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Score an all-expenses-paid trip to Finland, the world's happiest country

For five years, Finland scored first place in the World Happiness Report . Now a new campaign is inviting a 10 visitors from around the world to the happiest country to learn how they can tap into their own inner happiness. 

On Monday, Visit Finland announced that it is now accepting applications for its "Masterclass of Happiness," a free four-day trip to Finland "where you can learn the methods to finding your inner Finn," according to the Visit Finland website.

The opportunity also makes Finland the first country to host its own "masterclass."

The masterclass will happen from June 12-15, 2023, at a private villa at the luxurious Kuru Resort in the nation's Lakeland region.

"A question we often get is: 'How are you so happy?' We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it’s not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared,"  Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland, said in a statement .

"Now we want to help people find and master that Finnish state of mind. We’ve chosen the best coaches, one of the most breathtaking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our masterclass. We feel it’s a really unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable: anyone curious should definitely apply."

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What will be taught in the Masterclass of Happiness?

During the course, the participants will be guided by Finnish experts on how to "build a set of skills that help you sustain a balanced lifestyle in connection with nature." The four themes include: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday, and food and wellbeing.

How can I apply for the Masterclass of Happiness?

There's a two-part application for those wanting to attend the Masterclass of Happiness, which can be found online . Applicants will first need to fill out a sign-up form then do a social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok, which can be found on  @ourfinland on Instagram and  @visitfinland.com on TikTok . Applicants need to do both steps in order to be considered.

People can apply as a group or individual as long as they are 18 years and older.

The deadline to apply is April 2. Winners will be announced on May 2 on Visit Finland's Instagram and TikTok.

Finland is offering free vacations for people to come and learn how to be happy after being named the happiest country in the world

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year running.

• It's now offering 10 people a free trip to take part in a "Masterclass of Happiness."
• Visit Finland's masterclass is scheduled to take place over four days in mid-June.

The Nordic country topped the rankings with a score that was "significantly ahead of all other countries," according to the World Happiness Report 2023 published this week. The report, which the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network published and a team of independent experts wrote, measures factors including average income and mental and physical health. The data for the report is primarily taken from Gallup's World Poll. 

After repeated success in the area, Visit Finland is now offering ten people the chance to come to the country and learn how to be happy like the Finnish. 

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Visit Finland's " Masterclass of Happiness " is scheduled to take place over four days in June at the Kuru Resort in Finland's Lake District. Visit Finland will cover all travel and accommodation expenses, which include a private room, access to a private sauna and spa, and all other "essential facilities," according to Visit Finland's website.

The trip includes sessions with Finnish experts to learn about nature crafts, food, well-being, health, and balance, according to the website.

Applications are open now until April 2, with hopefuls asked to make an Instagram Reel or a TikTok showing why they "may secretly be a Finn" as part of their application. The participants will also be filmed during the visit with the material used for Visit Finland's advertising, according to the website.

Heli Jimenez, senior director at the governmental organization Business Finland, said in a press release that Finland's national happiness "stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it's not some mystical state."

It is a "skill that can be learned," she said.

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Finland offering free trips after being named world's happiest country six years in a row

By Aliza Chasan

March 22, 2023 / 6:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Finland, which has been named the world's happiest country for six years in a row by the World Happiness Report, wants to share its secret. The Nordic country is offering free trips to 10 people, who will take a four-day "Masterclass of Happiness."

Finland first topped the World Happiness Report in 2018. The country has remained at the top of the rankings based on how the people there describe their personal sense of "wellbeing," according to the publication. The happiness score also considers countries' gross domestic product, social support systems, personal freedom and levels of corruption.

We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle," Heli Jimenez, Business Finland's senior director of international marketing said . "It's not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared."

Those selected for the Masterclass of Happiness will work with coaches in four areas: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday, and food and wellbeing.

The happiness class will be held at the Kuru Resort in the Finnish Lakeland from June 12-15, with participants arriving on June 11 and leaving on June 16. Visit Finland will cover all costs for 10 people.

Those interested in applying have until April 2. Applicants , who must be at least 18 years old, will have to complete a social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok in which they post a video "showing us what things make you believe you may secretly be a Finn," according to Visit Finland.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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You Can Apply for Free ‘Masterclass of Happiness’ in Finland

For the fifth year in a row, Finland ranked as the happiest nation in the world

Daily Correspondent

Finland consistently ranks as one of the  happiest nations around the globe. Now, the Scandinavian country wants to share some of its secrets with the rest of the world by offering a new “masterclass of happiness.”

Happiness is hard to measure, but that hasn’t stopped researchers from trying. For the past five years, Finland has claimed the top spot on the  World Happiness Report , an annual survey of residents in more than 150 countries. 

Now, the country’s tourism arm, Visit Finland, is offering to pay for ten travelers to fly to the country for a four-day seminar. The masterclass will take place at the Kuru Resort , which is located in the Finnish Lakeland region, from June 12 to 15.

The course is designed to help travelers tap into their “inner Finn,” per a Visit Finland statement . Coaches will guide participants toward a more “balanced way of life” by focusing on four areas: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday, and food and wellbeing. 

So, why are Finland’s 5.5 million residents so happy? The answer may have something to do with their “close relationship with nature and [their] down-to-earth lifestyle,” says Heli Jimenez, senior director at Business Finland, a government organization that promotes trade and travel, in the statement.

Contrary to popular belief, happiness is “not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared,” Jimenez adds.

Interested participants can  apply online through April 2, either individually or with a partner. The application process involves completing an online form, followed by doing a social media challenge on TikTok or Instagram. To enter the challenge, applicants need to create content showing why they “may secretly be a Finn” and explain why they want to take the masterclass, per a Visit Finland Instagram post .

Interested parties who don’t land one of the ten spots for the in-person course will be able to access the masterclass online later in the summer.

The World Happiness Report is a project run by the  United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network . The report draws on responses from international Gallup surveys, which ask individuals to rate their lives on a scale from zero to ten, with zero being the worst possible life and ten being the best. The scale is called a “Cantril ladder.”

The report, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, also attempts to explain why residents of some nations are happier than others by looking at six metrics in each country: gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption.

The  most recent report , released in 2022, uses data from between 2019 and 2021. Behind Finland, residents of Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden and Norway also reported high levels of happiness. The United States, for comparison, came in at 16th place on the list.

The report also found that even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, three acts of kindness—donations, volunteering and helping strangers—increased in 2021 all over the world.

“The lesson of the World Happiness Report over the years is that social support, generosity to one another and honesty in government are crucial for well-being,” said Jeffrey Sachs, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, in a  statement last year. “World leaders should take heed. Politics should be directed as the great sages long ago insisted: to the well-being of the people, not the power of the rulers.”

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

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The happiest country in the world wants to fly you in for a free masterclass

Rachel Treisman

Lake Saimaa in Puumala, Finland, which is near the resort where 10 lucky participants will stay for a happiness masterclass in June. Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Lake Saimaa in Puumala, Finland, which is near the resort where 10 lucky participants will stay for a happiness masterclass in June.

Finland, which has held the title of happiest country for six years running, is now looking to teach the rest of the world a thing or two.

The Nordic country is hosting a four-day happiness masterclass in June, and its tourism board says 10 lucky applicants will get to go for free. Others will be able to study (and hopefully cheer) up virtually when it later becomes available online.

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"A question we often get is: 'How are you so happy?'" Heli Jimenez, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland, said in a statement . "We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it's not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared."

Finland is marketing itself as uniquely positioned to take on the challenge, having just clinched the top spot in the World Happiness Report yet again (the U.S., in contrast, is ranked 15th).

Happiness and well-being can be measured in many ways, including through people's own reported satisfaction with their lives, as researchers note. The World Happiness Report focuses on six factors to help explain it: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

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Americans got a bit happier last year, but they've still got nothing on the finns.

Finnish tourism authorities have a few ideas for why people there are consistently so content, including low levels of crime and corruption, efficient public services and access to nature.

Now they want to "help people find and master that Finnish state of mind" — saunas and pine forests included.

"We've chosen the best coaches, one of the most breath-taking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our masterclass," Jimenez says. "We feel it's a really unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable: anyone curious should definitely apply."

What the class entails

The happiness crash course will be divided up into four main themes — food and well-being, health and balance, design, and nature and lifestyle — and taught by four coaches who are experts in various fields. Officials say a more detailed program is on the way.

It's slated to run from June 12-15, with participants arriving the day before and departing the day after.

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They'll stay at the Kuru Resort , a luxury resort in the Finnish Lakeland region that organizers describe as "surrounded by fragrant pine forests and breath-taking views."

Each participant will get their own villa with panoramic windows, as well as a private sauna and spa.

Because the program emphasizes good sleep and a digital detox , organizers say , the villas have no TVs (though in-room WiFi will be available) and even the bedding has been approved by sleep specialists.

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"Every minute detail [at] the resort is designed to help you wind down and relax — fragrances, sounds and materials included," they add.

Participants' travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. But they have to hold up their end of the deal: They'll be filmed throughout their visit, with that material to be used in Visit Finland's communications and advertising.

How to apply

Officials say anyone over the age of 18 can apply for the masterclass, either individually or with a friend, relative or partner.

They're looking for people who speak English, aren't representing brands or companies and are comfortable being filmed.

What's the #1 thing to change to be happier? A top happiness researcher weighs in

"We are looking for outgoing people who are interested in comprehensive wellbeing and Finnish nature," they say. "You don't have to be a self-help enthusiast or have survival skills in Finnish nature. All we want is an open mind."

To apply, people must fill out an online form and complete a social media challenge on either Instagram or TikTok.

The challenge: Create content, preferably a video, showing "what things make you believe you may be secretly a Finn," and explaining why you want to take the masterclass.

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"Are you the type of person who would much rather go to a forest than to a party? One who feels absolute desperation when running out of coffee? Prefers washing up in a lake rather than in the shower? That's just your inner Finn," Visit Finland said in an Instagram post announcing the challenge.

Applications will close on April 2, and winners will be publicly announced — on social media, of course — a month later.

