Top10 secrets of Finnish happiness

For years, Finland has ranked among the happiest countries in the world—sparking curiosity about what makes this Nordic nation so consistently content. While there’s no single formula, Finnish happiness is built on simple, grounded values that prioritize balance, trust, and a deep connection to nature. Here are ten “secrets” behind Finnish happiness found very much in Lakeland Finland.

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. You can experience it first-hand, for example, on a hike through one of the national parks, which offer trails for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

2. Swimming in the refreshing lake water

Water is almost always part of the nature experience in Lakeland Finland. With its countless inland waters, this is the ideal region to find refreshment in the cool waters. For example, 30 lakes with a surface area of more than 100 km² await you, including Päijänne, Finland’s deepest lake and second largest in terms of surface area. 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.

4. Picking berries and mushrooms

5. Me-time at the finnish cottage – mökki

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—taking 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—inviting you to unwind, breathe deeply, and slow down like a Finn.

6. 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—crisp vegetables, golden potatoes, and wholesome grains—that 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 flavors 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 specialties. 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.

In the towns and villages of Lakeland Finland, restaurants invite you to experience these ingredients at their finest—crafted into memorable dishes that celebrate the region’s authentic, down-to-earth culinary heritage.

7. 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.

8. Changing seasons

Nothing drains energy faster than monotony—but 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.

In Lakeland Finland, nature is never static. It evolves, surprises, and inspires—encouraging you to embrace new rhythms, discover fresh perspectives, and find joy in every season.

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 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.

10. Music for every taste

Finland may be best known internationally as the home of heavy metal—boasting more bands per capita than anywhere else in the world—but its musical landscape reaches far beyond a single genre. From classical compositions to modern pop, folk, rock, and electronic sounds, Finnish artists continue to shape a rich and diverse soundscape that resonates well beyond the country’s borders. Finland’s most famous composer Jean Sibelius, for example, was inspired by forests and lakes, of which Lakeland Finland has so many to offer. Whether you’re discovering new Finnish artists through your favourite streaming service or experiencing live performances in the intimate and atmospheric settings of Lakeland Finland, there is something here for every taste.