Finland has been crowned the world’s happiest nation once again in the 2024 World Happiness Report, a UN study that takes in data from 140 countries and crunches it against factors like longevity, welfare access and GDP per capita.
Seek happiness in Finland for free
But if you don’t live in Finland, don’t despair. The Finns are sharing an incredible insight into how they look after their wellbeing, with an amazing giveaway for travel lovers and “Happiness Seekers”: a complimentary trip to their country.
The offer, created by Visit Finland and Helsinki Partners, includes flights and a completely free five-day stay in the Nordic country plus a programme of activities led by a team of expert Finnish “Happiness Hackers”.
What makes Finns so happy?
Finnish people enjoy nature, space and silence. There is even a page dedicated to places where silence can be sought on the MyHelsinki website.
Sustainability and level-headedness about financial pressure and success are also key parts of their value system, according to expert in wellbeing, Professor Arto O. Salonen, of the University of Eastern Finland, who told the New York Times, “When you know what is enough, you are happy.”
It also helps when you live on the Gulf of Finland and your capital city boasts over 100 kilometres of coast and 300 islands. And let’s not forget the stunning neo-classical, Art Nouveau and modern day architectural gems around every corner.
Wild swimming, walking and gastronomy
If you’re one of the Happiness Hacking giveaway’s lucky winners, you’ll be flown to Finland on June 9 2024, to take in the best summer has to offer in and around the capital, Helsinki.
By then the days will be long and today’s minus temperatures will have transformed into balmy weather, which the happiness hacking programme takes full advantage of. You’re bound to experience the best of Finnish sauna culture, as well as wild swimming with Lena Salmi, a 70-year-old who still skates around Helsinki. Also on the cards, walking Helsinki’s plentiful nature sites with biologist and writer Adela Pajunen.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite, a restaurateur will introduce you to Finnish gastronomy and its sustainable credentials.
The closing date is 4 April 2024
To apply for the free five-day travel treat, you must represent only yourself, not a commercial brand. You also must consent to being filmed and sharing experiences. Details can be found on Instagram and TikTok in a social media challenge, as well as on the Helsinki Happiness Hackers website. The closing date is 4 April 2024.