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Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time

Scandinavia dominates the 2024 World Happiness Report, while the U.S. drops out of the top 20. Plus, how to sign up to qualify for Finland's free Happiness Hacks vacation.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

For the seventh year running, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. The Nordic nation has long been known for its sauna culture , but the Finns’ enduring well-being goes beyond warm rooms and cold plunges. Some Finns have told the press that their citizens aren’t exactly happy so much as content with what they have, and that work-life balance and state-funded education, childcare, and health care are crucial to the population’s overall positive frame of mind.

Finland isn’t trying to keep their keys to happiness a secret, however. “There is an old Finnish proverb that states, ‘The one who has happiness should hide it.’” said Heli Jimenez, a marketing director at Finland’s tourism department in a statement. “As the world’s happiest country since 2018, we have decided to take the old phrase and update it, making our modern motto: ‘The one who has happiness should share it.’”

In that spirit, anyone curious to try out the Finnish lifestyle for themselves is invited through April 4 to apply for a spot to visit its capital city for five days in June for “Helsinki Happiness Hacks” and learn from locals about the daily habits that underpin the Finnish lifestyle. Visit Finland is covering travel expenses for those selected, and trip highlights include restaurant tours, a walk in the woods, and a sauna rave. Winners will be announced on May 2.

Of course, Finland isn’t the only country in the high ranks of the World Happiness Report this year. Eight of the top ten happiest countries in the world are in Europe, perhaps unsurprisingly, given the region’s notable health care, stable governments, and wealth: Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. New to the top ten is Australia, and Israel dropped one spot since 2023 (the bulk of data, collected over three years, happened largely before the conflict between Israel and Gaza began on October 7, 2023).

The United States, on the other hand, fell from 15th happiest country in 2022 to 23rd in 2023, not so much because Americans are less happy—according to the report, our country’s overall score only decreased by one-tenth of a point from last year—but because a surge in life satisfaction in other nations vaulted them above us on the list. (To check out Outside ’s recent research on the happiest places to live in the U.S. , read our report.) Afghanistan, once again, was the world’s unhappiest nation.

The UN project uses data from the Gallup World Poll, and considers six key components to overall life satisfaction: wealth, health, personal freedoms, generosity, freedom from corruption, and strength of social ties. The highly anticipated report, which has been released annually on March 20 for more than a decade, marks the International Day of Happiness.

For me and my colleagues at Outside, access to the outdoors is a critical piece of the happiness puzzle. Which is why the top six countries I’d be most excited to visit don’t perfectly align with the UN’s findings. Sorry, Denmark—your artificial ski hill is cool, but the slightly less elated people of New Zealand have world-class heli-skiing.

Here are six of the top fifteen happiest countries in the world that I’d be absolutely overjoyed to visit, along with intel that will spark some ideas for adventure travel there.

Finland (No. 1)

If this video of mountain biker Erkki Punttila sailing over to ride the trails of Lemmenjoki National Park doesn’t make you want to drop everything to travel through Finland’s northern Lapland, we don’t know what to tell you. Actually, we do—consider a winter visit to explore its wilderness on skis (or even traverse the entire country ), take a stroll through the forested countryside, and snack on some rye bread and fish.

Iceland (No. 3)

Feeling physically and spiritually depleted by long COVID, author and Outside contributor Pam Houston visited Iceland and its eponymous breed of horses for rejuvenation. I won’t spoil her whole uplifting story of enlightenment, but her trip did offer Houston joy and a whole lot more.

This little island often makes headlines for volcanic (and seismic) activity, but it’s also a nature-loving traveler’s dream. Beaches, mountains, glaciers, hot springs—Iceland has a bit of everything . You  can go full Wim Hof and enjoy scenic (and frigid) cold plunges, opt for a warmer route at beautiful hot springs like the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon, as well as take in the northern lights , surf Arctic waves, and hike its incredible landscape.

Switzerland (No. 9)

The Alps are home to mountain towns America and the rest of Europe still aspire to. In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Zermatt, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, while summertime treks are straight out of The Sound of Music.

Outside contributor Christopher Solomon recently completed the  Via Valais , a 150-mile trail-running-oriented route in southwest Switzerland that was as spectacular as it was demanding. Travelers who prefer to set a slower pace can take their pick of hut-to-hut routes (don’t be fooled the nomenclature—these so-called huts often resemble alpine chalets and are fully stocked with showers, home-cooked meals and cold beer) that allow you to traverse the gorgeous peaks unencumbered by tents and camping supplies.

New Zealand (No. 11)

New Zealand’s South Island recently made our list of most exciting travel destinations in 2024 , thanks in large part to its many biking and hiking trails through stunning scenery, and an uptick in new accommodations and exciting restaurants. United Airlines’ new direct flight from San Francisco to Christchurch is a major perk, too.

I’d head to Queenstown during the austral winter to get in some skiing , but a summer trek along one of the Great Walks wouldn’t exactly be a chore, either.

Costa Rica (No. 12)

Costa Rica jumped into the top 15 happiest countries this year from 23rd place in 2023. With all of its outdoor adventures, it’s certainly a happy place for travelers. Take a surf lesson, hike the Camino de Costa Rica, do some yoga on the beach, see a sloth at a wildlife sanctuary, or just read in the sun for a few hours—there are plenty of ways to rest and restore in Costa Rica .

Although it’s one of the most expensive countries in Central America , Outside contributor Jeff Garmire and his partner managed a two-week visit in 2020 for less than $500.

Canada (No. 15)

America’s northern neighbor has a lot going for it, in terms of life satisfaction generally and outdoor recreation opportunities specifically. I’m biased toward British Columbia, which has a lot in common with my beloved childhood home of Western Washington. Rocky beaches, rugged mountains, and lush temperate rainforests are abundant, and Vancouver’s superb dining and arts scene make it the perfect spot to refuel between all the hiking, skiing, surfing, and boating nearby. There’s enough singletrack to keep even the hardest-charging mountain biker satisfied for years. Here’s the perfect itinerary to take in the scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.

If the Canadian Rockies are more your speed, Banff lives up to the hype and is a great spot to adventure with your kiddos . Farther east, Quebec is forecast to have incredible views of the aurora borealis this year ( as are the Northwest Territories , if you’re looking for an even more remote adventure).

Miyo McGinn is an assistant editor at Outside , and tends to be pretty happy whenever she gets the chance to travel, regardless of the destination. Her next international trip will probably be to Canada, just a few hours’ drive from her home in Bozeman, Montana. 

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Finland Wants to Send You on a Free Summer Vacation With a Local Guide

The country’s “rent a finn” program is pairing a few lucky travelers with locals to show off what makes finland the happiest country in the world..

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Finland says the secret to happiness is access to the outdoors.

Photo by Tommaso Fornoni on Unsplash

For the second year in a row, Finland ranked number one in the annual World Happiness Report out of 156 countries. Many factors, including a high GDP per capita and free access to education , may contribute to the overall sense of well-being in Finland. But Visit Finland thinks the answer is much simpler.

“Our secret is in our nature, very literally,” according to the country’s tourism board . “When others go to therapy, Finns put on a pair of rubber boots and head to the woods.”

This summer, Finland wants to share the secret to its happiness by pairing travelers with local guides, who will talk about how their connection with nature improves their lives. Through this program, dubbed “ Rent a Finn ,” nearly a dozen locals throughout Finland will host visitors at their countryside homes for a long weekend.

What does the trip involve? During your three-day stay, you’ll be paired with a local guide who will welcome you into his or her home and take you into the Finnish countryside. Dates for the visits range from June to August this summer and the trips are located throughout the country.

For example, you could be paired up with Petri , who lives with his wife and dog in a small village in the middle of a national park on the Baltic Sea. There, you could have the chance to go hiking, biking, or just sit by the campfire with them near their home on the southern coast of Finland in June.

Or you could go to Lapland in August, where you’ll be the guest of Laura and Joni . Over a weekend, they’ll take you on walks through the forest or swimming in the lake near their home in Sodankylä in the northern reaches of the country.

How do I apply? Because there are a limited number of spots open, you’ll need to apply at rentafinn.com to be considered for the program. From now until April 14, you can submit a short film of up to three minutes that highlights who you are, what your connection to nature is, and why you want to go to Finland. Visit Finland will then review the videos and contact the selected winners directly.

Applicants can be solo travelers, families, or a group of friends. Knowledge of the Finnish language isn’t necessary, but you must be comfortable speaking English. Visit Finland will cover international flights and accommodations during the three-day stay.

>> Next: Plan Your Trip With AFAR’s Guide to Finland

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You Could Win a Free Four-Day Trip to Finland This Summer

Calling anyone in need of a vacation this summer: Finland is giving away free trips as part of a program dedicated to teaching happiness. While immersed in nature, the experience will allow a lucky group of travelers to embrace the habits and traditions of the country that's known as the happiest place in the world .

The four-day program—called Masterclass of Happiness—takes place from June 12 through June 15 and is run by the country’s tourism organization Visit Finland. Those in search of happiness will venture to Kuru Resort, a private retreat located in the Finnish Lakeland region that boasts breathtaking flora and fauna. “We believe that happiness is not a mystical ability you are born with—it’s an approach to life that you can learn,” the organization’s website reads.

Every attendee gets to stay in a private villa as they build the skills needed to sustain a balanced life. Finnish experts will act as personal coaches to guide the group in activities including “nature crafts, food for the soul and body, exercise in forests and lakes, calming sounds and music, and the Finnish way of life in general,” according to Visit Finland.

Anyone eager to secure a spot in the program can apply solo or as a pair (meaning you can bring your partner, sibling, friend, whoever!). To apply for the all-inclusive trip, you need to fill out an online form with basic information like your name and email. Applicants also need to complete a social media challenge, which can be found on Visit Finland’s Instagram and TikTok pages. All applications need to be submitted by April 2. Based on the submissions, Visit Finland will select 10 people to partake in the program.

If you aren't selected for the in-person program, don't fret: Visit Finland will share the class online later in the summer. So you can still learn how to approach life in a way that promotes happiness!

