WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO FINLAND

The happiest people in the world live in Finland – that’s what the World Happiness Report 2023 found out. But even without a permanent residence in this country, you can find a piece of happiness on vacation and the best place to enjoy National Casino Canada.

For the sixth year in a row, Finland has secured first place in the World Happiness Report. “Onni,” the word for contentment in Finnish, is on the agenda there. The travel report is sure that the beautiful wild nature and the impressive cities also contribute to the life satisfaction of the Finns.

That’s why we present seven impressive places in Finland that will make you happy as a vacationer. This way you can feel the life satisfaction of the people in Finland yourself during a trip.

Finland, the happiest country in the world: Here’s how the researchers came to the conclusion:

But first, a quick look at the World Happiness Report. This is because researchers did not examine natural and cultural highlights for vacations for this one, but instead refer to hard facts. These include:

• Economic performance
• Life expectancy
• health
• social relationships
• opportunities to make free life choices
• Willingness to donate
• Corruption
• Emotions

In all categories, the Northern Europeans scored well to very well – as befits the best-ranked.

1. HELSINKI

Is it always hectic in a big city? Helsinki proves that things can be different. If you let yourself drift through the city, you’ll end up at the capital’s most important sights all by yourself.

The most famous is probably the Senate Square with the white cathedral. With its high domed roof and elevated position, it towers over the buildings in its neighborhood. But in contrast to its imposing exterior, the Cathedral Church’s interior captivates with its graceful simplicity. In front of the wooden pews, the clergyman preaches from a small golden altar.

Things get busier in Helsinki’s harbor. There you can mingle with the locals in the market hall, take a spin on the Ferris wheel or cool off on summer days in the Allas Sea Pools, an outdoor pool in the middle of the harbor basin. Life also pulsates at Esplanadi Park, where young capital residents relax alone or in groups on blankets in the grass.

If it’s too busy for you, you can take the ferry to the fortress island of Suomenlinna, which has been recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991. It was used as a defensive fortress, but is now home to several museums, including the Toy Museum. For a shortstop, take the ferry to the island of Lonna. A green oasis in the middle of the city – sauna included.

2. LINNANSAARI NATIONAL PARK

About 130 islands and numerous rocks rising from the water form the Linnansaari National Park in the southeast of the country. This makes the region of the Finnish Lake District ideal for water rats, because the best way to explore this area is by kayak or canoe. Because of its vastness, you will rarely meet other tourists off the main routes.

But with a little luck you will see the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. About 380 animals of this rare species live in Finland today, about 60 of them in the Linnansaari National Park. Above you, you might spot one of the now rare white-backed woodpeckers or an osprey.

If you prefer to walk, there are marked hiking trails on the main island of Linnansaari. A seven-kilometer circular trail takes you through fauna and flora all the way to the Linnavuori lookout rock. In winter, fans of touring and cross-country skiing also get their money’s worth there. A signposted route of 18 kilometers connects Oravi and Porosalmi.

3. NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE

Santa Claus is not the only one who has his headquarters in Rovaniemi. The village on the Arctic Circle is also a great place to watch the Northern Lights. It’s often cold and dark in this place, but inside your heated glass igloo you can marvel at the natural spectacle well protected under a cozy blanket – and simply let the illuminated sky take its effect on you.