One of the best countries to visit in the world is also one of Europe’s emptiest.
Finland, a Nordic nation of 5.6 million, has been named one of Lonely Planet’s 25 Best Destinations in 2026. The country was the only European nation to make the list, although it did share a spot alongside regions in Italy and Ireland, among others.
In recent years, much has been made of the happiness of the Finns. In March, Finland was named the happiest place in the world for the eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report 2025.
“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth – it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, the chief executive of Gallup. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
The secret behind Finland’s happiness is intriguing and multi-layered.
Trust is at the center of Finnish society. Many of the country’s children wrap up warm to attend forest schools, even in the north in the harsh Finnish winters. They are allowed to climb, jump, scrabble, and do much else to their hearts’ content, with teachers preferring to let them learn through trial and error rather than intervening.
In addition to this foundation of trust is a great pride in the country. Finland has one of the highest rates of national service in the world. Approximately 27,000 conscripts begin it each year, with about 80% of Finnish men completing the service. Additionally, a growing number of women serve as volunteers, with over 1,500 signing up annually.
Another big source of the Finns’ happiness is the natural beauty of the country. Finland is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, with nearly 200,000 lakes, and is about three-quarters covered in forests. The country is a prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, which can be seen on many nights, especially in Lapland.
“Whether you are paddling through Finnish Lakeland in the golden light of a midsummer evening, feeling the heartbeat of Sámi reindeer-herding culture in Inari or embracing the bitter cold of Lapland on a dogsled ride as the northern lights come out to play, you will realize that Finnish happiness is tuning into nature, in touch with your inner child,” Lonely Planet writes.
Happily, there is plenty of space to enjoy the beauty. Finland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, with just 17 people per sq km on average, compared to 227 per sq km in the UK.
Lonely Planet’s Kerry Walker says if you do visit Finland, you shouldn’t leave without first embracing Sámi culture in Lapland. “Give Santa the slip and head to Inari or, further north still, Utsjoki, for reindeer-driven sleigh rides and joik (rhythmic poems) sung around a flickering campfire in a simple lavvu tent. Go for the whole Arctic shebang with husky mushing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, then hole up in a log cabin, igloo or aurora-gazing dome to watch the flakes silently fall,” she suggests.
The Sámi live in the northern region of Finland, Lapland, which stretches across Sweden and Norway as well. Many of them continue to practice traditional reindeer herding, although modern techniques and technology, such as drones and skidoos, are now used.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of sharing a holiday/country with few other people, then Mongolia might be up your street.
The world’s largest landlocked country, tucked between China and Russia, covers an area of over 603,000 square miles, but is only home to just over 3.5 million, earning it the title of the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign state. In fact, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is home to roughly half of the country’s population.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
