For those who can imagine what a Finnish summer holiday among tranquil lakes and forests might feel like, a free trip to Finland is on offer, thanks to a new marketing initiative by Visit Finland. Would-be ‘coolcationers’ could be only two steps away from winning a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to the Nordic republic.
Boasting a long-held record as the world’s happiest country, Finland is sometimes known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” though in reality it possesses hundreds of thousands of them. Its “Lakeland” region, or Järvi-Suomi, in the central and eastern parts of the territory, is Europe’s largest lake district, extending from just north of Helsinki up towards Kainuu. Every summer Finns flock there to live out the national mantra of nature, space, and silence that is such a vital part of what has made them the happiest nation on Earth for the last eight years running.
Everyone can learn how to “chill like a Finn” though, and Visit Finland is proposing a complimentary chance to do just that, with a giveaway that could see six lucky pairs of visitors relaxing in country cabins, unwinding in saunas, plunging into crystal waters, staying active with kayaking, rafting, and cycling, and, of course, filling up on Finnish cuisine. The holiday offer is also a roadtrip with a rental car, so that winners can fully explore the Lakeland region.
“An increasing number of international tourists come to Finland searching for the secret to happiness, yet Lakeland is still an undiscovered gem for many,” Heli Jimenez, senior director for international marketing at Business Finland, said, adding: “It’s the region Finns themselves return to when they want to relax truly, and the perfect destination for anyone looking to step away from the noise of everyday life.”
Participants will need to be available to arrive in Helsinki, on 11 June 2026. On 12 June, they will head to Lakeland for seven days “chilling like a Finn,” before travelling back to Helsinki on 17 June where they’ll catch a return to their home country on 18 June, or continue their own itinerary, perhaps enjoying nature and design in the Finnish capital, or undertaking a coffee odyssey.
To seize this opportunity, candidates need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application, and at least one of the pair must possess a valid driver’s licence. Conditions include completing a social media challenge imagining the delights of Finland on TikTok or Instagram. The next step is to fill an application form before 29 March 2026 by 11:59PM (EEST). Winners will be contacted during April 2026.
