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Finland is officially the happiest country in the world.
For the sixth consecutive year, the world happiness report has stated that Finland has a happiness score of 7,842 out of a possible 10, making it happier than any other destination.
Some of the reasons Finns are so happy, according to the report, is because they feel a strong sense of community and mutual trust. The country also has some of the lowest levels of suspicion for government corruption.
But what does that mean for tourists? It means that the people of Finland are warm and welcoming and that the country it is a safe place to travel.
Here are six of the best reasons to consider visiting Finland:
impressive landscapes
Finland is well known for its beautiful and unspoiled landscapes. From snow-covered pines to rugged mountains to rolling, flat foothills to the south, the range of landscapes to appreciate is incredibly diverse.
Besides this, there are 39 national parks to explore in Finland. Visitors can also explore Saimaa, the country’s largest lake, where people travel from all over the world to fish.
Of course, the main attraction of Finland’s landscapes is the chance to see the impressive Northern Lights, better known as the Northern Lights.
Finnish Lapland is the place to be for the best chance of seeing this natural phenomenon. The northern lights season in Finnish Lapland is between mid-August and early April.
Delicious food
There are some national cuisines that are recognized worldwide thanks to their broad appeal. You can find Italian, Chinese, and Mexican foods just about anywhere you travel.
The same cannot be said for Finnish food, but that does not mean that Finnish food is not delicious and worth exploring.
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Seafood is plentiful due to the large number of lakes in the country, and chefs in Finland focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make the cuisine especially appealing.
Gravlax, rye bread and stir-fried reindeer are particularly popular local dishes.
Modern architecture
Fans of modern and minimalist architecture will love visiting Finland.
Many of the buildings take inspiration from local landscapes and often a minimalist, modern approach is taken to avoid detracting from the beauty the country already possesses.
Renowned architect Alvar Aalto is particularly popular here, and you’ll find his work everywhere.
Expect clean lines, natural materials, and buildings that are impressive in their simplicity.
Exciting Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, as well as its most populous city. While most people think of Finland as a remote and quiet country, Helsinki is the complete opposite.
This is the perfect place to explore Finland’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and take in Finland’s bustling art and music scene.
Did you know that Finland is the heavy metal capital of the world? Metalheads flock to Helsinki to see the myriad of national and international metal bands that regularly tour the country.
For a slightly quieter night, there are also many bars and clubs to enjoy in the city.
Explore Finnish Lapland
It would be almost impossible to talk about traveling to Finland without mentioning Finnish Lapland.
The home of Santa Claus and his reindeer; Big kids and little kids alike will enjoy the high-octane activities to enjoy here, as well as the stunning snowy scenery.
You can hunt Santa in his cabin in the woods, ride a husky or reindeer sleigh, and if you’re looking for even bigger thrills, you can go on a snowmobile safari across the rugged terrain.
Finnish Lapland is also a great place to enjoy skiing, with Kittila here considered to be one of the best ski destinations in the country.
Embrace Sauna Culture
Taking a sauna is a very important part of Finnish culture. The concept of ‘sauna culture’ in Finland involves using the sauna to cleanse both body and mind in order to gain a sense of inner peace.
Nearly 90% of Finns take a sauna once a week, and enjoying sauna time is an integral part of Finnish socialization and well-being.
Tourists are encouraged to experience sauna culture for themselves during their stay in Finland and will be presented with many opportunities to try it out.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com