Europe's Last Great Wilderness

In Helsinki, Finland, nature is never far away, and Finns have a palpable passion for it. But where do the world’s happiest people go to recharge in dense forests, commune with wildlife, swim in pristine waters — even breathe the world’s purest air? The people of Finland head north to their country’s Lapland region, commonly known as Europe’s last great wilderness.

Some background: It’s not hyperbole to call Finns the world’s happiest people. For five years in a row, the Nordic nation has topped the annual World Happiness Report. The air? According to the World Health Organization, the level of airborne particles in Finland’s air is on average 6 micrograms per cubic meter — the lowest level for any individual country. And with more than 75% of its land area covered by woodlands of spruce, pine and birch, Finland is indeed the most forested country in Europe. Its people feel a genuine connection — a 2021 survey indicated that 87% of Finns feel that nature is important because it provides them with peace of mind, energy and relaxation.