finland
Photo: Lauri Rotko / Visit Helsinki

Finland, the world’s happiest country for six years running, is inviting people to Helsinki in June 2024 to discover how they can hack their happiness. Applications to the five-day happiness-focused masterclass are now open.

Following the success of 2023’s Masterclass in Happiness, Finland and Helsinki will welcome a new group of happiness seekers to learn the hacks that make Helsinki the world’s happiest capital.

During the five-day masterclass, Visit Finland and Helsinki Partners will welcome lucky participants to the capital to learn from the Helsinki Happiness Hackers. The team of Helsinki Happiness Hackers will lead the group in learning the new happiness hacks that they can apply to their everyday life. During their time in Helsinki, applicants will learn what makes city dwellers in the world’s happiest country so happy, as they are fully immersed in the distinctive Helsinkian experience. Happiness hacks will highlight four key themes of Finnish happiness: nature and lifestyle; health and balance; design and everyday; and food and well-being.

finland
Photo: Julia Kivelä

Finns find happiness in nature and in the city

Crowned the happiest country for six years running, Finland is a vibrant blend of green forests, calm lakes and captivating islands, innovative design, unique sauna culture and quirky urban charm. Finnish happiness is often attributed to Finns’ close connection with nature and down-to-earth lifestyle. The Finns place great importance on preserving the great outdoors and in Helsinki, sustainability plays a key role in the lives of Helsinkians. The capital is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030 and was ranked the fourth most sustainable travel destination in 2023.

Even in the bustle of Finland’s most densely populated city, Helsinki’s residents draw happiness largely from nature. An astonishing 88% of Helsinki residents are happy with their life in the city.

Anu Syrmä, Director, Brand, Marketing and Communications of Helsinki Partners, explains: “Helsinki boasts an impressive cultural scene and plenty of urban green oases. According to a recent survey, Helsinki residents appreciate the quality of life in their city. Helsinkians value proximity to nature and the sea, arts and culture, a safe living environment, and efficient public transport in their hometown. Still, we feel strongly that the Helsinki Happiness Hacks can be experienced by anyone, even during a short visit.”

In Helsinki, travellers can enjoy a vibrant urban atmosphere mixed with serenity and nature. The Finnish capital offers a world-class city break destination to suit every kind of traveller, with fantastic museums, sensational dining, verdant green spaces, and beautiful, design-led accommodation.

finland
Photo: Linda Tammisto

“Finnish happiness boils down to the simple things in life: connecting with nature, taking care of one’s mind and body, and appreciating design and art around us. Happiness can be found in moments of pure contentment you get when the setting is just right: on a bike ride in a forest with the perfect playlist on or enjoying a post-sauna sausage while cooling off on a beautiful summer evening. Most importantly, happiness hacks are skills that anyone can learn to boost their well-being,” comments Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of international Marketing at Business Finland.

Apply by April 4, 2024

Participating in the Helsinki Happiness Hacks masterclass will be free of charge for the chosen participants – Visit Finland and Helsinki Partners will cover travel expenses to and from Finland. The lucky participants will enjoy a curated five-day experience crafted by a group of Helsinki Happiness Hackers, aimed at guiding you towards finding your inner Helsinkian.


Applications are open until April 4, 2024. To apply and find more information, see www.helsinkihappinesshacks.com.

Join our newsletter!

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest updates from Kongres Magazine.