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Finland is the happiest country in the world again, launches contest for free trip

Finland, ranked for the second time the world's happiest country, is launching an unusual tourism campaign that it promises will share its secret.

The country's tourism board is holding a contest in which eight people will win a free trip to Finland and will be paired with Finnish hosts.

"Our secret is in our nature, very literally. When others go to therapy, Finns put on a pair of rubber boots and head to the woods," said a release from Visit Finland announcing its sweepstakes to " rent your very own Finn ."

The Finnish participants in the program "will host travelers for three summer days and introduce them to Finnish nature through their own activities ... basically all the things that we Finns love to do in nature and what makes Finland the happiest country in the world," the release said.

The World Happiness Report was released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations on Wednesday and ranks 156 countries "by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be, according to their evaluations of their own lives."

Denmark and Norway rank second and third, respectively. The U.S. took 19th place this year, dropping from 18th place last year. South Sudan is last on the list.

Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news editor for NBC News.

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Elevating your travel

Finland, The World’s Happiest Country Is Giving Away Free Nature Trips…

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The country believes that having a meaningful connection between people and the serenity of boundless nature is one of the greatest keys to happiness, and to show off why Finland do it best, the country is offering free trips to see for yourself. No joke, you may really be able to win a free trip to Finland to hang with locals in gorgeous nature via the “Rent A Finn” competition.

Rent A Finn

Finland is an amazing place to visit. For starters there’s almost as many saunas as there are people, but it’s the unique balance between city life, buzzing adventure and nature which makes it special. Think pristine forest, Baltic coast bliss and exciting city life, with nature wrapped through every bit.

In an effort to promote the wellness and happiness Finland can bring, the country has teamed up with 8 generous locals, each of whom will open their homes for a long weekend this summer. Finland is taking care of your flights, and the locals are pretty much taking care of everything else.

When And Where

Visits with these 8 highly curated locals will take place throughout June, July and August. You may learn the true art of sauna in Helsinki, berry picking on the coast or fishing in Lapland. Perhaps, a little bit of all. The idea is to promote authentic experiences in the culture where people are happiest, according to scientific study.

Visit Finland is covering flights from all over the world and the experience includes three nights with your local guide. Basically, it’s all free. To apply, you need to make a video. The video should include a bit about you, your connection to nature, or desire to connect with nature and why visiting Finland would be a dream. Needless to say, authenticity and creativity will make a big difference.

To apply, just hit up the dedicated “Rent A Finn” website , which gives information on each host and what you can expect. Follow the steps, submit your entry and hope that Visit Finland contacts you sometime after applications close on April 14th, 2019. Best of luck.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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Finland's New Tourism Campaign Wants to Show You Why It's the Happiest Country in the World

By emily petsko | apr 16, 2019.

Finland has been named the happiest country on Earth for the second year in a row, according to the United Nations World Happiness Report for 2019. Recent government and health care reform issues notwithstanding, the Nordic nation has a lot to be pleased about, including a high GDP, strong school system, and long life spans.

Finns are eager to share the keys to their contentedness with the rest of the world. That’s why the country’s travel promotion organization, Visit Finland, is hosting a contest to bring international guests to Finland for a three-day tour this summer.

Dubbed “Rent a Finn,” the initiative will set guests up with a local host family in Helsinki, Lapland, Lakeland, or another part of the country. One guest will stay with Linda and Niko , a couple who live with their chihuahua, Helmi, on a Finnish island in the Baltic Sea. Another will stay with Esko , the mayor of Rovaniemi , which bills itself as “the hometown of Santa Claus.”

These “Happiness Guides” will help visitors connect to nature—one of the ways that Finns relieve stress. To apply, just film a short video introducing yourself and explaining your connection to nature and why you want to visit Finland. You can apply as an individual or as a group with friends or family. Then fill out an online application , upload your video, and submit it before the April 21 deadline.

Eight applicants (plus their friends and family) will be selected for the trip, with the cost of travel and accommodation covered. Guests who want to extend their stay are welcome to do so, but it would be at their own expense.

According to Visit Finland, there have been four times as many applicants from the U.S. than any other country. This isn’t entirely surprising, considering that the U.S. ranked 19th in the World Happiness Report—down five spots from 2017.

You don’t necessarily have to travel to Finland to improve your outlook on life, though. Here are 23 science-backed ways to feel happier without boarding a plane.

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Win a Free Trip to Finland to Learn About Happiness

Liane Starr is a staff writer at Cheapism covering food, shopping, and personal finance. Liane was previously editor-in-chief of footwear trade WSAToday and a senior editor at HitFix and EW.com. Her TV guidebook, "Stream This Next," was published in 2023.

Visit Finland

Want to go to Finland, the country the United Nations named the happiest one on earth? Want to go there for free? And learn about happiness while you're there for a minimum of four days this summer? Great! There's a contest for that .

Finland is currently offering a two-phase application on its website for its four-day "Masterclass of Happiness" for those who want in. First, just fill out a form with basic information, then take a social media "challenge" by heading to TikTok or Instagram to post a video explaining why you want to be in the masterclass and why you think you have an inner Finn, then share it with the hashtags #FindYourInnerFinn and #VisitFinland.

Gallery:   The Path to Pantsdrunk: 4 Finnish Long Drink Flavors, Ranked

It's a small price to pay given that the four-day trip to a luxury Lakeland region resort in Finland will include excellent food (one of the Finnish secrets of happiness), a deluxe villa with its own private sauna and spa (saunas are also key to Finnish joy), and, while there are no TVs so you can enjoy a digital detox, there is Wi-Fi. There will also be four happiness coaches to help you find your inner Finn.

There are rules, of course. You must be over 18, fluent in English, outgoing and open-minded, and open to being filmed. Fortunately, you won't have to compete with many big-name influencers since the rules say anyone representing a brand can't apply. 

You may also want to get hopping, as the deadline is April 2.

For more great travel guides and vacation tips ,  please sign up for our free newsletters .

An essential 5-day Finland itinerary for first-time visitors

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Last updated on: 22 July 2023

Table of Contents

Finland is a green and peaceful country at the northern fringes of Europe worth exploring. It has been the happiest country on Earth for years in a row in relevant surveys. What is their secret? I decided to travel there to find out. Below you will find an awesome Finland itinerary for first-time visitors, so that you can also experience this livable place. 

Map with all sights mentioned in this Finland itinerary

Some practical information, when to visit finland.

The time that you visit Finland will depend on what you want to experience.

• For city sightseeing, May to September is an ideal period, as temperatures are pleasant and days are very long.
• If you want to explore green nature, May to September is a good period as well.
• Lapland in the north is fantastic during the colder months and you can also see the northern lights if you are lucky.

Flights to Finland | How to get to finland

The main gateway to Finland is Helsinki. Its airport is well connected. You can also enter by land from Sweden, Norway and Russia. You can also enter by ferry from Sweden and Tallinn , Estonia.

How many days to spend in Finland

5 days in Finland is a good time to introduce yourself to this beautiful and peaceful country. It allows you to see some of the most important cities, but also get a taste of stunning Finnish nature. Spending at least 2 weeks in Finland will allow you to venture deeper into nature and also head north to Finnish Lapland and other spectacular places.

Getting around Finland

By bus : There is an extensive bus network. We used Omnibus to get around and it was a very good experience.

By train : The Finnish railways connect many parts of Finland and also have a good reputation. You can book your train tickets online here .

Rent a car for maximum flexibility

Want to experience more remote and stunning parts of Finland? Then renting a car is your best option. Not the cheapest way, but it will give you maximum flexibility.

Day 1-2: Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and is a vibrant and livable city. I was pleasantly surprised by the city’s vibes, gorgeous architecture and culinary scene. I loved Helsinki and I am sure you will, too. In this itinerary you can read all you need to know about how to spend 2 days in Helsinki.

Day 3: Day trip to Porvoo

Porvoo is a charming and historic town on the southern coast of Finland, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Helsinki. It is one of Finland’s oldest towns, with a history dating back to the 13th century. It was an important trading and seafaring hub during the Middle Ages.

Porvoo has also played a significant role in the early development of the Finnish nation. The town has inspired many Finnish artists, writers, and poets throughout history. 

You can easily get there and back by bus. Here you will find all your need to know for a fantastic day trip from Helsinki to Porvoo. 

Day 4: Day trip to Turku

Turku is one of the oldest cities in Finland, with a history dating that goes back over 800 years. It was the capital of Finland until 1812 and played a significant role in the country’s development and cultural heritage. Today it is the third largest city in Finland with approximately 280 thousand people. 

Turku is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and music festivals. The city hosts events such as the Turku Music Festival, the Medieval Market, and the Christmas Peace Ceremony. Turku is also the gateway to the stunning Turku Archipelago, consisting of thousands of islands. It is possible to take cruises or ferries to explore picturesque villages.

You can easily get to Turku by bus or train from Helsinki. Bus is cheaper and comfortable enough. We booked a bus via this platform and it was easy and efficient.

Click here to find how to spend one amazing day in Turku, as a day trip from Helsinki.

Day 5: Day trip to Tampere

Finland's industrial hub.

Tampere is the second largest city in Finland with around 342 thousand inhabitants and is considered a cultural and educational hub in Finland. Geographically, Tampere is situated around 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Helsinki and 140 kilometers (87 miles) north-northeast of Turku.

You can easily get to Tampere by bus or train from Helsinki and Turku. Buses are the more economical option and you can easily book tickets here .

Tampere has a rich industrial history and played a significant role in Finland’s industrialization. The city was known for its textile and manufacturing industries. Finlayson Factory area is a place worth visiting, as it offers a glimpse into the city’s industrial past. 

Historic architecture

Another must-see in the city center is Tampere Cathedral, a neo-Gothic style church. It was completed in 1907 and has since been an important place of worship for the Lutheran community.

The cathedral is designed in the National Romantic architectural style, which was popular during the early 20th century. It features elements of both Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau styles, giving it a unique and striking appearance. The cathedral’s exterior showcases beautiful red brickwork with decorative details, including intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The interior is spacious and adorned with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork.

