Finland, seven times crowned the happiest country in the world promises one thing above all: inspiration, recreation, and rest close to nature. Europe’s most densely forested country is a place where one can find saunas in any constellation or location; where one can hike through more than 41 national parks while breathing in the world’s cleanest air; where one can cycle under the Midnight Sun, and enjoy world-class art, design events and undisturbed island hopping
By H.E. Mr. Erik af Hällström, Consul General of Finland in Mumbai, India
Finland is a vibrant blend of green forests, calm lakes and captivating islands, innovative design, unique sauna culture and quirky urban charm. Finnish happiness is often attributed to Finns’ close connection with nature and down-to-earth lifestyle. The Finns place great importance on preserving the great outdoors. It is good to keep in mind that you can experience four different seasons in Finland; the white nights in summer, the romantic colours of autumn, the snow and ice in the arctic winter and the sparkling wake-up of the nature in the spring.
THE QUEEN OF THE BALTIC DRAWS HAPPINESS FROM NATURE
In the vibrant capital Helsinki, sustainability plays a key role. The city – sometimes called the Queen of the Baltic Sea – is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Even in the bustle of Finland’s most densely populated city, Helsinki’s nature. Helsinkians value proximity to nature and the sea, arts and culture, a safe living environment, and efficient public transport in their hometown. Finnish happiness boils down to simple things in life: connecting with nature, taking care of one’s mind and body, and appreciating design and art around us. Artek, Marimekko, Fiskars, Iittala and Aalto – falling in love with Finland means falling in love with Finnish design. Helsinki is entwined with design like no other Nordic city. Architectural milestones built throughout the last years strengthened Helsinki’s role as an internationally exciting City of Design and made design a topic of social interest. A particular pride for the capital is the new public library Oodi, located inbetween the Railway Station made of Finnish granite and the neo-classical Parliament building.
SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS
The daredevil ways of spending sustainable holidays in Finland include adventures that can last up to 24 hours in the never-setting sun and meeting locals in a variety of activities. The country boasts endless gravel bike roads, infinite white water rafting routes, and mile upon mile of breathtaking hikes in Lapland – the last wilderness of Europe. Finland, the adventure gem of the North with its pristine views over a landscape of thousands of lakes and the world’s cleanest air, provides travellers with a multitude of ways to adventure sustainably. While adventuring in the country relies on discovering the Arctic wilderness during the four distinct seasons, on the Everyman’s Rights Act in the constitution, and the shared responsibility of respecting local culture –– it is also supported by the Sustainable Travel Finland program. This label helps visitors make more sustainable choices when visiting Finland. For those looking for an adrenaline boost, we recommend canoeing in Lake Saimaa, sleeping on wild campsites on the islands or biking under the midnight sun. These are only some of the sustainable and adventurous ways to spend summer holidays in Finland.
“The sauna is the temple of well-being for Finns. It is the perfect place to relax and rest”
ANIMALS FORM PART OF THE LANDSCAPE
Many Indians come to think of the Northern Lights when discussing natural wonders of Finland. Yes, the Northern Lights can be seen in the whole country but is most probable in the northern part of Lapland in winter time. However, reindeer are the most common inhabitant of Lapland. In summertime, these cute animals roam freely and cause the only traffic jams in Lapland by crossing empty roads. Bear watching season starts at the beginning of May and runs until September. The pristine and picturesque landscapes of Finland are also home to many wild animals and birds, including wolves, lynxes, eagles, cranes, and swans, the national bird of Finland.
THE TEMPLE OF WELL-BEING
The sauna is the temple of well-being for Finns. It is the perfect place to relax, rest, cherish health, and engage in social interaction. Finns are normally not very talkative, but in the sauna they suddenly become social! The public sauna boom is taking over the country and saunas can be found literally everywhere. Like in Tampere, the sauna Capital of the world, where there are more than 43 public saunas to visit.
With over 3.3 million saunas in a country of 5.5 million inhabitants, the importance of the restful practice, which was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020, seems unquestionable: on rooftops of tall buildings or on private islands far from bustling cities. Saunas can be found in every hotel and swimming pool in every Finnish city. As Finns love to spend time in their summer cottages, the most popular activity–in addition to collecting mushrooms– is sauna bathing. The healing power of nature is the core of Finnish sauna. With around 75% of Finland covered in forest and more than 188,000 lakes, the most authentic way to have a sauna bath is in a shore of a lake or the Baltic Sea. The constant rise of public interest in public saunas has brought a wide variety of choices to choose from. Finland cannot offer you hot weather, crowded streets or tropical flavours. But if you are looking for peace, tranquility, clean nature, honest and humble people, then the world ́s happiest country can be your next destination!
