As travelers increasingly seek cooler, quieter options for their summer vacations and a slower way to unwind, Visit Finland invites a select number of people to experience summer like the locals do: immersed in nature, unhurried, and on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Balance is recharging in nature
Having been named the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years by the United Nations World Happiness Report, Finns understand the importance of balance. One of the main factors contributing to this enduring happiness is the Finnish ability to regenerate and recharge through time spent in nature. Every summer, many retreat to their lakeside cottages to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature, far from the increasingly frenetic world.
Now, Visit Finland is offering a small group of international travelers the chance to do the same, with a week-long escape to one of Europe’s most tranquil and natural regions: the Finnish Lakeland.
“A growing number of international tourists visit Finland in search of the secret to happiness, yet the Lake District remains an unknown gem for many,” says Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland. “It’s the region where Finns themselves return when they want to truly unwind, and it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Visit Finland launches the challenge
To share this lifestyle, Visit Finland is launching a new challenge, inviting travelers to learn the art of Finnish holidays in the same landscapes where the world’s happiest people relax. Six lucky couples will be selected to participate in a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the Finnish Lakeland, where they will discover the secret to relaxing like a Finn.
The art of slow vacationing in Europe’s next big lake destination
The Finnish Lake District is Europe’s largest lake district, with hundreds of lakes and islands surrounded by tranquil forests. The pleasant Nordic climate offers warm summer days and pleasantly cool evenings, providing perfect conditions for hiking in Kolovesi National Park, fishing on Lake Saimaa, or foraging in Koli National Park, allowing visitors to enjoy the calming effect nature can have on the nerves. It’s a form of luxury defined not by excess, but by space, quiet, and serenity.
In an increasingly hectic world that constantly awaits us online, relaxing like a Finn means rediscovering the balance that many Finns consider essential in their lives. It’s a mindset deeply rooted in Finnish life: unplug, slow down, and let nature do its work. We want to share this experience with travelers seeking meaningful, rejuvenating journeys and a more tranquil pace amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Lakeland offers travelers the experience of a delightful Nordic summer in a quintessentially Finnish destination.
Heli Jimenez
Summer holidays, a simple recipe
Finnish summer holidays follow a wonderfully simple recipe. Finns head to their lakeside cottages to soak in saunas, take cold dips in the refreshing lake waters, take leisurely walks in the woods, take lazy naps in hammocks, and savor local country fare. No noise, no notifications, and no pressure to be constantly available: just space to breathe.
How to participate
The lakeside experience will take place in June 2026. To apply, participants are invited to take part in a two-stage application process. Applicants must first complete a social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok by sharing a short video introducing themselves and explaining what a Finnish summer getaway to the Lake District would mean to them.
Additionally, all applicants must visit ChillLikeaFinn.com to complete the mandatory application form. Applications close on March 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM EEST (Eastern European Summer Time), and full details, including the Terms and Conditions, are available at ChillLikeaFinn.com.