Surrounded by unspoiled nature

Nature is big in Tampere as well. The city is built between two large lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. There are many beautiful waterfront areas and opportunities for outdoor activities. The city is known for its scenic landscapes, with rapids and waterfalls. The most known are Tammerkoski Rapids flowing through the city center. The Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, located on a ridge with scenic views, is a also popular destination for nature lovers.

Many culture and entertainment options

The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with many museums and art galleries. Some notable ones include the Tampere Art Museum, Vapriikki Museum Center, and Moomin Museum, which showcases the beloved Moomin characters created by Finnish author Tove Jansson.

Tampere hosts several annual festivals and events that celebrate music, film, theater, and cultural diversity. The Tampere Film Festival, Tampere Theatre Festival, and Tampere Jazz Happening are some of the prominent events that draw both local and international audiences.

Last but not least, Särkänniemi amusement park is also worth a visit. It is home to the Näsinneula Observation Tower, with great panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

So, is it worth visiting Finland?

I must admit that Finland was low on my list, but once I visited I fell in love with this peaceful, clean and livable country. The weather was gorgeous, which certainly helped. I can imagine that winters are harder to deal with. However, I just loved the vibes and I start to understand why it is considered one of the happiest countries on earth, where people live in harmony with nature and each other. I absolutely recommend Finland to anyone wanting to experience a beautiful and surprising part of Europe.

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Hi there, my name is Panos and I live and breathe for traveling! I have visited more than 55 countries so far and aim to discover them all! In my eyes, traveling is not a lifestyle item, but a way to learn and broaden one’s horizons. My philosophy is that, if you plan well, you can discover new places in a more relaxed way without spending a fortune. Being a natural-born travel planning consultant, I love making amazing trips accessible to everyone. I have done tons of on-the-ground research before each trip, and have documented my journeys in detail.

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The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 22 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland destination, look no further than Finland.

We’ve had some incredible trips to Finland in winter. It was the first place I saw the Northern Lights , the snowy landscapes are spectacular, and there are loads of fantastic winter activities to choose from.

Finland is a fairly big country though, so you might be wondering how best to spend your time here when visiting in winter. Well, wonder no more. With our detailed 1 week Finland itinerary we’ve got you covered.

This itinerary will have you visiting many of the highlights of Finland, including Finnish Lapland and the capital city of Helsinki. It will take you deep into the Arctic Circle, give you the chance to sleep in a glass igloo, and even have you meeting Santa himself.

We’ve also put this itinerary together to offer you flexible transport options. Whilst we generally prefer to hire a car and self-drive, we appreciate not everyone will be comfortable driving in Finland in winter. So this itinerary can be done with or without a car.

In terms of time, we’ve put this guide together for around a week in Finland. We think this is a good length of time to visit Finland in winter.

Of course, you can visit for as long or short a time as you want, but if you are hoping to experience phenomenon like the Northern Lights, giving yourself a bit of extra time will significantly increase the chances of experiencing them.

Ok, that’s enough preamble. Let’s take a look at our detailed day by day itinerary for visiting Finland in winter.

Finland Itinerary for Winter

This itinerary covers a range of activities and sights in Finland. Obviously everyone’s interests will vary, so do please adjust it to suit your personal preferences.

Also, don’t forget that it can be very cold in Finland in winter, with temperatures likely to be well below freezing throughout your visit. We have a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter , which we recommend taking a look at so you are prepared for your trip.

Day 1: Helsinki

We recommend that you spend your first couple of days in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. There’s a huge amount to do in the city, which has a great many museums, restaurants, a historical sea fortress, and other attractions.

On your first day in Helsinki, we’d suggest getting acquainted with the city center and visiting some of the attractions. The city center of Helsinki is fairly compact, and you can get pretty much anywhere with public transportation and walking.

A great starting point is the Helsinki City Museum . Here, you will learn all about the history and development of the city. It’s free, and open every day.

Just near to the city museum is Helsinki Cathedral . This large white building is one of the more recognizable landmarks of Helsinki. It’s spectacular to view from the outside, but you can also go inside too of course. It’s open every day, and free to visit.

If you want a more in-depth overview of the history, culture and people of Finland, then we can recommend a visit to the National Museum of Finland . This covers a huge time period, from prehistoric times to the present day, and is an excellent way to learn a lot about the whole country. It’s open Tuesday – Sundays, and there’s an entry fee.

We could go on listing museums in Helsinki, as the city has a huge number to choose from, catering for almost every interest. From design , to contemporary art , to photography , to architecture , there’s really an incredible choice. There’s even a museum about hotels !

You won’t have time to visit all of these of course, but we can definitely recommend visiting a few during your time in the city. There are lots of choices, so you can just choose a few that appeal to you.

If you do plan on visiting a number of the museums or other attractions in Helsinki, consider investing in either a museum card or the Helsinki Card (buy the latter here ).

These cover a range of attractions, and the Helsinki card also includes transport around the city, which will save you walking around in the cold. The Helsinki card can be great value for money – see our full review of the Helsinki card to see if it’s worth investing in for your trip.

Of course, there’s also more to do in Helsinki than visit museums. We can suggest taking some time to go Christmas shopping (even if it’s after Christmas, you can stock up for the next one!).

If you do visit in December before Christmas, then you will also definitely want to check out the Helsinki Christmas market and try some traditional Christmas foods and drinks. These include Glögi (a type of mulled wine) and star-shaped Christmas pastries.

Kankurin Tupa would be our recommended destination for Christmas shopping in Helsinki. This is a department store which specialises in Finnish items, and has a whole section dedicated to Christmas.

We can also recommend getting coffee and cake at one of Finland’s best known cafes, Ekberg 1852 . This has been in Helsinki since, you guessed it, 1852, and they have an excellent selection of Finnish delicacies which obviously include baked goods.

Finally, find somewhere for a delicious evening meal, and retire, having gotten your first day of sight-seeing in Finland under your belt.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

We have stayed at a number of accommodation options in Helsinki, including apartment rentals and hotels.

Some options we suggest you take a look at include:

• Hostel Diana Park
• Hellsten Helsinki Senate
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
• Hotel Katajanokka .

You can also see listings for Helsinki on Vrbo here .

Day 2: Helsinki

For your second day in Helsinki our suggestion is to head out to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress .

This is a UNESCO world heritage site, and in our opinion is a must-do attraction when visiting Helsinki.

There is a huge amount to see and do on the island, and you could easily spend from half a day to a full day here, depending on what you want to see and do.

First, you can explore the six islands that the fortress spans on foot, admiring the impressive fortress construction. As you’re visiting in winter, you will of course want to wrap up warmly and have good footwear. Be wary of icy ground which can make for slippery conditions.

There are also five museums on the island, although not all of these are open year-round. The ones that are open in winter are the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum. I would definitely encourage you to visit the former at least, as this details the history of the fortress and the island.

Both of these museums have an entry fee, and they are also both included on the  Helsinki Card . Holders of this card also get ferry transport to and from Suomenlinna Fortress, which otherwise costs €5. Ferries run every day, and you can see the schedule here .

After Suomenlinna Fortress, you might still have time to fit in a few more sights. Some other attractions in Helsinki we would suggest which are near the ferry point from the island include the Helsinki Skywheel for great views across the city, Uspenski Cathedral and the Old Market Hall for food.

Finally, a really popular activity that you must try while you are in Finland is to take a sauna. This is one of the most traditional Finnish experiences you can have.

There are a few options when it comes having a sauna in Finland. Most hotels and even some apartments will come with a sauna, which will often be the easiest way. There are also public saunas in Helsinki.

You can also take a tour which includes a sauna. From Helsinki for example, take a look at this tour , which includes a traditional smoke sauna and the chance to do a cold icy plunge – if you’re feeling brave!

And that wraps up your second day in Finland and your last day in Helsinki. If you’d like some more ideas for what to do in the city, see our guide to things to do in Helsinki , which has many more ideas.

How to Get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki

Your next destination is Rovaniemi. You have a few options for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The fastest option will be to fly. There are a number of airlines offering flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with the flight time being around an hour. Flights are relatively inexpensive and there are multiple departures a day.

If you fly, you can either depart on the evening of day 2 or early in the morning of day 3. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here .

You can also take the overnight sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This route is known as the Santa Claus Express, and the journey takes around 12 hours. If you choose to do this, you will need to leave on the evening on day 2. You can see timetables and book this train online  here .

It’s also possible to take a bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This takes around 13 hours. Just note that taking the bus will eat up quite a bit of your day so is the least time efficient option. Check bus times and prices, and book tickets here .

You can also drive to Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This is around a 9.5 hour drive of 500 miles / 800km. Again, this is a long journey and we’d advise against this as well as it will be a tiring journey that will use up your holiday. However, if you want to do this, you can compare car rental prices across a range of suppliers  on Discover Cars here .

If you are planning your own trip and booking your own transport, our recommendation for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi would be to either fly or take the overnight train.

If you’d rather not have to worry about planning your own transport, you might also consider taking a guided tour. These will generally cover your transport and accommodation as well as some meals and activities, leaving you to focus on just enjoying yourself.

There are a few tours we suggest that have similar itineraries and activities to our itinerary, and include Helsinki, Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Note that most tours from Helsinki use the overnight train service, and focus on activities in and around Rovaniemi.

• this 6 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi, and a number of activities
• this 5 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi
• this 7 day tour which also includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi

If you take one of these tours, they will arrange all your transport and connections for you during your trip, which is definitely an option to think about.

Day 3: Rovaniemi

Welcome to Lapland! Rovaniemi sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of the lines of latitude. Above this line you can experience the Midnight Sun in summer, as well as days in winter when the sun never rises at all!

Rovaniemi makes an excellent base for a wide range of winter activities in Finland . These includes Northern Lights viewing, ice karting, snowmobiling, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, sleeping in a snow hotel, ice fishing – the list goes on!

For this itinerary, which I’ve put together on the basis that you don’t need a car, the plan is to base yourself in Rovaniemi for three days and to do a number of winter activities from the city. There are also several attractions in and around Rovaniemi to visit.

