Happiness is not by chance, but by choice – Jim Rohn
It is often said that happiness is a state of mind and is something that comes from within. It is all about one’s attitude and the way one views situations. Apart from this there are several factors that contribute to one’s happiness and these include aspects like standard of living, healthy life expectancy and social support. Well, these are also some of the factors taken into consideration while preparing the annual World Happiness Report.
As per the latest report, Nordic countries continue to dominate the top of the list and is led by Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden. From offering great work life balance to free healthcare and education, these countries are ranked among the happiest and are also some of the most beautiful destinations to visit. On the occasion of World Happiness Day on 20-March, here is a look at some of the best places to visit in these nations. For the uninitiated, World Happiness Day was instituted by the United Nations to recognize the importance of happiness and well-beingin one’s life and making it a universal goal. The theme of the day this year is Caring and Sharing which motivates and inspires people to be supportive and kind to each other; a virtue that is much needed in the world today.
Finland
A beautiful country that is a delight to visit during both summers and winters, Finland offers a kaleidoscope of sights spanning nature, art, architecture and design. While spring and autumn are the best times to see the Northern lights aka Aurora borealis, summers are for outdoor activities like trekking and winters for ice skating, ice swimming and the like. While the Helsinki region which includes the capital city provides easy access to nature trails, it also has somecompelling museums and architectural sites. Helsinki is one of the world’s most livable cities and is known for its saunas and vibrant food scene. The country also has the largest archipelago in the world and it is a great idea to explore a light house island while here. Whether you choose to visit its forests or lakes, there is never a dearth of interesting things to see and do when in Finland. And before you go do not forget to visit Lapland which is the northernmost region of Finland and considered to be the hometown of Santa Claus. It is the perfect place to visit during winter when it transforms into a fascinating winter wonderland.
Denmark
Again, an alluring destination, irrespective of the time of the year, Denmark is a country that wears many hats. While the city of Copenhagen treats visitors to some insightful palaces, museums, a happening waterfront and colorful harbors, towns like Roskilde, Odense and Aarhus also form for great day trip ideas from the capital. Denmark is also the birthplace of famous author Hans Christian Andersen and while here you can embark on a trail witnessing some of the sites intrinsically associated with Andersen’s’ life. This includes his birthplace and museum in Odense as well as his house in Copenhagen’s Nyhavn harbor. A day trip from the capital also takes you to some key palaces and castles that are an integral part of the country’s history. This includes the Frederiksborg and Kronborg castles. Denmark which is a country sans mountains is also known for its bike culture, Viking history and delectable baked goodies.
Iceland
Think Iceland and it immediately conjures images of majestic mountains, towering volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, Viking history and a host of Arctic adventures. Perched between Greenland and Europe, Iceland is located just south of the Arctic circle and is a land of stunning landscapes and stark contrasts. Thinks rivers flowing between deserts and molten lava emerging from ice! The capital city of Reykjavik is the ideal place to start your Iceland sojourn where you can visit its spectacular churches, museums and even experience nature with whale and puffin watching tours. It is also a good idea to explore the awe inspiring Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls from the capital city. Further south is the amazing Skaftafell Nature Reserve as well as the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon which are places not to be missed while in Iceland. A haven for wildlife and nature lovers, summer is a great time in Iceland for those who enjoy bird watching. Winters are the best time to see not only the aurora borealis but also the rare blue ice caves which form naturally inside Iceland’s many glaciers. This is a rare phenomenon where these caves are ever evolving and form magnificent shapes.
Sweden
A country where the Right of Public Access is a law, Sweden is a nature lover’s paradise. Allemansrätten, as it is locally called, allows everyone in Sweden to freely access the country’s natural areas for activities like hiking, foraging and even camping as long as they respect nature and landowners’ rights and not disturbanyone. Well, this is Sweden, a unique nation which is a popular place to visit irrespective of the season. The capital city, Stockholm, offers a delightful mix of the old and the new and boasts of historical palaces, castles, engaging museums as well as a happening art and gastronomic scene. Stockholm’s archipelago is the largest archipelago in Sweden, and the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea and has been voted as one of the top 25 places to visit in 2025 by the National Geographic Magazine. It is the ideal place for island hopping and enjoying the pristine outdoors. Take time to learn about the country’s rich history and visit the towns of Birka, Uppsala and Sigtuna. Gothernburg which is the country’s second largest city and also known as Little London, forms for an insightful visit.
