For the ninth year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, a streak that continues to puzzle and inspire people far beyond its borders. What is it about this quiet Nordic nation that keeps it at the top? While there’s no single formula, Finnish happiness is built on simple, grounded values that prioritise balance, trust, and a deep connection to nature. Nowhere is this more evident than in Lakeland Finland, where many of these simple “secrets” are part of daily life.
1. Spending a lot of time in nature
Nature is omnipresent in Lakeland Finland and a huge source of strength for people. Even a walk during the lunch break can have an incredibly calming effect. If you go outside regularly and enjoy the tranquillity of nature, you will become more balanced and calm in everyday life. In addition, there are many health benefits. Most people in Finland have retained their closeness to nature to this day. Even young children spend a lot of time outdoors and have a lot of fun discovering the treasures that Mother Earth has given us. If you choose Lakeland Finland as your holiday destination, you will be surrounded by this beautiful nature.
Lakeland Tips:
- Go for a hike or walk in one of the many Nationalparks here in Lakeland. Those offer trails for both, beginners and experienced adventurers.
- Our waterways are perfect for canoeing or kayaking. In the Lakeland area, you’ll find plenty of options for guided tours or equipment rental.
- Take time to simply pause. You can sit by a lake, listen to the silence, and enjoy the calm that nature offers here.
Find more nature activities ↗
2. Swimming in one of our 1000 lakes
Water is part of everyday life in Lakeland Finland, and with so many lakes around, it’s one of the best places to cool off and unwind. The region is much larger than many people expect, and there are dozens of lakes with a surface area of over 100 km² to explore.
You’ll find well-known lakes like Lake Saimaa, the biggest in the country, along with Lake Päijänne, Finland’s deepest lake. Other well-known lakes are Lake Oulujärvi in the north, Lake Pielinen around Koli and Lake Kallavesi surrounding the city of Kuopio. Each of them has its own character, from wide open waters to quiet, sheltered bays. Here, everyone will find the perfect place to go swimming, splash around or engage in a wide variety of water sports activities without being disturbed. Exercise in and on the water has also been proven to make people happy.
Lakeland Tips:
- With so many lakes, it’s easy to step away from the crowds. Wander a little further from popular beaches, and you’ll often find a peaceful shoreline all to yourself.
- No lake experience is complete without a sauna. Warm up, then take a refreshing swim in the lake. It’s simple, invigorating, and very Finnish.
Discover the lakes and beaches in Lakeland ↗
3. Sauna as a way of life
One of the most important secrets of Finnish happiness is without question the sauna, which also plays a significant role in Lakeland Finland. If you take a sauna regularly, you are doing something good for your body and soul. This has been scientifically proven by various studies. Moreover, when you sweat, the hectic pace of everyday life stays completely outside for a few hours. Just feel the moment, enjoy infusions as you like, do some thinking or have some lively conversations – the authentic Finnish sauna has few fixed rules. The main thing is that it feels good for you and that everyone has a good time.
Lakeland Tips:
- You can experience the authentic Finnish sauna in Tampere, the world’s sauna capital, and of course in any of the countless saunas throughout Lakeland Finland.
- The region even hosts several unique sauna festivals and week-long events that celebrate Finnish sauna culture.
- Want to sauna like a Finn? We have all the tips to sauna like a local
Find your Sauna in Lakeland ↗
4. Picking berries and mushrooms
Happiness in Finland is often found in life’s simplest moments: a quiet cup of coffee, a handful of fresh berries, or the calm of the forest. In summer and autumn, the forests of Lakeland Finland draw people in with their natural abundance. Blueberries and lingonberries, among the most cherished forest treasures, are delicious when eaten fresh. But they also transform beautifully into treats like a warm blueberry pie, jam or you can put bthe berries into the freezer so you can enjoy them also during the winter months.
Mushrooms, too, thrive in Finland’s woodlands, offering their own rich flavors to those who venture out to gather them. Also dried a speciality which can be enjoyed long after the summer has ended.
Lakeland Tips:
- Thanks to the so-called Everyman’s Right, anyone can wander freely through the Finnish forests and enjoy these gifts of nature.
- You can book as well guided tours on foraging. A local guide will tell you all about mushrooms and berries, and often an outside meal can be prepared as well.
5. Me-time at the “Mökki” – a true finnish cottage
Finns are often seen as reserved or introverted, yet beneath that quiet exterior is a culture known for its warmth, honesty, and willingness to help. Just as importantly, Finns understand the value of stepping away. They know when it is time to slow down, recharge, and simply be, whether alone or with family.
There is no better place to embrace this than at a traditional Finnish cottage, the mökki. Tucked beside a lake or nestled deep in the forest, it offers a peaceful escape from everyday life. Here, time stretches, nature surrounds you, and the noise of the world fades into stillness. In Lakeland Finland, these hideaways are everywhere and invite every visitor to unwind, breathe deeply, and chill like a Finn.
Lakeland Tips:
- Most Finnish cottages come with a rowing boat. So take the opportunity and head out onto the lake. Whether it’s an early morning row or a peaceful evening trip, being on the water is one of the best ways to experience the calm of Lakeland Finland.
- Grilling is an essential part of cottage life. Bring enough food with you, as shops may be far away, and enjoy cooking outdoors in the middle of nature.
