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Being crowned the world’s happiest country for no less than eight years in a row is a pretty solid indicator that Finland know how to embrace a joy-filled lifestyle – and now, they’re inviting international travellers to get involved.
VisitFinland has announced the enticing chance to win a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to the Finnish Lakeland, to experience firsthand the nature-drenched and unhurried summer tradition of embracing the slow life away from the city.
The largest lake district in Europe, Finnish Lakeland is a heavenly ‘coolcation’ destination. It’s home to hundreds of islands and lakes all blanketed by verdant green forests, and its warm days and cool evenings make for brilliant hiking conditions. Here, your days could be spent fishing, cold-plunging, visiting saunas, indulging in local food and – most importantly – properly switching off.
Recommended: The best ‘coolcations’ in Europe, according to Time Out.
‘An increasing number of international tourists come to Finland searching for the secret to happiness, yet Lakeland is still an undiscovered gem for many,’ said Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, Heli Jimenez. ‘It’s the region Finns themselves return to when they want to relax truly, and the perfect destination for anyone looking to step away from the noise of everyday life.’
Looks rather idyllic, right? To get involved, you’ll first need to post a short video on Instagram or TikTok explaining what a break to Lakeland would mean to you, followed by this application form on ChillLikeaFinn.com.
The deadline is at 11.59pm EEST on March 29, and the trips will take place in June 2026.
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