According to the 2023 World Happiness Report, Icelanders are the third happiest people in the world. Discover why factors like a strong sense of community, natural beauty and a love of literature contribute to make Iceland one of the world’s happiest countries. When you’re there, visit one of the water recreation spots such as Sundhöll Reykjavík Pool, where you can join Icelanders in one of their national activities and enjoy a sauna or a steam bath or Heiðmörk – a nature reserve on the outskirts of Reykjavík – to enjoy a green, public space dotted with interesting landmarks amongst beautiful scenery.
According to the 2023 World Happiness Report, Icelanders are the third happiest people in the world. Discover why factors like a strong sense of community, natural beauty and a love of literature contribute to make Iceland one of the world’s happiest countries. When you’re there, visit one of the water recreation spots such as Sundhöll Reykjavík Pool, where you can join Icelanders in one of their national activities and enjoy a sauna or a steam bath or Heiðmörk – a nature reserve on the outskirts of Reykjavík – to enjoy open, green, public space dotted with interesting landmarks amongst beautiful scenery.
Spend some time in Oslo and find out why Norway is frequently ranked one of the happiest countries in the world. Oslo’s abundant green spaces (it’s one of Europe’s greenest capitals and was European Green Capital winner in 2019) and easy access to nature such as Nordmarka forest (just 20 minutes from the city and accessible by public transport) certainly contribute. Green spaces are known to be good for your mental well-being. Additionally, Oslo is easy to walk or cycle around and being active has been shown to improve our mood. If you’d like your exercise with something nice to look at, take a walk around Vigeland Sculpture Park, where you can enjoy over 200 outdoor sculptures, free to enter and open year round.
As you explore Malmö on foot or by bike, you might find that getting your body moving improves your mood. Or perhaps a fresh breeze from the Øresund strait or the sight of water will put a smile on your face? While in Malmö, don’t miss a visit to the Modern Art Museum (admission is free for under 19-year-olds) or the Malmö Konsthall (free admission), where you can immerse yourself in creativity to see if the link between art and happiness is true for you. Malmö was named the happiest city in Sweden in 2016 so as you walk around the city, why not spot the things that raise residents’ spirits?
Take a trip to Aalborg and discover why Denmark is consistently listed as one of the top 3 happiest countries in the world and a study named Aalborg as the happiest city in Europe. It could be linked to the fact that Aalborg is a city where 84% of residents feel safe or because, like Malmö, Aalborg is next to the water, which has been shown to be good for happiness. When you visit, don’t forget to explore the Danish concept of hygge - hard to translate but linked to slowing down, disconnecting (turn off your phone!) and spending quality time with loved ones or with yourself and a good book.
