Once again, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year the Nordic nation has topped the global ranking.
This year, the message from Finland is simple: happiness starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications
The 2026 report explores the impact of social media and constant connectivity on wellbeing, highlighting growing evidence that increased time spent online can negatively affect wellbeing.
In Finland, often cited for its close connection to nature and balanced way of life, the secret to happiness lies in doing the opposite: stepping away from screens, slowing down and spending time in nature.
The Finnish response to the win reflects this ethos, with happiness often rooted in simple, everyday moments: a swim in a clear lake, heating the sauna, walking in the forest, or sharing good food with friends at a summer cottage.
To celebrate the milestone, Visit Finland is inviting people around the world to experience the Finnish antidote to digital overload through the Chill Like a Finn challenge, giving participants the chance to win a free seven-day summer stay in Finnish Lakeland, one of Europe’s largest lake regions.
The 7-day Chill Like a Finn challenge
For Finns, happiness is often built from simple routines that leave space to rest, reset and reconnect with nature.
The Chill Like a Finn challenge invites international participants to experience this way of life for themselves during a seven-day summer stay in Finland’s Lakeland, a region known for its thousands of lakes, vast forests and peaceful cottage life.
Rather than a packed itinerary, the experience focuses on mastering the essentials of Finnish relaxation:
- Lakeside cottage living
- Traditional sauna and refreshing lake swims
- Time spent in forests and nature
- Seasonal food and good company
- And, perhaps most importantly, putting the phone away for a while
Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Visit Finland, observed that: “In Finland, we don’t really chase happiness – we tend to find it in small, ordinary moments.”
Jimenez continued: “When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best way to feel better is simply to slow down, step outside and chill a little – like a Finn.”
Apply to take the challenge
Applications for the Chill Like a Finn challenge are now open. People around the world are invited to apply and explain why they could benefit from a proper summer reset.
Selected participants will travel to Finland this summer with a plus one to spend seven days learning how to truly chill like a Finn in the Finnish Lakeland, experiencing everyday rituals often linked to Finnish wellbeing, from sauna culture to long, quiet days by the water.
The application period runs until March 29, 2026, after which the chosen participants will be announced.
More information about the challenge and the application process can be found on Visit Finland’s campaign website.
And for more on Finland, go to www.visitfinland.com .
