European Country Claims It Can Teach Tourists the Secret to True Happiness

Americans are going through it. This is according to the 2025 World Happiness Report from the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, which ranked the United States as the 24th happiest country in the world. With the cost of living on the rise, minimal work-life balance, and political strife, it’s little wonder that a significant portion of the American population is feeling discontent. The same cannot be said about Finland. The European country has led the World Happiness Report’s rankings from 2017 to 2025. Finland is not shy about embracing this unique reputation and ultimately believes that it can teach tourists a thing or two about being happy. What’s their big secret? It’s a combination of a variety of elements, including the accessibility of nature.

Spending time outdoors is known to aid in regulating the nervous system, and even inspire. The country beckons travelers to improve their quality of life by fully immersing themselves in its natural beauty. Take, for instance, Helsinki, Finland’s largest city. Home to one of Europe’s friendliest airports, Helsinki boasts numerous parks where locals and visitors alike can soothe their souls. One such place is Central Park, also referred to as Keskuspuisto. Located only about 20 minutes away from Downtown Helsinki, Central Park is a wooded wonderland teeming with trails where one can momentarily leave the chaos of everyday life behind.

Not to mention that Helsinki is in close proximity to Nuuksio National Park. Here, visitors can hike, bike, and indulge in forest bathing, an exercise that promotes mindfulness. As 75% of Finland’s landscape is forest, nature is a constant companion to Finns. However, this is only one part of the equation. If tourists want to enhance their well-being, they’re going to have to sweat it out.

In the United States, saunas are often associated with gyms or upscale spas. On the other hand, saunas play a fundamental role in Finnish society, arguably contributing to their contentment. Indeed, saunas are known to encourage relaxation as well as provide relief from physical pain and enhance sleep quality. In a 2013 interview with the BBC, Jarmo Lehtola from the Finnish Sauna Society explained, “Sauna is for your mind. It really helps you to calm down in a modern society where it is never quiet.” Visiting the sauna is a weekly practice for a majority of Finns.

For some this is a place for quiet contemplation, while for others, the sauna acts as a hangout spot that unites individuals from all walks of life. In other words, visiting a sauna is an absolute must when in Finland. The country encourages tourists to find their zen here. Helsinki is arguably one of, if not, the most popular destination in Finland. In addition to a plethora of green spaces, the city has an assortment of saunas where you can reap the remarkable benefits of unwinding in a sweltering steamy room. In fact, Helsinki offers the world’s only sauna on a Ferris wheel.

Another noteworthy spot is Allas Pool. Open daily, year-round, this waterfront attraction features five saunas. Once you’re done feeling the heat, head over to the seawater pool, where the water can be as cold as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Like saunas, cold plunges are said to be mentally restorative and are incredibly popular in Finland. Tickets for Allas Pool can be purchased online. It’s also worth mentioning that Tampere, a city nicknamed the sauna capital of the world, is only about two hours away from Helsinki.