Find Cottages & Villas in Lakeland ↗
6. Music, culture and art for every taste
Finland may be best known internationally as the home of heavy metal, with more bands per capita than anywhere else in the world. But its cultural scene goes far beyond music alone. From classical compositions to contemporary art, design, literature, and live performances, Finnish creativity is deeply connected to nature and everyday life.
Many artists draw inspiration from the forests and lakes that shape the landscape. Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most famous composer, is a well-known example, and the same connection to nature continues to influence artists today across Lakeland Finland.
Whether you’re visiting a small gallery, discovering local craftsmanship, or enjoying live music in an intimate lakeside setting, culture here feels authentic, relaxed, and close to nature.
Lakeland Tips:
- The Museum Card Finland gives you access to over 360 museums across the country with a one-time fee of €86. It’s also worth checking local offers, as many museums provide free entry on the first Friday of the month.
- During the summer months, you can also enjoy free concerts on market squares, where locals gather to listen to music and soak up the atmosphere.
Find museums and cultural sights ↗
7. Changing seasons
Nothing drains energy faster than monotony. But here in Lakeland Finland, life is anything but repetitive. The region’s ever-changing seasons bring a constant sense of renewal, each one offering its own atmosphere, colours, and experiences.
Summer is a time of light and freedom, when long, bright nights stretch endlessly and days are spent by the water, surrounded by warmth and calm. As the seasons shift, autumn transforms the landscape into a vivid tapestry of golds, reds, and deep greens. The air turns crisp, the forests grow quieter, and nature invites reflection and slow moments. Winter, in turn, wraps Lakeland Finland in a soft blanket of snow. The silence deepens, the lakes freeze over, and on clear nights, the sky may come alive with the magic of the northern lights. It’s a season of stillness, beauty, and quiet wonder.
Lakeland Tips:
- In Lakeland Finland, nature evolves, surprises, and inspires. It encourages you to embrace new rhythms, discover fresh perspectives, and find joy in every season.
- Throughout the year, Finnish traditions bring people together and add their own rhythm to the seasons. Celebrate Vappuin spring with picnics and a joyful atmosphere, or experience the magic of Juhannus with bonfires and lakeside gatherings under the midnight sun.
Read more about the seasons in Lakeland ↗
8. Healthy food from the purest ingredients
Lakeland Finland offers far more than its famous berries and mushrooms. From its forests and fields comes a rich variety of ingredients. Fresh and crisp vegetables, golden potatoes, and wholesome grains: These form the heart of nourishing, flavorful cuisine. Here, every bite carries the essence of pure northern nature.
This natural abundance is reflected in beloved regional dishes. Freshly caught lake fish, such as perch and vendace, are often simply pan-fried in butter and served with new potatoes and dill. Hearty salmon soup, lohikeitto, brings together creamy broth, root vegetables, and tender fish in a comforting classic. In eastern Lakeland, traditional Karelian pies (thin rye pastries filled with rice porridge) are enjoyed warm with egg butter. Forest flavours shine in dishes like creamy chanterelle sauce or sautéed wild mushrooms, while desserts celebrate the land’s sweetness with treats such as blueberry pie or lingonberry jam served alongside local specialities. The same care and quality extend to locally produced meat and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with a deep respect for nature. Sustainability here is not a trend but a way of life, shaping how food is grown, gathered, and enjoyed.
Taste the local food in Lakeland
Lakeland Tips:
- In the towns and villages of Lakeland Finland, restaurants invite you to experience these ingredients at their finest.
- When exploring local flavours, keep an eye out for quality labels such as D.O. Saimaa and Karelia à la carte. These labels highlight restaurants and producers committed to local ingredients, authentic tastes, and high-quality food experiences.
Find local food experiences ↗
9. A child- and family-friendly society
Finland is known for its deep commitment to families, creating an environment where children are not only welcomed, but truly considered in everyday life. In Lakeland Finland, this spirit is felt everywhere—from thoughtfully designed public spaces to the relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that makes travelling with children easy and enjoyable. Visitors quickly notice the clean, safe, and imaginative playgrounds, where creativity and play go hand in hand. Shops, cafés, and restaurants are designed with families in mind, offering a warm welcome to guests of all ages.
Lakeland Tips:
- Lakeland Finland also offers a wide range of experiences that bring joy to the whole family. Spend a day on a gently sloping beach where even the youngest can play safely, explore the excitement of an amusement park, or meet friendly animals at a petting zoo. Nature itself becomes a playground, inviting curiosity, discovery, and shared moments.
Discover family activities in Lakeland ↗
10. A healthy work-life balance
In Finland, people work to live – they do not live to work. This mindset is deeply rooted in everyday life, shaping a culture where well-being, rest, and meaningful free time are valued just as much as professional success. Periods of leisure and recreation are not seen as luxuries, but as essential parts of a balanced and productive life.
Nowhere is this philosophy more tangible than in Lakeland Finland. Surrounded by vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and peaceful silence, the region offers a natural antidote to the pressures of modern work life. Here, the boundary between work and rest becomes softer. If you want to improve your work-life balance, do what more and more Finns are doing: step away from the noise and relocate—at least temporarily—to nature. Remote work from a lakeside cottage provides not only a change of scenery, but a change of pace. Mornings might begin with focused work, but breaks can mean stepping outside for fresh air, taking a walk in the woods, or simply sitting by the water.
