It's official: Finland is once again the happiest country in the world. According to the World Happiness Report 2023, which takes into account factors such as income, mental and physical health, and social life, Finns have been named the happiest people in the world for the sixth year in a row. According to Finland, however, this happiness can be learned. In any way, a visit to the country in northern Europe is worthwhile - because between the archipelago coast, midnight sun, reindeer safaris and aurora sightings, you can simply get happy.

1. Helsinki

Finland's lively capital Helsinki. © Tapio Haaja

The coastal capital in the south of Finland is well worth a visit. Attend a concert at the impressive rock church, the Temppeliaukio. At Sentas Square, you can admire the historic buildings around you and then stroll through the city center. For dinner, head to Restaurant Olo, one of the city's best gourmet restaurants serving modern Scandinavian cuisine. There are also several hotels that take your stay in Helsinki to the next level, such as the historic five-star Kämp.

2. Koli National Park

Koli National Park on the western shore of Lake Pielinen. © Juho Luomala

Founded in 1991, Koli is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. On more than 30,000 hectares you will find numerous idyllic hills, dense forests and numerous lakes, which you can admire on the many hiking trails. A great panoramic view of the park is provided by Mount Koli, the highest elevation in the region.

3. Rovaniemi, Lapland

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. © Shutterstock

In the north of Finland lies Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus. Even away from the "Santa Claus village", where you can admire the illuminated facades and help the elves wrap presents, the city knows how to please: Located on the Arctic Circle, here you can watch the Northern Lights, go skiing or glide through the snow on a dog sled. Those interested in culture should definitely stop by the Arktikum, a museum and science center.

4. fortress Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna fortress. © Shutterstock

The historic fortress Suomenlinna is located on several small islands off the coast of Helsinki, connected by bridges and causeways. Built in the 18th century by the Swedes, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Aurora

The aurora over Finland. © Shutterstock

If you're on the hunt for the Northern Lights, the best place to go is Finland. Between September and March, when the nights are long and dark and the weather conditions are right, you can marvel at the Aurora Borealis, especially in the north of the country. Good destinations for this are Rovaniemi and Levi in Lapland or Luosto near Sodankylä.

6. Lapland

Lapland: wild nature and the semi-wild reindeer. © Shutterstock

The northernmost region of Finland offers spectacular scenery and a wide range of activities. Whether husky sledding, reindeer safari, ski tour, Northern Lights watching or hiking, nature is omnipresent here. Particularly interesting are the traditional Sami communities, which offer an insight into the culture and way of life of the Sami people.

7. Midnight Sun

The midnight sun, also known as nocturnal night or polar day. © Shutterstock

During the summer months, a very special phenomenon occurs in the northern regions of Finland: the midnight sun. Between the beginning of June and the beginning of July, the sun does not set due to the high latitudes, but remains just above the horizon. You can see the nocturnal night or polar day in Rovaniemi, for example.

8. Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland. © Shutterstock

It is the largest lake in Finland: Lake Saimaa in the southeast of the country extends over 4,400 square kilometers and is known for its unique archipelago landscape. Among these thousands of islands and rocks also lives the endangered and extremely rare Siamaa seal. The lake is a popular destination for anglers, sportsmen and nature lovers.

9. Sauna

Taking a sauna: a typical Finnish pastime. © Shutterstock

Taking a sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture: there are said to be even more saunas in the country than cars. Traditionally, the Finnish sauna - a nude sauna - is heated with a wood-burning stove and filled with stones that retain heat. These are doused with water to create steam. Some of the most famous public saunas in Finland are the sauna located by the sea Löyly in Helsinki or Rajaportin in Pispala in Tampere. The latter has been in operation since 1906 and is considered the oldest sauna still in operation in Finland.

10. Archipelago

The small rocky islands jutting out of the water are known as archipelagos. © Shutterstock

Several thousand islets and skerries - small rocky islands formed by the Ice Age - gather off the southwest coast of Finland. The archipelago coast stretches along the Gulf of Bothnia and is lined with picturesque fishing villages, historic towns and natural highlights. Worth seeing are for example the Archipelago National Park or the Kosterhavet National Park.