Chill like a Finn is more than a slogan. It is a philosophy rooted in the world’s happiest country, where time in nature, sauna bathing, and quiet reflection are part of daily life. This summer, Visit Finland is inviting international travelers to experience that philosophy firsthand with a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the country’s Lakeland region. The program promises a chance to disconnect from daily pressures, immerse in lakeside saunas, take refreshing dips in cool waters, and explore forest trails that have long defined Finnish leisure.
The offer follows a trend among Nordic countries to showcase their unique approaches to wellbeing and nature. Last month, Visit Sweden made headlines for giving away private islands for week-long stays to introduce visitors to the Swedish way of embracing freedom and landscape. Now Finland is presenting its own version, emphasizing relaxation and the careful rhythms of summer life that make Finnish Lakeland a sanctuary for locals and a revelation for outsiders.
Heli Jimenez, senior director for international marketing at Business Finland, describes Lakeland as a place both Finns and international travelers turn to for deep relaxation. She notes that “an increasing number of international tourists come to Finland searching for the secret to happiness, yet Lakeland is still an undiscovered gem for many.” For Finns, the region is a seasonal retreat, a place to reset, recharge, and step away from the noise of modern life. For visitors, it offers a rare window into how simplicity, water, and forest can shape wellbeing.
Participants chosen for the trip will experience the full range of Finnish summer rituals. They will stay in lakeside cottages, enjoy sauna sessions by the water, plunge into crisp lake waters, and follow guided forest walks. The itinerary emphasizes slow, mindful activity designed to restore both body and mind.
To apply, international travelers must submit a short video on Instagram or TikTok introducing themselves and explaining what a Finnish summer escape would mean to them. The application form on ChillLikeaFinn.com collects basic information including applicant names, social media handles, email addresses, and country of residence. Either the applicant or a companion must hold a valid driver’s license. The deadline to apply is 29 March 2026 at 10:59 pm CET. Six duos will be selected to join the June 2026 trips.
For travelers seeking more than a conventional vacation, Finnish Lakeland offers an invitation to understand the essence of happiness in practice, not just theory. The experience is crafted to show how regular immersion in nature, intentional pauses, and simple outdoor rituals can recalibrate daily life, leaving participants with a lasting sense of calm and perspective.