This itinerary will of course also work perfectly well with a car. I’ve visited Rovaniemi in winter with and without a car on my two visits. If you plan to rent a car, you can arrange to pick up a rental car either at the airport or in the town center once you arrive. The only consideration if you do hire a car is to ensure that your accommodation includes free parking.

Now, on with the itinerary. Note that many of the museums and attractions in Rovaniemi are not open every day, with Monday being a popular day for them to close. So depending on your timings you might want to juggle this itinerary around a little bit.

First, I’m going to suggest you head to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This is around a 10-minute drive outside the city. If you’re arriving from the airport, it’s between the airport and Rovaniemi, so makes for a logical first stop if you arrive in the morning.

You can get to Santa Claus Village by driving, taking the   S anta’s Express bus , a local bus, or by taxi.

There’s a lot to do at the Santa Claus village, and it’s a great place to check off a few of your winter activities. First though, you’re going to want to actually meet the man himself.

Yep, as the name suggests, the Santa Claus village is actually home to Santa Claus himself. He lives here year round with his elves, planning for the big day, and sorting and reading all the mail he receives.

It’s free to visit Santa, although if you want a photo or video with him there’s a fee for that.

As well as visiting Santa, you can also visit Santa’s post office. A fun thing you can do here is mail a Christmas card that will be kept and posted at Christmas time. So even if you visit Rovaniemi in January, you can get all your Christmas cards mailed!

Beyond Santa, there’s plenty more to see and do at Santa’s Village. You can take a photo of you standing on the Arctic Circle marker, and can also arrange other activities such as a reindeer sled ride, a husky ride, or a snowmobile ride.

Of these, we’d suggest that a husky ride would be a great option. Bear Hill husky is our favourite husky operator in this region, and I actually took a two day husky safari with them. They operate a number of tours with pickup from Santa’s village, including this one .

You can also book an experience like this which includes your visit to Santa Claus and a snowmobile ride to a reindeer farm.

You can also do a longer 7 hour tour if you want a more complete experience.

Assuming you take the shorter tour, our suggestion for the rest of your day is to visit Rovaniemi and familiarise yourself with the town. There’s plenty to do here. We’d particularly recommend a visit to Arktikum .

This museum and science center is perfect for learning all about the people, history and culture of the area. There are a number of permanent exhibits here, with the content on life in the arctic being my favourite.

Once you have explored some of the highlights of Rovaniemi, you will likely want to have your evening meal.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, we can highly recommend scheduling some time to try and spot the Northern Lights. You can do this yourself by finding somewhere away from the city lights. If you don’t have a car, the area by Arktikum is a popular spot.

Alternatively, you can take a dedicated Northern Lights tour. Some of these also include other activities like snowmobiling or a traditional Finnish sauna. These are a good option because the Northern Lights are definitely not guaranteed, so doing another activity will ensure you are occupied and having fun, with seeing the Northern Lights as a bonus!

Some options to consider for seeing the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi are:

• This 5 hour tour where you look for the Northern Lights whilst having a traditional firewood sauna experience
• This photography-focused Northern Lights tour
• There are lots more Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi to choose from, which you can see here .

If you want to get photos of the Northern Lights, you will need to read up a little in advance as they can be quite challenging to photograph. I have a complete guide to how to photograph the Northern Lights , which I can definitely suggest you take a look at so you are prepared.

I also recommend you download an app for your smartphone that will notify you of aurora activity. I have tried a few of these, and have settled on My Aurora Forecast Pro.

I have found it to be the most reliable app that doesn’t drain my phone battery, but has always reliably alerted me to aurora activity. This is available for both Android  and  iOS , and is available in both free (ad-supported) and paid versions.

We think that’s enough for your third day in Finland! Of course, you can schedule a Northern Lights tour for any of your days in Rovaniemi, but we recommend popping out every evening if you can to at least try and see them yourself, as they can be fickle. If you have a car, driving a little out of the city will afford you the best viewing experience.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

You’re obviously going to need somewhere to stay for your time in Rovaniemi. We’ve tried a few different accommodation options, and have shortlisted the following as our favourites.

• Hostel Cafe Koti – a well rated hostel with a good restaurant on site
• Guesthouse Borealis – convenient for the train station and great value
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – centrally located well rated 3* hotel
• Arctic Light Hotel – boutique hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi
• Arctic Treehouse Hotel – unique accommodation just outside Santa Claus village

We can also recommend checking out the options for Rovaniemi on Vrbo here .

Day 4: Rovaniemi

We’re going to suggest a full day trip today out of Rovaniemi and down to the town of Kemi on the coast.

Here, you’re going to take a truly unique trip – a ride on an icebreaker boat!

Launched in 1961, the Sampo is a genuine icebreaker built for serious arctic conditions. She had a long and distinguished career in the Gulf of Bothnia, where for thirty years she kept the shipping lanes clear of ice.

In 1987, the town of Kemi bought the Sampo, and since 1988 she has been operating as a tourist attraction from the town port.

This was one of the most fun experiences that I had in Finland in winter. Riding an ice breaker across a frozen sea is a really amazing adventure that is quite unique. The sound of the breaking as the ship ploughs through it is incredible, and I could have just watched the ice breaking and the bow and the frozen sea stretching off to the horizon all day.

However, there’s more to a trip on the Sampo than just watching the ship do her thing. You can also don a full dry suit, and go for a swim in the frozen sea! The ship creates a hole in the ice, and the passengers then take it in turns to don full dry suits and bob around.

This was a lot of fun, although it was definitely less like swimming and more like floating. During this time, it was also possible to take a walk on the snow covered ice, which was also a unique experience.

All in all, I can highly recommend the trip on the Sampo icebreaker. The ship is also very comfortable, and there’s a restaurant on board. Depending on the ticket you choose, there’s an option which includes a buffet meal on board as well.

It’s worth checking the dates and times for the icebreaker well in advance of your trip as it doesn’t sail every day, so if this is something you want to do you will need to plan your trip around it. It also often sells out in advance. You can see times and prices here .

If you are driving, it’s around 90 minutes each way from Rovaniemi to Kemi. If you want to travel by train you can take the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi, and select shuttle pick-up from the Kemi train station to the harbor.

Or you can book a day tour which includes your round-trip transport directly from Rovaniemi to the ice breaker.

Day 5: Rovaniemi

For your last full day in Rovaniemi I’m going to suggest you have a full day of winter activities. After all, you came to Finland in winter to have a winter adventure!

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to winter adventures, so I’ll just provide some options and let you decide what you might enjoy the most. Some of these activities are shorter, so you could do more than one if you wanted, whilst others are full day trips.

Hiking / Snowshoeing

One of the best way to experience winter in Finland is to get out into the countryside and take a walk!

Of course, walking in snow can be a bit challenging, as we tend to sink in. The solution? Snowshoes! These are large and wide devices which clip onto your shoes, and spread your weight out on the snow. This lets you walk without sinking in.

If you want to explore on your own, you can either buy a pair of snowshoes or rent them.

Another option is to take a tour. For example, this tour has you snowshoeing through the snow covered forests near Rovaniemi, before trying your hand at another popular Finnish winter activity – ice fishing!

There are some other great hiking tours you can take from Rovaniemi. I’d particularly recommend going hiking in the Korouoma National Park. This is found 160km from Rovaniemi, so will take a couple of hours to drive to. However, in winter the park is famed for its frozen waterfalls, of which there 14.

The best way to see these is to take a hike in the park. You can either drive yourself, or you can take a tour from Rovaniemi which should include an experienced guide and the correct outerwear and footwear.

We’d recommend either this half day hike or this full day hike .

Ice Fishing

A really popular activity amongst Finnish people in winter is ice fishing. This sport has you drilling a hole into the ice on a frozen lake or river, and then using special ice fishing equipment to try and catch a fish.

We have tried ice fishing a few times, and to be honest, we have never caught a fish.

That said, other people on the tours we’ve taken have caught fish, as has our guide, so it is definitely possible!

Even though we’ve never caught a fish, we’ve always had a lot of fun ice fishing. It’s a wonderful way to get out into the outdoors, and most tours include some kind of food or at least hot drinks cooked over a fire.

The best way to go ice fishing is definitely to take a tour. Whilst you could hire your own equipment and go yourself, it is definitely a lot safer to accompany a local expert when heading out onto frozen lakes and rivers!

There are a number of ice fishing tours that depart from Rovaniemi, including the following.

• A 2.5 hour tour which focuses on ice fishing – great if you just want to get an idea of what it’s all about without committing to a longer trip.
• This 4 hour tour includes both snowshoeing and ice fishing
• A 7 hour full day tour that includes ice fishing, a traditional Finnish sauna experience as well as a BBQ lunch – which will include your fish if you catch any!

You can also pair up an ice fishing experience with snowmobiling. For example, this is a 5 hour snowmobile and ice fishing day, whilst this is a half day tour with snowmobiling and ice fishing .

Snowmobiling

I love snowmobiling, and every time we’ve visited Finland I’ve done my best to go snowmobiling at least once.

Snowmobiling is, in my opinion, a huge amount of fun. It’s also a great activity to pair with other activities, such as watching the Northern Lights or going ice fishing. You use the snowmobile to get to where you are going, do the activity, and then ride the snowmobile back.

Of course, you can also have a “pure” snowmobiling experience too, where you just ride the vehicle.

Snowmobiles are nearly all for two people, so when you go on a snowmobile tour there will usually always be one person driving, and one person as the passenger. On all the tours I’ve been on the guides have always ensured that people swap so both can have the experience of driving if they want. Additionally, it’s usually possible to pay a supplement to ride on your own if you prefer.

If you are visiting Finland with children, you should be aware that most snowmobiles can’t be operated by children under 15 years of age.

Some children can ride as passengers, but this isn’t universal, so you will want to check the tour details and contact the company to be sure before booking. For example, this is a family friendly snowmobile tour.

Some snowmobiling tours from Rovaniemi to consider include the following.

