What Finland Taught Me About Happiness

I moved to Finland by chance because of my partner’s job. We lived in a place called Otsonkallio, which can be translated as “the hill of a bear spirit.” It was a 20-minute metro ride to the center of Helsinki, yet behind my windows were stretched dense trees where sometimes I spotted squirrels, hares, and deer.

I liked that about Finland — a fusion of modern urban life and magical nature. And there was more than one thing I liked about this country. I also enjoyed walking through the snowy pine forests along the shore of the cold Baltic Sea. I loved watching the ships at the harbors and the otherworldly houses perched on tiny islands. I grew fond of stylish Finnish design, Lapland cheese, and Fazer chocolate. And yet, this place never quite became home to me.

After a year and a half, I moved from Finland to Germany, and I’ve never regretted that decision. Still, I took many warm memories from that cold northern country — along with some important insights. Here are a few I would like to share with you.

1. When the Sun Disappears, Habits Become a Lifeline

Before moving to Finland, I had never realized just how much the weather could affect my mood and energy levels. Well, when you live through a nearly half-year-long winter, you have more time to notice it. And, to my surprise, the hardest part wasn’t the cold — it was the lack of sunlight. In summer, Helsinki is flooded with light — the sun barely sets, and there’s hardly any real darkness. But in winter, it barely rises at all.

Still, simply becoming aware of the impact of the weather wasn’t the only thing I took from my experience of living there. Finland also has a well-developed culture of caring for oneself during the darker months. Long walks, even in gloomy weather, the daily intake of vitamin D, and the soft glow of daylight lamps on office desks and kitchen tables — not exceptions, but quiet rituals woven into daily life.

Bringing this northern routine with me to Germany, which is also known for its grey winters, has made a noticeable difference in how I feel during the colder months.

2. Determination Doesn’t Wait For Certainty

One of the most fascinating concepts in Finnish philosophy is sisu — a word that has no direct translation in any other language. It refers to inner strength, determination, and resilience in the face of harsh circumstances, especially when it feels like all your energy has already been spent. At the same time, sisu doesn’t imply guaranteed success or offer any promises. On the contrary — it’s about doing everything within your power, even when you're uncertain about the outcome.

There seems to be no better country to develop this kind of inner strength than cold, harsh Finland. The country itself feels like a living example of what can be achieved by a nation that didn’t start off in the most favorable position or with the best resources. And yet today, Finland is one of the most advanced places in the world. Without a doubt, part of that success comes from the Finnish tradition of pushing through difficulty and building what they truly want to build. Doing what they genuinely want to do.

For me, living in this country was deeply inspiring when it came to working on myself and being determined to follow my dreams even when I doubted they were possible.

3. The Best Place Isn’t the Same for Everyone

For several years in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report. And it’s no wonder — free healthcare and education, generous social benefits, a philosophy of inner contentment rather than performative success, and a high level of trust in institutions all make Finland seem like an ideal place to live. As a migrant, I also have to mention the bureaucracy — most things are done online, and the processes are incredibly clear and straightforward, which, let’s be honest, is rare in most countries. What more could you ask for in a country of ultimate happiness?

Yet, I didn’t feel happy there myself. Not because something was wrong with the place — but because some things simply didn’t suit me personally. In particular, I found it hard to connect with the quiet and peaceful lifestyle that most Finns lead. Even in the capital, life felt too sleepy and subdued for me. I’d rather put up with Germany’s chaotic bureaucracy and far less safe streets than with that overwhelming calm.

At the same time, this slow life is exactly what makes Helsinki appealing to many people. It’s just that we’re all different — and even the same things can feel completely different for each of us. That’s one of the biggest lessons I took from my time there: it’s possible to not feel happy in the world’s happiest country. Statistics are just statistics. And rather than chasing what others consider “the best,” I now try to look for what actually fits me.