Could Helsinki be your happy place?
Happiness in Helsinki isn’t loud – it’s quietly extraordinary
Here happiness isn’t about big gestures or loud celebrations. It’s the kind that sneaks up on you: during a sauna session, a peaceful stroll by the sea, or sipping coffee in the cosiest café corner. Maybe that’s why Finns keep being named the happiest people in the world—it’s happiness on their terms, and it could be yours too. If you’re thinking about starting your next chapter somewhere new, think about starting it with happiness.
Check the facts: How happy is Helsinki?
#1 Happiest country in the world
This one speaks for itself. Finland has been ranked the world’s happiest country for 7 (yes, seven!) consecutive years. We must be doing something right.
World Happiness Report 90% Satisfied with quality of life
A recent survey revealed that nearly 90% of Helsinki’s residents are satisfied with their quality of life. Not a bad, don’t you think?
City of Helsinki 90% Consider nature to be important in their lives
Approximately 90% of Finns consider nature to be important in their lives, reflecting a deep connection that enhances well-being. So, nature makes Helsinki’s happy does it make you happy too?
Sitra Ok, so people in Helsinki are happy. But why though?
Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön.
Those who have happiness should hide it.
It’s not about keeping joy a secret but embracing the understated charm of life here. In Helsinki, happiness isn’t loud or flashy—it’s the quiet kind that sneaks up on you during a seaside stroll, a sauna session, or while sipping coffee in the coziest corner of a café. Maybe that’s why Finns are so surprised they keep getting voted happiest country in the world?
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Lesson
Happiness – when you’re so happy, you keep it to yourself
The city consistently ranks as a global leader in happiness (even if the people who live here sometimes don’t realise how good they have it). Maybe it’s the pure air, the short commute times, or the abundance of cozy cafes. Explore the local secrets to joy, from serene natural escapes to lively community festivals. Who knows? You might just discover the Finnish formula for contentment.
Jokainen on oman onnensa seppä.
Everyone is the smith of their own happiness.
This means you’re in control of your own experience. Want to forge a day of creativity? Explore our Design District. Feeling adventurous? Take a ferry to the islands. Whether you’re crafting a life here or just visiting, happiness is yours to shape—Helsinki is your forge.
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Lesson
Explore
Helsinki
Explore more Helsinki neighbourhoods
Sauna – the soul of Helsinki culture
Unwind in Helsinki’s legendary saunas (Inscribed in 2020 on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), where tradition meets wellbeing. Whether it’s the iconic Löyly by the seaside or a hidden gem in the heart of the city, Helsinki’s sauna culture promises deep relaxation and connection. Experience the soothing blend of heat, steam, and stunning surroundings.
Onni on itse tehty.
Happiness is self-made.
Or as we like to say in Helsinki, happiness is what you do with your day. Whether it’s designing your life around sustainable choices, finding peace in urban nature, or simply enjoying the world-class public services, Helsinki makes it easy to create your own joy, one small moment at a time.
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Lesson
Design & architecture – curiosity by design
As a UNESCO City of Design, Helsinki is a masterpiece of creativity. Walk through its streets to experience modern architectural marvels, iconic Finnish design shops, and cultural hubs like the Design District. Here, every detail sparks joy.
Helsinki
Happy
Wild things – only in Helsinki
Imagine a city where the forest starts at your doorstep. Helsinki’s urban nature is a marvel, offering endless adventures from paddleboarding on the archipelago to foraging in lush city parks. Discover how the wild becomes your happy place.