• This tour which just has you snowmobiling and is a good way to get a feel for riding these machines.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a husky and reindeer sled ride. If you want to experience a number of activities in one tour, this is a great option.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, campfire, and lunch.
• This evening snowmobile tour to see the Northern Lights which also includes a traditional Lappish BBQ. This tour is family friendly, and would make a great evening out after doing other activities in the daytime. Plus you might catch the Northern Lights!

Hopefully this gives you plenty of ideas for the types of snowmobiling tours you can do from Rovaniemi.

Husky Sledding

If you prefer your snow transport to be bit more traditional but still lots of fun, then husky sledding is likely going to be something you’ll enjoy a great deal.

As the name suggests, husky sledding involves a team of huskies, and a sled. Huskies are a special breed of dog which are well adapted to long periods of intense activity as well as cold conditions. Put more simply, they love running in the snow.

Husky sledding has you harnessing a team of husky dogs to a sled. There are usually between six and eight dogs, and each sled will generally have a driver and a passenger. The driver will stand at the back of the sled to steer and brake, whilst the passenger relaxes and enjoys the view.

Husky sledding is a really popular activity when visiting Finland in winter, and one we highly recommend. I’ve written a whole post outlining my experience dog sledding in Lapland , which you should find useful.

Like most of the other activities on our list, there are lots of operators running husky sledding tours in Rovaniemi. We recommend and have used Bear Hill Husky, they really care about their dogs, and they have a range of sledding experience to suit everyone. Some examples to consider are as follows.

• The offer shorter tours which usually include 45 minutes of actual dog sledding over a 2.5 hour visit. As well as the sledding, you also get the opportunity to learn about and meet the dogs – and get plenty of photos. For example, see this morning tour .
• If you want a more immersive and complete experience, they also offer a longer full day tour which includes around seven hours of husky sledding as you cover a distance of 30-40km. This also includes a campfire lunch, hot juice, and cookies.

We think one of these options would be great for anyone looking for a wonderful husky sledding experience in Lapland.

Visiting an Amethyst mine

The final option we have on our list of things you could do on your last day in Rovaniemi is to visit an Amethyst mine .

There’s one working amethyst mine in Finland, and it’s found on the top of a hill in the Pyha-Luosto National Park .

This national park is home to the remnants of a mountain chain which is over two billion years old. It’s a popular place for a range of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, hiking and skiing.

However, it’s the amethyst mine that I think you should visit. This is found in Lampivaara, and here you can learn all about amethyst mining, as well as having a go at mining for amethyst yourself!

If you have your own vehicle it’s around a 90 minute ride from Rovaniemi to Lampivaara. Here, there’s a tracked vehicle which ferries people up to the top of the mountain to visit the mine. This experience needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here .

Of course, there’s lots more to do be in Rovaniemi and surrounds beyond everything we’ve listed here, which is why we think it makes for a great base to explore. For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Rovaniemi .

Days 6 & 7: Head North

From Rovaniemi, my suggestion is to head further north into Lapland. This will give you even more chances to see the Northern Lights, as well as stay at some really unique and more remote locations.

You’ll also have more chances to do lots of winter activities including dog sledding, ice fishing, ice karting, seeing Santa, staying in ice hotels, spending time in a Finnish sauna, snowmobiling, and skiing.

As always, you have choices for where you decide to go! Here are our three suggested options for you to choose from, depending on your interests. Of course, if you are driving yourself, you can visit more than one of these options.

The first option you have is to head north to Saariselka. This is found 250km / 155mi north of the arctic circle, making this an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.

You can reach Saariselka by car or public bus from Rovaniemi. There’s also Ivalo airport , 25km to the north of the city, which has services to Helsinki and other European destinations.

When we visited Saariselka, we stayed in the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort . This is one of the most popular places to stay in a glass igloo in Finland, and was where the concept of glass igloos first originated.

I stayed in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, and it was a night I will never forget.

Naturally there’s more to Kakslauttanen than glass igloos. The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, depending on what you are interested in. I can definitely recommend staying in a glass igloo for one night on your trip just for the experience. There’s also a range of winter activities available here.

You can see our full review of Kakslauttanen here .

Where to stay in Saariselka

Whilst we very much enjoyed our stay at Kakslauttanen, it’s not the only option in Saariselka. You might consider one of the following options:

• Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos – A well reviewed and popular option with cottages featuring glass domed ceilings and a private sauna
• Log House Kuukkeli – if you’d prefer to stay in a more traditional property, this guesthouse is built in the traditional log cabin style and offers great value accommodation
• Northern Lights Village – features glass roofed cabins with private bathrooms and its own reindeer paddock.
• Saariselkä Kuukkeli Inn – a well reviewed more budget oriented option. Rooms have free-wifi, and shared bathrooms

During your time visiting Saariselka you’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied. If there are any winter activities you want to take part in, you can of course do them, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, husky sledding, snowshoeing and more. Naturally, you’ll also want to spend time searching for the Northern Lights!

Most accommodation providers will be able to arrange these activities for you directly.

Another popular area you can visit from Saariselka, either as a day trip or overnight, is Inari. This is a little further north,  and is in fact home to Finland’s northernmost holiday resort.

This is a very sparsely populated region, and is a focal point of the Sámi culture. You can learn about this culture and people at Siida , home to the Sámi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre. This is open throughout the winter on every day except Monday, and there’s a fee to visit.

Another option is to visit the Kittilä region. This is a particularly good option if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, as it’s home to Levi , Finland’s largest ski resort.

So if you want to get some skiing or snowboarding in on your trip to Finland, this would be the best place to do just that.

There’s lots more to do in the Kittilä area than skiing though.

The area is popular for a range of winter activities, with hiking and cross-country skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park being a popular option. You can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing , ice karting, husky sledding and snowmobiling of course!

In Lanio, you’ll find the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage . This village is made every year from thousands of tonnes of ice and snow, and features a hotel, restaurant, bar, and even a chapel. There are also log cabins on site. You can stay here overnight or just visit for the day. The theme varies each year, with 2018-19 having a Game of Thrones focus.

Another excellent attraction that we enjoyed visiting in Kittilä was Samiland . This is found at Levi Summit, which you can reach by taking a lift from the ski resort.

Samiland features an indoor and outdoor exhibit space dedicated to the Sami people, and covers the history, culture and mythology of the people, as well as their traditional building and mythology. There’s a small entry fee which is well worth it.

You can reach Kittilä by car or bus from Rovaniemi. The distance is 150km / 93mi. Kittilä airport serves Kittila/Levi, with flights from Helsinki and a number of destinations across Europe.

Where to stay in Kittilä

There are a range of accommodation options in Kittilä. Some options to consider are as follows.

• Design Hotel Levi – perfect for those of you wanting to be able to ski from your door, this hotel is found right at the foot of the Levi resort ski lifts
• Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – if you want to live out your dream of sleeping in a snow hotel while in Finland, this is the place to come!
• Hotel Kittilä – 15 minutes from the Levi Ski resort, this is a great value option
• Guesthouse Golden Goose – found in the centre of Kittilä village, this is a well rated guesthouse with an on-site sauna
• Levi Northern Lights Huts – found on an old reindeer farm, this is the place to stay in Levi if you want the glass roof experience

Wherever you choose to go from Rovaniemi, we think that spending your last couple of days deep inside the arctic circle, chasing the Northern Lights and taking part in more winter activities, would be the perfect way to end your trip in Finland.

Then, you can return to Rovaniemi, drop off your hire car if you have one, and fly home. Alternatively, there are flights available from Kittilä or Ivalo airports.

That’s it for our winter itinerary of Finland! Now we want to share some practical advice to help you plan your trip.

Map of 7 Day Finland Winter Itinerary

To help you visualise this itinerary we’ve put together a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Finland Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of this itinerary for quick reference:

• Day 1: Helsinki – Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Cathedral, National Museum of Finland
• Day 2: Helsinki – Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Skywheel, Uspenski Cathedral, Old Market Hall
• Day 3: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Husky Tour, Arktikum
• Day 4: Rovaniemi – Day trip on Sampo ice breaker, Northern Lights
• Day 5: Rovaniemi – Snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, amethyst mine
• Day 6 & 7: North Finland – Saariselka, Kittilä

How to Get Around Finland in Winter

You might be wondering what the best way to get around Finland in winter is.

Well, you have a number of options.

For longer distances, such as the trip between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, we would recommend either taking the train or flying.

Flying will be the fastest option, and is likely to be the cheapest as well if you book well in advance. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here . For the train, you can see timetables and book online here .

For shorter distances, such as exploring around Rovaniemi and getting between the sights on our itinerary, you have a couple of options.

First, you can rent a car and drive. We prefer to self-drive when we travel where possible as it gives us more flexibility with what we stop to see, where we go and when we leave.

Car rental in Finland is comparable to other parts of Europe. In winter, cars will come with studded tyres, and the roads are well maintained.

If you want to drive in Finland using this itinerary, we’d recommend hiring a car in Rovaniemi for pickup from the airport. You can compare car rental prices and book online here .

Of course, we appreciate that driving in the extreme winter conditions that Finland experiences is not going to be for everyone. With this in mind we have set this itinerary up so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.

By combining public transport and a variety of tours which include transport, you can absolutely experience Finland in winter without needing to hire a car or worry about driving.

Tours of Finland in Winter

If you love the sound of the trip I’ve put together, but don’t like the thought of planning it all out, booking activities, hotels and transport, then you might consider taking a tour instead.

There are of many tour options to consider, which we have summarised as follow.

• this selection of tours which includes a number of options in Lapland

Hopefully one of these works out for you if you choose to take a tour of Finland in winter.

You can see more tour options for Finland on TourRadar here , they list tours from a wide range of operators at various price points, so you can find the one you want. We have used TourRadar to book tours in destinations around the world and always had a good experience.

Further Reading for Visiting Finland in Winter

And that’s it for our one week winter itinerary for Finland. We hope it’s given you lots of ideas to help you plan your trip. Before you head off and start booking your adventure, we did just want to share with you some more resources we’ve put together on our time in Finland, to help you with your planning.

