World’s happiest nation is simply 3 hours from UK with £17 flights

A breathtakingly lovely nation with pristine lakes, enchanting forests and vibrant cities has been named the happiest place on the planet

Helsinki. Finland. Bird's-eye view of the city from the Gulf of Finland

This nation is the happiest on the planet and its simply three hours from the UK (Picture: Getty Pictures)

The world’s happiest nation has been revealed, and it is simply three hours from the UK with £17 flights.

For the ninth consecutive 12 months, Finland, with its numerous landscapes and prime quality of life, has been named the happiest nation of 2026. The Nordic nation took the crown within the World Happiness Report 2026, revealed by the Wellbeing Analysis Centre on the College of Oxford.

The outcomes had been unveiled following a survey of round 100,000 individuals in 140 international locations, with Finland highlighted for freedom to make life selections, social assist, and life expectancy. Different components believed to contribute to Finland’s fulfilling life-style embrace its low crime charges, clear setting, and work-life steadiness, to not point out its breathtaking pure magnificence.

Aerial view to the Nuuksio national park in Finland

Finland has 1000’s lakes and forests that cowl greater than 70% of the nation (Picture: Getty Pictures)

The Nordic nation is characterised by 1000’s of pristine lakes with crystal-clear waters and enchanting forests that cowl greater than 70 per cent of the nation. The varied landscapes are really magnificent and undoubtedly improve the standard of life for Finns, providing ample alternatives for outside actions and well-being.

And it isn’t simply these dwelling within the nation who can expertise its wonders. Finland has change into a well-liked vacation vacation spot for these trying to witness the dancing northern lights, hike by its spectacular terrain, or expertise its unbelievable saunas, with greater than 3 million dotted throughout the nation.

Whereas many know Finland for its magical Lapland winter wonderland, which is massively well-liked through the Christmas interval, it is definitely a year-round vacation spot throughout its 4 areas. From lakes escapes, to forest getaways and coastal stays.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is a perfect place to begin for a walkable metropolis break, with up to date artwork galleries, iconic saunas, bustling eating places and unbelievable Nordic structure. Because of town’s location on a peninsula surrounded by islands, it has easy accessibility to among the finest nature spots within the nation, from forests to islands and seashores.

Direct flights to Helsinki in April begin from simply £17 one-way, in accordance with Skyscanner. Whilst you’ll have to wrap up with temperatures reaching round 8C in spring, its breathtaking surroundings is sufficient to warrant a go to, with a whole lot of strolling trails amongst its tranquil picture-postcard landscapes.

Plus, with an extremely huge sauna tradition, you may by no means be removed from a warming bathtub on the finish of a day exploring. One of the crucial well-liked spots in Helsinki is Löyly, a scenic waterfront sauna and restaurant, in a recent Nordic construction with coastal views.

Different notable locations to go to in Finland embrace Rovaniemi, referred to as the Lapland favorite, and Tampere, which gives one other stylish metropolis break. There’s additionally town of Kuopio for these trying to escape to the serene lakes, and Turku, famend for its medieval citadel and eating places alongside its riverside.

City skyline, Tampere, Finland

Tampere gives one other metropolis break in Finland (Picture: Getty Pictures) Journey information and knowledgeable vacation recommendation plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail

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Other than Finland, different Nordic international locations, together with Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, additionally ranked among the many world’s happiest international locations. In the meantime, Costa Rica, with its tropical local weather, rainforests and seashores, got here in fourth place, with European locations dominating the listing.