip, I started to see the threads more clearly. Happiness in Finland doesn’t come from wealth, weather, or spectacle. It comes from the things we often overlook:

Is this, perhaps, what life is really about? The world could use a little more of what Finland already knows.

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