• We have a guide to things to do in Rovaniemi , to give you more inspiration for what to do in the town
• We have a comprehensive guide to all our favourite winter activities in Finland
• Finland is very cold in winter, and the key to a good trip is to pack appropriately! To help you out, we have put together a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter
• If you’re looking for more destinations to visit in Finland, see our guides to visiting Porvoo , visiting Oulu and visiting Rauma
• Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, and one we definitely recommend you spend some time. See our guide to things to do in Helsinki , a suggested 1 day Helsinki itinerary , and our review of the Helsinki card to help you plan your time here
• Another of our favourite winter locations in Finland is Iso Syote. See our guide to visiting Iso Syote here .
• Want to try some unique accommodation? See our review of this famous glass igloo hotel in Finland
• It’s not all about winter – Finland is an awesome summer destination too! See our guide to visiting Finland in summer
• Finally, if you’re looking for a guidebook, you might checkout the Lonely Planet guide to Finland or the Insight Guide to Finland

And that’s it for our 7 day itinerary for Finland in winter. As always, we are happy to answer your questions – just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 22 comments on this post

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Cyndi Puah says

8th March 2024 at 3:22 pm

may i know itinerary and the cost of the package

Laurence Norah says

8th March 2024 at 3:52 pm

The itinerary is laid out in the guide above, and it’s designed for people to follow themselves, it’s not a guided experience. If you’d like a guided tour of Finland, I can recommend checking out the options on TourRadar for Finland here , they have lots of tours at different prices from many operators, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Have a great time in Finland!

19th June 2023 at 3:36 pm

Do you have any suggestions on extending this to Northern Norway. Perhaps a 10-14 day trip?

19th June 2023 at 4:13 pm

You absolutely could extend this trip to Northern Norway and that would make for a wonderful adventure. However as we’ve only visited southern Norway, we don’t have any specific advice for you. We hope you have a great trip though!

17th December 2022 at 2:10 pm

hi, thanks for the detailed blog. do you have any contacts for local private driver that we can engaged to bring us around or see northern lights?

18th December 2022 at 11:51 am

We don’t have any personal contacts for drivers, however, there are plenty of operators who can drive you to see the northern lights. Here is a list of some examples. So this is definitely a service you can book! If you wanted a longer tour, over multiple days, I’d suggest checking on sites like Viator or TourRadar to see what is available.

Pearlyn says

29th September 2022 at 6:00 am

Hi Laurence, this is really a great post that summarises what I need ! I’m planning to head to rovaniemi and lapland for 8 days ,would you recommend signing up tours from websites like nordic visitor etc? Do you have a recommended tour that covers both rovaniemi and lapland ? if the transport is included then that will really make it a lot more fuss free Thank you !

1st October 2022 at 5:47 pm

Hi Pearlyn!

Thanks very much! So I’ve not used Nordic Visitor before but I am aware of them and they get good reviews I believe, so that should be fine. What I would suggest is taking a look at the Finland tours on TourRadar here – they list tours from most of the companies who run tours, and you can filter by duration and price. So that should help you narrow down your options. For example, a tour like this might be an option, but there are quite a few to choose from 🙂

Have a great trip!

Shelly says

30th August 2022 at 1:56 am

Hi, So I’m really interested in the ice breaker tour but if I go in Dec. would the tour be mostly be in the dark? Would we be able to see the ice and things around us?

30th August 2022 at 11:14 am

Great question. So daylight hours in December are definitely limited. A great website is this one , where you can plug in a location and it will show you the sunrise and sunset times, as well as the dawk/dusk times (civil twilight).

For December it shows that you are looking at sunrise between 10am and 10.45 (depending on when in December), and sunset between 2.17pm and 2.50pm. Dawn and dusk add just under two hours to that, so it won’t be totally dark, but it will be definitely be darker.

So yes, you should be able to see the ice around you, and you will also get either a sunrise or sunset from the boat, depending on which cruise you take.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Shelly Mcintosh says

30th August 2022 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much! In your opinion what is the best time to go? What gives me the best chance to see the northern lights and also do all the wonderful winter activities. I was planning a trip in Nov but I see the ice breaker doesn’t start till dec and I see Dec has Limited daylight. By the way this was by far the best blog I have come across! So useful and informative.

30th August 2022 at 1:01 pm

My pleasure Shelly, and thanks! So we have visited Finland in December and the days are definitely quite short, especially in the northern areas. My favourite time is February, there is more guarantee of snow, the days are already a lot longer and there is still a good chance of seeing the northern lights. My best Northern lights experience was actually in February. So if that’s an option that would be my preference.

Have a wonderful trip, and feel free to ask any more questions as you plan!

20th April 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

This is amazing blog I have never come across. It’s so detailed and to the extend you’d brought me into Finland while reading. Phenomenal!

I am planning to make a December family trip with 3 children from age 11 to 15. Your itinerary definitely suit to my plan. I am wondering how easy of the public transportation like bus from point to point as you’ve mentioned? It’s unlike other EU countries where we can get train easily.

20th April 2022 at 4:36 pm

Thanks very much, we’re glad you found it helpful 🙂 So the public transport is pretty easy to use in Finland. You will just want to check schedules for where you plan on going. If you are following this itinerary, then the easiest option is to take the train (or fly) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. If you plan on going further north, you’ll need to take a bus. We’ve taken a few long distance buses in Finland and they have all been fine. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Samir Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 1:20 am

Dear Laurence,

I am Sameer from Explorus Travel, India. Just read your detailed itinerary for Finland in Winter. It’s a kind of encyclopaedia for me. Amazing!

I have a question: Most of the photos on this page are clicked in daylight (they are bright, sunny pics). But what I read is that Sun almost doesn’t rise at all in Dec / Jan in Rovaniemi. So how can one get an opportunity to click such sunny and bright photos in absence of sun light / day light? Isn’t the stay experience in Dec boring and dull in absence of light? I mean how much can one enjoy darkness without good photos? Or are your photos clicked during those two hours when there’s little day light?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

12th October 2021 at 10:53 am

Great to hear from you! So these photos are from a few different visits, some in January and some in February. The experience of how much light there is will vary depending on where you are in Finland. In Rovaniemi, the darkest day of the year is the 22nd December, where there’s only 2.5 hours of sunlight. However, there is still sunlight. If you visit in mid-February, you get 8.5 hours between sunrise and sunset. So there is plenty of light. I would generally suggest not visiting over the very darkest days in December, but it quickly changes and the days get longer if you visit in February or even late January.

Hope this helps!

Sameer Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much for your prompt and satisfactory response.

Would you recommend Northern Norway for Northern Lights in December last week or Rovaniemi Finland? I am asking in terms of maximum available day-light.

Kind regards Sameer Patrawala Explorus

12th October 2021 at 12:25 pm

My pleasure 🙂

So Northern Norway is way inside the Arctic Circle. In the last week of December, or in December at all in fact, you won’t get any sunlight. You can see sunrise and sunset times for a place like Tromso in Northern Norway here: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/tromso?month=12&year=2021

Rovaniemi is on the edge of the Arctic circle, which is why you don’t get the permanent darkness. If you are looking for the northern lights, then usually the further north you go the better your chances. However, I have seen incredible displays from southern Finland too, so it’s all just a question of luck really. If you want some sunlight though, northern Norway in December might not be the best option!

Trizzy says

26th September 2021 at 6:50 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, First off, amazing and detailed itinerary! This is the type of blog I love to read when researching- keep it up! 🙂 Also, would you say early November is a good time to visit Finland and see the northern lights?

Many thanks again!

26th September 2021 at 10:36 am

Thank you very much Trizzy! So yes, November would be a fine month to see the northern lights. The only thing to bear in mind is that there might not be snow everywhere in early November (this changes each year of course), so if you wanted snowy landscapes as well as the northern lights, it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, there could also be lots of snow! But it’s not guaranteed.

I hope this helps!

Jessica says

9th April 2020 at 5:27 pm

I am following your travel blog for a while now. Love your content and photos. I am actually planing to visit Finland later this year as soon as this quarantine is over and I have one question. Do you recommend visiting smaller cities in Finland? For example this town Sastamala – I have friend there and don’t know what to expect as it is small town and there isn’t as much information online.

9th April 2020 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica!

Thanks very much. So the smaller cities in Finland are worth visiting, we have been to places like Oulu, Rauma and so on. There is usually something of interest in each town or city, and if you have a friend there they should be able to give you some advice as to what there is to do and see 🙂 So I would check with them and see what they say!

have a great trip when you get to go, and stay well!

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Iowa State University Athletics

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W : Charles, Karlie (3-6) L : Sapp, A. (4-11)

Cyclones Cap Road Trip with 4-2 Win Over UVU

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• Box Score (.pdf)

OREM, Utah –  In its final action of a four-game road trip in the Beehive State, Iowa State (17-25) downed Utah Valley (17-25) for the second time this season to get back on track.

Iowa State grabbed the lead early and held on to win its fourth road contest of the season. Karlie Charles hurled a complete game while Angelina Allen had three hits as they willed ISU to victory.

The Cyclones were led at the plate by Allen whose three hits were a game high. She was tied for the game-high in RBI with two and also was able to steal home during the game. Paige Nakashima recorded the lone other RBI for the Cyclones, as the sophomore from Hawaii made her first start of the season. Alesia Ranches , Ashley Minor , Tiana Poole and Olivia Wardlow also had hits on the day.

Charles (3-6) was the only Cyclone to see the circle, as the senior picked up her third complete game of the season. She allowed just two runs on six hits on the day, facing 27 batters and striking out a pair.

Utah Valley scattered six hits across six different athletes on the afternoon. Three of the Wolverine hits were bunt singles while Saige Nielsen had a home run. Nielsen's home run, a two-run blast, accounted for both Wolverine RBI.

Avery Sapp (4-11) started for UVU and hurled 4.1 innings of action against the Cyclones. Sapp allowed eight hits and two runs but was able to earn five strikeouts. Halle Morris would relieve Sapp and allow just one hit in 1.1 innings of work before Payge Armendariz entered and gave up two runs on two hits in her lone inning of work.

