Recently updated on July 19th, 2022 at 04:53 pm
Finland topped the charts of the World Happiness Index this year – here are five more reasons to bump it to the top of your bucket list.
Snagging the title as the globe’s happiest country in 2018 for its impressive rankings in well-being, income, freedom, life expectancy, social support and generosity, Finland is worth a visit for its top-notch quality of life alone – but what else makes this Nordic country appealing for the curious traveller? We’ve compiled our favourite Finnish experiences from our Nordic Adventure trip to kick your endorphins into high gear.
Hunt for the Northern Lights
There’s nothing quite like seeing the colours of the rainbow dance across the night sky – and Finland is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of this pinch-me natural wonder. Although there’s no guarantee for catching the nighttime spectacle (as it’s largely weather dependent), you can up your chances by travelling during the peak winter season and checking the forecast beforehand to plan your visit for the nights with the clearest skies.
Spot a reindeer in the wild
Spotting a reindeer in the wild is like witnessing nature hold its breath. Blink and you’ll miss it. While these furry creatures are most famous for pulling Santa’s sleigh, reindeer meat is a popular delicacy in Scandinavia – and an expensive one at that. Make like a local by putting reindeer on your plate, and listen to tales of reindeer farming in Rovaniemi at a family-run reindeer farm that’s been in operation for over 30 years.
Discover Helsinki
Feed your soul in the country’s capital, a heaven for architecture enthusiasts and culture vultures alike. From Neoclassical buildings to funky art galleries and plenty of places to fuel up with quality coffee, this city has an abundance to offer. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour that’ll take you past the Sibelius Monument, Olympic Stadium, Lutheran Cathedral, Opera House and modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall.
Visit Santa Claus Village
Channel your inner child with a visit to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and official home of the man in the big red suit. Tell Santa how good you’ve been this year when you visit him at Santa Claus Village, an amusement park (of sorts) that features shops, restaurants and a Post Office where visitors can buy souvenirs and send Christmas mail marked with a special Santa Claus postmark. You can even have your photo taken with big guy in his official Office!
Explore ‘The Athens of Finland’
Tricky to say, but lovely to explore, Jyväskylä (yu-vass-ky-la) is known as the ‘Athens of Finland’ due to its reputation as an educational hub. Thanks to over 30% of the population being students, a noticeable lean towards sport, recreation and culture can be felt through the lakeside city – in fact, Jyväskylä is often considered a pioneer in sport and movement. When you’re not getting active in the great outdoors, trace the footsteps of world-famous architect (and local) Alvar Aalto, whose finest work can be spotted throughout the city.
Keen to see what all the fuss is about? Discover The Good Life in Finland on the Nordic Adventure, Best of Finland, Russia and the Baltic States and Capitals of the North trips.
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