The happiest places on earth

By Colin Crummy

October 2023

This World Mental Health Day, we spotlight the travel destinations where quality of life comes first

October 2023

By Colin Crummy

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When were you last truly happy? If your mind goes back to the last trip you took, you are not alone. A study in the International Journal of Tourism Research confirms the obvious: We’re happiest on vacation.

So, if you’re looking for your next happy place, it makes sense to consider visiting the cheeriest spots on earth. This is where the World Happiness Report, which measures the gaiety of national populations and ranks countries according to the data, can be a useful guide. Whether you’re looking to unwind like the most content people on the globe, discover world-class well-being, or simply seek a fresh perspective, these are some of the best places—for residents and visitors alike.

Finland

The happiest place on earth, according to the 2023 World Happiness Report, is Finland. Crunch the numbers and you can see why. It’s more than three-quarters forest, with 188,000 lakes, and thanks to the Finnish “Everyman’s Right,” anyone can roam, fish or camp in the wilderness, so there’s plenty of space to see the Northern Lights, visible here 200 days of the year.

With all this on their doorstep, Finns keep vacations simple. Locals and visitors summer in lakeside cottages called mökki, with saunas and open water close to hand. Head to sauna capital of the world Tampere to experience the oldest one in the country, Rajaportti. Then cool down and get happy with a dip in Lake Saimaa.

New Zealand

Rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hills and majestic fjords—just about everywhere you roam in New Zealand gives pause for thought. If you’re looking for fresh perspectives, you’ll find them in abundance. Start at Maunga Hikurangi, a non-volcanic mountain and one of the first places in the world to see the sun rise. Take a walk in the ancient kauri forest of Waipoua, or mountain bike above Pencarrow near Wellington (pictured, top).

For a truly reflective experience, visit during midwinter for Matariki, which marks the Mãori new year; expect street parties, performances, exhibitions, or light shows. The festival changes according to the reappearance of the Matariki cluster of stars in the night sky—but is always a moment to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the year ahead.

Harbor-jumping at Kalvebod Bølge, Copenhagen

Denmark

Denmark has serious things to smile about like great healthcare and education, which explains why it consistently polls highly in the World Happiness Report. But Danes also know how to have fun. Head here in fall to fully embrace Danish hygge, their ethos of doing incredibly cozy things purely for the sake of happiness.

In Aarhus, nicknamed the City of Smiles, go trampolining at Konditaget Lüders, a bright red rooftop playground with ocean views. The Infinite Bridge is a wonderfully pointless circular platform with great sea views—it goes nowhere by design. Then take a stroll inside a rainbow: Artist Olafur Eliasson’s seriously smiley work at the top of the city’s ARoS modern art gallery.

Iceland

An erupting geyser; that first dip in a geothermal bath: Nothing puts a smile on your face like Iceland’s wild natural phenomena. But these alone don’t explain how it earned a spot as one of the top three happiest countries. For that, you need people. Iceland hasn’t many, but its population of just 375,000 fosters the country’s unique community spirit.

Don’t miss the magical aurora borealis lightshow from September to April, which brings people out at night. Or make a date with Reykjavik Pride. Finally, dig into Iceland’s close-knit creative scene in the capital’s glorious Harpa music hall, picture-postcard art enclave Seyðisfjörður or the charming Skálholt Cathedral. Summer is particularly good for live music, but go any time for all the wonderfully Icelandic feels.

Pause with a picnic at Skinnarviksberget, Stockholm

Sweden

Sweden is so into mini breaks, it mandated for them: Fika, a daily break for coffee and cake, is enshrined in law. The Swedes have a term for this kind of life balance—lagom—which may explain the country’s position in the top 10 of world happiness. Sample it for yourself in Stockholm with mid-morning fika at Saturnus, home to the biggest cinnamon rolls in town, or try the classic bakehouse Tössebageriet.

Then to truly vacation like a local, head for the islands. The Stockholm Archipelago is a few minutes from the city center, where you’ll find 30,000 islands, islets and skerries that come alive in summer with parties, art happenings and hiking. Looking for the ultimate de-stress? Go in winter or spring when the archipelago transforms back into a peaceful, natural haven.