This year's World Happiness Report has been released, and it comes as no surprise, but Finland has taken the top spot as the happiest country for the seventh year in a row.
In fact, the Nordic countries account for most of the top 10, with Denmark ranking second, Iceland third, and Sweden fourth, and Norway seventh.
The report is written by Gallup World Poll in partnership with Oxford University's Wellbeing Research Centre and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The team behind this survey uses data from more than 140 countries for their annual findings. While people being surveyed rate their own lives subjectively, experts in psychology, economics, and sociology make the process more scientific by forming their evaluations based on six key factors.
These are income (Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita), healthy life expectancy, social relationships, freedom to make life choices, philanthropy, and freedom from corruption.
Traveling to Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden - without a plane. Here's how to do it.
Reduce your carbon impact by traveling by train, ship, or car
A note of caution: this trip will take substantially longer than flying the same route, but it affords travellers a genuine experience, allowing for a more leisurely and environmentally friendly journey.
You will begin your excursion in Iceland on a long, extended leg of your travels.
All year round, the M/S Norröna makes a weekly trip from Iceland to Denmark, including a stop at the Faroe Islands. During the summer, from June to August, the journey takes about two days, but when the weather is less favorable, the journey takes a bit longer, approximately over three days.
You can also visit a place that has not been traveled to by many people.
Passengers are permitted to bring their own vehicles on board the boat, thus exempting them from baggage restrictions.
It's also possible to view the journey as a cruise ship experience, as there are 366 cabins on board, accommodating a total of 1,482 passengers.
They offer a range of rooms, from basic economy options to upscale sea-view accommodations, catering to diverse budgets.
The most affordable cabin available still comes with a relatively high price tag. The lowest price for a one-bedroom cabin is €565, and this includes a basic cabin as well as a parking space for one vehicle.
You'll arrive at Hirtshals, a coastal town situated at the northernmost tip of the Jutland peninsula in northern Denmark. It's worth devoting a small amount of time there, as it boasts captivating scenery and striking lighthouses. Nevertheless, you'll probably wish to proceed to the Danish capital of Copenhagen.
Experience breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes by train: from northern Denmark to Sweden
Although Hirtshals is approximately 375 kilometers north of Copenhagen, the trip does not have to be unpleasant.
You can make the journey by car, or by taxi if you prefer a more luxurious experience, yet going by train is the straightforward and most eco-friendly option.
- which takes about an hour and a half - and a second from Aalborg to Copenhagen. That journey takes approximately four hours and fifteen minutes and, on the way, you’ll be able to see some of Denmark’s lovely countryside that is impossible to appreciate through a plane window.
In addition, there is a three train option which stops at Hjørring before Aalborg. This alternative takes less time, but it is up to you to decide whether the added inconvenience of switching trains is worth the faster travel time. For both options, ticket prices are reasonable, costing €72 for a one-way trip.
Experience the thrill of crossing an iconic bridge by train: Denmark to Sweden
After visiting some of Copenhagen's most breathtaking sights - think the famous Little Mermaid, the vibrant Tivoli Gardens, and the historic Nyhavn neighborhood - you can look forward to the easiest part of your happiest countries tour.
From Copenhagen’s Central Station, you will find no shortage of trains crossing the border into Sweden.
The scheduled duration for the trip is 35 minutes only.
Although it doesn’t draw as many tourists as Stockholm, the city is rich in history and features numerous attractions.
They include Lilla Torg, a cobblestone plaza featuring cafes, half-timbered houses, and shops selling local handicrafts, Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, and some of Sweden's best cuisine.
If you're interested in infrastructure, the trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is definitely worth taking.
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Tickets start from 18 euros, one way.
Experience the serene beauty of the Swedish countryside as you travel by train - and then take a boat to Finland.
Picturesque streets, it's time for another lengthy excursion. Don't be disheartened, however, as the train journey from Malmö to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, traverses nearly the entire southern portion of the country.
Tickets from Malmö Central Station to Stockholm cost from forty euros one way. Trains depart hourly and the approximately four and a half hour journey offers a glimpse into stunning Swedish landscapes at close range.
You can opt to delve into Swedish culture - we recommend a visit to the ABBA museum at the very least! - or continue your journey eastwards to Finland.
(destination) travelers claim there are two methods to approach the journey across the northern Baltic Sea, which takes approximately 16 hours on average.
While most choose a cabin for the overnight trip for its relative luxury, others opt for utilizing the unique onboard amenities to the fullest. To save money on accommodations, it’s possible to take advantage of the diverse evening entertainment options onboard instead of paying extra for a bed.
It features a range of entertainment options, from live music performances, bars, and themed parties to all-night dance clubs, catering to those with the endurance to stay late.
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It is not particularly well-known, so you can opt to explore for a matter of minutes or days – or even extend your visit and see nearby Turku on Finland’s southwest coast, or Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, which is easily accessible by boat.
No matter which ferry experience grabs your attention, it will fit your budget - without harming the environment.
Tickets cost from €96 one way and you’ll end up in the lovely Helsinki - a city that offers something to enjoy year-round, including world-class galleries, iconic saunas, and the chance to immerse yourself in the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea. If that isn’t enough to put a smile on your face, then we're not sure what would be!
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