It’s the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, where dense forests give way to countless bodies of water. Finland, home to Helsinki, snow-covered landscapes, and the enchanting Lapland (not to mention Santa Claus!), has once again been named the happiest country in the world according to the 2024 World Happiness Report—marking its seventh consecutive year at the top.
I visited Finland in mid-winter when temperatures plummeted to minus 20 degrees Celsius. I was eager to see the Northern Lights (which, unfortunately, eluded me) and take a dip in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea. After that chilly adventure, I warmed up at Löyly—the most famous sauna in Helsinki—recognised by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Must See Before You Die. During my time there, I experienced what Finns call “sisu,” a unique blend of courage and determination that empowers us to face life’s challenges head-on—even in small ways. Katja Pantzar wrote an entire book on this concept, published in 2022; she inspired me to dive into freezing waters as part of a personal challenge that proved transformative. Now back in Italy, I can honestly say I’m more alive than ever and ready for countless new adventures.
Finland is undeniably a happy country—not just because the United Nations World Happiness Report says so. In Helsinki, you’ll find very few cars on the roads; instead, everyone relies on public transportation—even in subzero temperatures and snow flurries, navigating icy sidewalks without ever slipping. This results in an absence of traffic stress, parking anxiety, and honking horns. There’s a profound respect for our planet evident in every action taken here. For instance, we dined at a Zero Waste restaurant called Nolla—a concept I had never encountered before but hope becomes more widespread soon. The ingredients are seasonal and sourced exclusively from suppliers who share this philosophy: no single-use packaging, plastic, wood, or paper—only reusable materials. The menu features delicious dishes paired with craft beers, and any leftovers (along with other organic waste) are composted to create fertiliser that helps replenish nature.
This minimalist approach extends to hotels as well: they may be basic but lack nothing essential. During our stay in Helsinki at the newly opened Hotel AX, we found cosy rooms without closets—though I didn’t need one since my visit was only for two nights. The idea of “less is more” quickly began to resonate with me. The primary goal of this trip is to explore Finland’s architectural landscape—a country renowned for its design heritage exemplified by figures like Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen—and discover the Helsinki Design District. This vibrant neighbourhood boasts over 200 storefronts including shops, galleries, ateliers, and boutiques where you can uncover niche brands or revisit timeless classics. Our journey begins at the Design Museum located in the Kaartinkaupunki district—a true institution originally designed as a school by architect Gustaf Nyström in neo-Gothic style back in 1895. Today it hosts international traveling exhibitions while also publishing books and catalogs about Finnish design from iconic brands like Marimekko and Arabia Factory along with celebrated designers Kaj Franck and Oiva Toikka.
