For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world. But what makes this Nordic nation such a beacon of wellbeing? The answer, we propose, may lie in its design philosophy – one that seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality and sustainability to enhance everyday life.
Image credit: Unsplash
The firm rating was published in the UN Happiness Report, which drops every March. But how does one measure happiness? The University of Oxford study surveyed participants from 140 countries, asking them to rate their quality of life on a scale from one to ten. Finns averaged an impressive score of 7.736, officially making them the happiest people on earth.
From Helsinki’s human-centric urban planning to the minimalist yet warm interiors found in Finnish homes, design is more than an industry here—it’s a way of life. Public spaces prioritise accessibility and nature, homes are crafted for comfort and efficiency, and workplaces integrate biophilic principles to reduce stress.
Image credit: Nolla Cabin
Where to stay to be happy in Finland
For those looking to experience Finnish design firsthand, here are some standout hotels and architectural gems:
Hotel St. George (Helsinki) – a fusion of historic grandeur and contemporary Nordic minimalism, this luxury hotel is packed with curated art, soft neutral palettes, and wellness-driven design.
Nolla Cabin – for an off-the-grid experience, this tiny A-frame eco-cabin on Vallisaari Island near Helsinki embodies sustainable design and a back-to-nature ethos.
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi (Helsinki) – dark, moody interiors inspired by the Arctic, paired with natural wood and soft textures, create a cocoon of Scandinavian luxury in the heart of the city.
Image credit: Hotel St. George (Helsinki)
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi) – nestled in the Finnish wilderness, this hotel blends modern glass-fronted architecture with natural materials, offering a seamless connection between design and nature.
Löyly (Helsinki) – more than just a sauna, this striking wooden structure along the Baltic Sea is a case study in sustainable architecture, with angular slatted facades designed for wind and privacy.
Finnish design icons, from Alvar Aalto’s organic modernism to the playful patterns of Marimekko, prove that beauty and practicality can coexist to create a, well, happier design scene. The government also champions design-thinking in urban planning, green initiatives, and work-life balance – creating a society where wellbeing is built into the fabric of daily life.
For designers and travellers alike, Finland offers a compelling case study in how intentional, human-centered design can shape not just products and environments, but entire societies. Perhaps the secret to happiness isn’t just where you live, but how it’s designed.
> If you enjoyed reading this article, why not check out our edit on the hotel scene in Chicago?
Main image credit: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
