Let's be honest, the past few years haven't been the easiest. With viruses, wars, and financial pressures, a lot of us have really had to put the work in to feel happy. But through it all, Finland upheld its title as the world’s happiest country for six consecutive years.
The Nordic country topped the UN's World Happiness Report 2023, which looks at nations’ average income, mental and physical health, freedom, and more.
Finns really seem to know what they are doing when it comes to this whole happiness thing – and now the country has announced that it will finally share its secret recipe for joy.
That’s right: Finland is offering ten people a four-day Masterclass of Happiness at the luxurious Kuru Resort, completely free of charge. Participants will stay in villas surrounded by pine forests and scenic views, each with its own private spa and sauna.
The masterclass will take place between June 12 and June 15, during which the lucky bunch will learn from leading experts on happiness. The experts will teach the group how to find their inner balance and how to connect with nature and themselves.
Those who would like to throw their hat in the ring have to submit an online application on the Find Your Inner Finn website, before completing their social media challenge. All you'll have to do is create some content on Instagram or TikTok explaining what makes you believe you might secretly be a Finn and why you want to join the masterclass, shared with the hashtags #FindYourInnerFinn and #VisitFinland. You have until April 2 to complete it all.
Explaining the inspiration behind the once-in-a-lifetime masterclass, Heli Jimenez, the Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, said: ‘A question we often get is: ‘How are you so happy?’ We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it’s not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared.’
‘Now we want to help people find and master that Finnish state of mind. We’ve chosen the best coaches, one of the most breath-taking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our masterclass,’ he added.
Sounds pretty good to us. May the best joy-seeker win.
Did you hear that the EU is giving away 35,000 free train tickets?
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening across the world.