Brits go to the pub, Brazilians hang out on the beach and Italians exchange gossip in espresso bars. But Finns have found a healthier way to socialise – and it’s made them the happiest nation in the world.
For the eighth consecutive year running, Finland has topped the charts for the United Nations World Happiness Report, and one of the reasons credited for the continual wins is the nation’s obsession with going to the sauna.
Almost 90% of Finns bathe in a sauna at least once a week – an activity that’s considered good for both physical and mental health. Friends and family gather in these safe spaces to chat about life. Historically, they were even used as a place for women giving birth.
“The best sauna experience is combined with a dip to a lake or the sea or even into the snow,” recommends Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld, co-owner of boutique hotel and retreat Billnäs Gård outside Helsinki, who also notes the country’s strong connection to nature.
In a country where almost 75% of the land is covered with trees (a higher density than anywhere in Europe), a tiny population of 5.6 million people has easy access to green space – and lots of it.
Here are three more ways to tap into Finland’s happy culture.
Sauna at…
Built in 1906, Rajaportti Sauna in Pispala, Tampere, is the oldest public sauna in Finland. “It’s like a little piece of heaven on earth,” says sauna guide Alex Lembke whose job is to heat it every day. “A sauna is a place where you can reconnect to nature and feel the best of everything: the purifying power of fire and the warmth of the flames, the earthiness of the stones, air and the coolness of the water.”
Regent Holidays offers an eight-day Finland’s Golden Triangle tour visiting Helsinki, Turku and Tampere, from £1,175pp, including some meals and flights. Visit regent-holidays.co.uk.
Party at…
Bringing quality dance music to the Nordics for 20 years, FLOW festival has become one of Europe’s best festivals mixing great performers with good food. This year’s event will be held from August 8-10 at Suvilahti in Helsinki, with headliners including FKA Twigs, Underworld and Charli XCX. A three-day pass costs from €269/£226. Visit flowfestival.com.
Relax at…
There are an impressive 188,000 lakes in Finland. One of the largest in Europe, Lake Saimaa is perfect for paddles, sauna sessions and seal spotting. Base yourself at Kuru Resort, an adults-only retreat hidden in a pine forest close to the town of Mikkeli.
Best Served Scandinavia offers a six-day Wellness and Wilderness holiday from £1,795pp, including accommodation, some meals and flights. Visit best-served.co.uk.
