Finland has featured at the top of the World Happiness Report for six years in a row, this year with a happiness score of 7.843 of a possible 10. This makes the country happier than any other for six years running. According to the report, among the reasons why Finns are so happy is that they feel a strong sense of community. They trust each other, while Finland has some of the lowest levels of suspicion of government corruption in the world.

So, what does this mean to travelers heading to Finland? For one thing, travelers will understand that the Finnish people are warm and welcoming and that Finland is a safe place to travel. But there is more.

Stunning landscapes in Finland

Finland is renowned for its glorious and unspoiled landscapes, from rugged mountains to rolling hills and everything in between. Meanwhile, the country features 39 national parks to explore, as well as the country’s largest lake, Saimaa, which attracts people from around the world to come fishing.

Moreover, one of the major attractions in Finland is the opportunity to view the glorious aurora borealis or the Northern Lights. Between mid-August and early April, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to view this colorful natural phenomenon.

Helsinki, capital of Finland

Besides being the capital of Finland, Helsinki is also its most populous city. For those who believe Finland is a quiet and remote country, Helsinki is just the opposite. Here, travelers can learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage, visit fascinating museums and explore Finland’s art scene.

Meanwhile, Helsinki is the place to go for lively nightlife and its thriving music scene. It turns out the country is the heavy metal capital of the world, so metalheads flock here in their thousands. However, for those who prefer a quieter night out, the city has many bars and nightclubs to visit in the city, as well as its restaurants.

Delicious cuisine

While some cuisines, such as Mexican or Italian can be enjoyed around the world, this doesn’t apply to Finnish food. However, while there are few Finnish restaurants elsewhere in the world, this doesn’t mean their cuisine isn’t delicious.

Meanwhile, due to the many lakes in the country, fresh seafood and fish are always available, and Finnish chefs take advantage of this by always using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to make their dishes exquisite. Besides seafood, the country is known for its sautéed reindeer, along with gravlax (cured salmon) and rye bread.

Modern architecture

Finland features much in the way of modern architecture and many of the buildings take inspiration from local landscapes. Meanwhile, Architects go for a modern, minimalist approach in order to avoid detracting from those beautiful natural landscapes.

Alvar Aalto is a renowned architect whose work can be seen everywhere in the city. His designs feature clean lines and natural materials that are beautiful in their sheer simplicity.

Finnish Lapland

A visit to Finland is not complete without heading to Finnish Lapland. Not only is it home to the Northern Lights but also to Santa Claus and his reindeer. Parents and children alike can enjoy the festivities here among the beautiful snowy scenery.

Take a ride in a sled pulled by huskies or reindeer for a fun ride. Alternatively, experience a snowmobile safari across the rugged countryside. Naturally, this is the ideal place to enjoy skiing, with Kittila considered one of the best ski destinations in Finland.

Sauna culture in Finland

One vital part of Finnish culture is the sauna, where the people head at least once a week to cleanse both the body and the mind. The people of Finland say that taking a sauna gives a sense of inner peace.

Meanwhile, visitors are encouraged to try the sauna culture themselves while in the country, to gain a peaceful state of mind before heading back home to the rat race again.

Whether visiting in the summer, or in the chill of winter, try out the happiness factor in Finland this year, then return home, smiling.