Ranked number one in the World Happiness Report for six years in a row, Finland has attracted the attention of many travelers who want to know its secrets.
Outside of the Helsinki metropolitan area, where the majority of the population lives, much of the country is covered by forests and lakes. In addition to this outdoor playground, regular visits to the sauna and the popular cartoon “Moomin” also play a central role in Finnish culture.
To really delve into and understand the secrets of Finland’s happiness, there’s nothing like visiting the country and experiencing its lifestyle for yourself. In 2024, there are some additional reasons to plan a visit.
large sailboat race
It’s been 11 years since the famous tall ship race visited Helsinki, and excitement will be high when the event returns this July. An estimated 500,000 people will visit the city during the festival (July 4th to 7th), and thousands of young people will take part in the races.
For visitors, dozens of impressive sailing ships are docked in the city’s harbor, and related events are held throughout the city.
However, this event is not limited to the capital. This Baltic edition will also see tall ship races held in the port city of Turku (July 18-21) and Mariehamn on the Åland Islands (July 24-27).
Luxury accommodation in Helsinki
While the claim that it “heralds a new era in Scandinavian luxury hospitality” may be a bit of a stretch, there’s no denying that Helsinki’s Hotel Maria is shaking up the luxury hotel space. Spanning his four historic buildings in the heart of Finland’s capital, Hotel Maria has 117 rooms, including 38 luxurious suites.
The hotel’s boutique is stocked with Fabergé jewelry and items from famous Finnish designers, making it the perfect starting point for a deep dive into Finnish design. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, we recommend waiting until summer when Maria Wellness Club opens.
Elsewhere in Helsinki, Grand Hansa Hotel will open in May 2024. Part of the NH Collection, Grand Hansa Hotel has 224 rooms, many with views of the city’s historic Central Station building.
aurora hunting
In Finland, 2024 is shaping up to be a special year for Northern Lights viewing, also known as the Northern Lights.
With solar activity expected to reach its peak, Finland’s Lapland region, already famous for its spectacular aurora borealis appearances, is set to see even more breathtaking sights.
Destinations such as Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kakslautanen are the best places to see the Northern Lights due to their northern latitude and minimal light pollution, creating ideal conditions.
During the winter months, northern Finland transforms into a winter wonderland, offering not only the sight of the Northern Lights but also a variety of winter activities to keep you occupied during the day.
Whether the Northern Lights appear or not, husky sledding, snowmobiling, and even a stay in a glass igloo hotel are some of the winter attractions that guarantee an unforgettable visit.
winter swimming in helsinki
Saunas are a well-known activity in Finland, but the winter swimming that accompanies them is a new trend that may be less familiar to people overseas. Demand for winter swimming clubs is so high in Helsinki that city leaders are taking steps to ensure access for everyone.
In 2024, several winter swimming holes in Helsinki will be available for a one-time fee. If the thought of jumping into ice-cold water fills you with fear, keep in mind that Finns are said to be the happiest people in the world.
Escape to fantasy in Tampere
Super fans of the fantasy world created by JRR Tolkien should take note. From August 2024 to January 2025, his first stage performance will be held in the city of Tampere. Lord of the Ring.
Featuring circus performances and original music by the Tampere Philharmonic, this performance brings to life a fantasy world like never before. Tickets are available now, but there’s one big problem for international visitors. The four-hour show, including two intermissions, will be performed in Finnish.
follow me twitter. check out My website and other works can be found here.