How it Happened It was a three up, three down inning for both sides in the first as Iowa State used a double play, spearheaded by Ranches – to escape the frame.

The Cyclones got on the board first in the second inning, thanks to a Paige Nakashima single. Tiana Poole got on with a single and was eventually able to take second on a wild pitch. With a 1-2 count, Nakashima singled into right field to plate Tiana and give ISU a 1-0 lead. Back-to-back singles from Kali Gose and Olivia Wardlow would then load the bases but ISU was unable to convert, leaving the bases stranded.

Iowa State added another tally in the third inning to extend its lead to two. Allen led the frame off with a double into left center field which was followed by a Ranches single to put runners on the corners. Ranches then went to steal second and when UVU threw down, Allen stole home as both runners – Allen and Ranches – stole successfully.

Each team would leave one stranded in both the third, fourth and fifth inning, as the game went to the sixth inning of action.

A pair of walks and a HBP would load the bases with two outs for the Cyclones in the sixth inning. Allen then stepped back into the box and ripped a single through the right side to plate a pair and extend the ISU lead to 4-0. One of the base runners, Angelita Fuentes , entered to pinch run and saw her first action of the season as she returned from injury.

Utah Valley attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh, connecting on a two-out single before Saige Nilsen blasted a homer over the center field wall – her first of the season – to halve the ISU lead, 4-2. ISU was able to get the next batter to ground out though, snuffing the rally and earning its 17th win of the season.

Sunday Notes Home Runs Iowa State : N/A Utah Valley : Saige Nielsen 

WP – Karlie Charles (3-6): 7.0 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts SV – N/A LP – Avery Sapp (4-11): 4.1 IP, 8 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

On Deck Following a four-game stint in Utah, Iowa State will return to the Cyclone Sports Complex on Tuesday, April 23, to face the St. Thomas Tommies for some midweek action. Tuesday's game is set to begin at 4 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

Players Mentioned

#23 Angelina Allen

#12 Karlie Charles

#25 Angelita Fuentes

#4 Kali Gose

#5 Alesia Ranches

#30 Olivia Wardlow

#29 Tiana Poole

#50 Ashley Minor

#33 Paige Nakashima

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European Union official von der Leyen visits the Finland-Russia border to assess security situation

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for “all sides” to refrain “from further action” in the Middle East region.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen looks on during her joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petter Orpo at the Lappeenranta airport, eastern Finland, Friday April 19, 2024. President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Orpo visited the eastern border region of Finland on Friday and discussed what Finland and the EU can do to prevent instrumentalised migration to Finland’s eastern border. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva via AP)

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President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reacts during her joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petter Orpo at the Lappeenranta airport, eastern Finland, Friday April 19, 2024. President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Orpo visited the eastern border region of Finland on Friday and discussed what Finland and the EU can do to prevent instrumentalised migration to Finland’s eastern border. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva via AP)

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Finnish Prime Minister Petter Orpo give a joint press conference at the Lappeenranta airport, eastern Finland, Friday April 19, 2024. President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Orpo visited the eastern border region of Finland on Friday and discussed what Finland and the EU can do to prevent instrumentalised migration to Finland’s eastern border. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva via AP)

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Finnish Prime Minister Petter Orpo arrive for their joint press conference at the Lappeenranta airport, eastern Finland, Friday April 19, 2024. President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Orpo visited the eastern border region of Finland on Friday and discussed what Finland and the EU can do to prevent instrumentalised migration to Finland’s eastern border. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva via AP)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The head of the European Union’s executive branch said Friday that Finland’s decision to close its border crossings with Russia over a surge in migrants is a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc to consider.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks during a trip to the frontier, visiting a part of the border located in southeastern Finland.

“We all know how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his allies instrumentalize migrants to test our defenses and to try to destabilize us,” von der Leyen told officials. “Now Putin is focusing on Finland, and this is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO.”

On April 4, Finland decided to extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia “until further notice” because of what the government says is a high risk of organized migration being orchestrated by Moscow . Finland’s government has closed eight of its nine checkpoints with Russia. The only one that remains open is dedicated to rail travel only, and cargo trains mainly run through it.

Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) land border with Russia, running mostly through thick forests in the south, and to the rugged landscape in the Arctic north.

“This is not just about the security of Finland, but it is about the security of the European Union. We are in this together,” von der Leyen said after visiting the border in Lappeenranta with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. “We should be more Finnish when it comes to security.”

Von der Leyen and Orpo flew in a Finnish helicopter over the landscape of forests and towns on the border.

In a statement issued after the visit, Orpo said that “the spring’s warmer weather increases the risk of Russia helping people illegally try to get to Finland via the land border … outside the border crossing points.”

Von der Leyen is campaigning as a member of the conservative European People’s Party bloc for a second term in office as head of the EU’s powerful executive branch. Security is a top EPP theme ahead of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections.

Most of the migrants hail from the Middle East and Africa. The vast majority of them have sought asylum in Finland, a member of the EU and NATO with a population of 5.6 million.

Finland joined NATO in April 2023, ending decades of neutrality after the country’s defeat by the Soviet Union in World War II. In March, Sweden also became a member of the trans-Atlantic alliance. The move dealt a major blow to Putin, with a historic realignment of Europe’s post-Cold War security landscape triggered by Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine .

This story has been corrected to say that Ursula von der Leyen visited the southeastern part of the border, not the Arctic portion.

Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.

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Heat vs. Celtics Injury Report: Terry Rozier Remains Out With Neck Injury

• Author: shandel richardson

In this story:

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier will not play Sunday in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics but did travel with the team.

He continues to deal with a neck spasms. Here's he full injury report:

INJURY REPORT

Josh Richardson: Out - Right Shoulder Surgery 

Jimmy Butler: Out - Knee

Terry Rozier: Out - Neck Spasm

Derrick White: Probable - Ankle

Jrue Holiday: Probable - Knee

Here's the game preview:

Time: 1 p.m.

Betting line: Heat +13.5

Vitals: : The Heat and Celtics met three times this regular season with Boston winning each matchup. The Heat are 53-83 all-time versus the Celtics during the regular season, including 30-40 in home games and 23-43 in road games. The teams enter this postseason having faced each other six times in the playoffs, including four times in the Eastern Conference Finals (2012, 2020, 2022, 2023), once in the Semifinals (2011) and once in the First Round (2010). The HEAT has recorded a 4-2 playoff series record against Boston over that span, resulting in a 20-17 postseason record against the Celtics.

PROJECTED STARTERS

G Caleb Martin

G Tyler Herro

C Bam Adebayo

F Jaime Jaquez

F Nikola Jovic

F Jayson Tatum

F Jaylen Brown

C Kristaps Porzingis

G Jrue Holiday

G Derrick White

Heat forward Kevin Love on the series: "It's an old underdog story, right? David vs. Goliath. We've been the eighth seed before, last year. That's why you've got to roll the ball out and play. You've got to understand that anything can happen in this game. Beating a team like Boston is going to be an incredibly uphill battle. They've played like the best team all year. I know some teams would have something to say about that but they've certainly made some moves with Jrue and Porzingis that have them so much better ... We know what they're capable of. Again, coach will have us ready to certainly compete on Sunday and go out there and try to get a win." 

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Kuijk heroics help Oranje win insane play-off

The Netherlands won the most dramatic of play-offs against Finland to return to the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

The Netherlands edged Finland on penalties to reach Uzbekistan 2024

They were six seconds away from missing out

Goalkeepeer Manuel Kuijk was phenomenal

An extraordinary performance from Manuel Kuijk inspired the Netherlands to victory over Finland on penalties in one of the craziest FIFA Futsal World Cup™ qualifying play-offs ever. The goalkeeper repelled two spot-kicks, made innumerable other saves and produced the only denial of the shootout as the Oranje reached the global finals for the first time in 24 years. The Netherlands became the eighth and final European nation to secure a place at Uzbekistan 2024, which begins in September, following Croatia, France, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine. Finland, for their part, have now been left devastated in back-to-back play-offs, having lost 6-5 to Serbia in their battle for a berth at Lithuania 2021. Finland began the tie as the favourites, and looked set to win in Almere until Jordy Creiter’s late strike snatched the Netherlands a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The latter still had it all to do given that they were playing on enemy territory and against higher-ranked opponents, whose cast included Spain-based duo Jani Korpela and Henri Alamikkotervo. From the outset, however, Kuijk – who last week became a father for the first time – exasperated the Finns by making magnificent saves with his hands and legs. Two predatory goals from Jordany Martinus, against the run of play, put the Dutch 2-0 up, only for Justus Kunnas to pull one back with 13 minutes remaining. Kunnas then had the chance to equalise from the spot, only for Kuijk to keep his attempt out, but goals from Lassi Lintula and Iiro Vanha powered Finland into the lead. That seemed set to qualify them for a first FIFA Futsal World Cup, only for Ayoub Boukhari’s strike six seconds from time to send the contest to extra-time. In the extra frame, it was the Dutch’s turn to suffer 11th-hour devastation. After Kuijk had saved another Kunnas penalty and Ismail Ouaddouh had put the visitors on the cusp of the finals, Vanha struck with one second on the clock to send this comic-book contest to a shootout. In it, only one spot-kick was spurned, and once again it was Kunnas who fell victim to the phenomenal Kuijk.

“I am lost for words,” Kruij told FIFA. We have qualified for the greatest stage in world futsal. This is by far the biggest moment of my career. It is unbelievable what happened tonight.”

Full injury report for Kelly Oubre Jr., Sixers vs. Kings in road trip finale

T he Philadelphia 76ers will look to finish up this current 4-game West Coast road trip on a high note on Monday when they take on the Sacramento Kings. If Philadelphia can come up with a win, it will be an impressive 2-2 road trip when considering the opponents and the adversity.

Once again, the Sixers will be without the services of Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus procedure), De'Anthony Melton (lumbar spine bone stress), and Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise). Kyle Lowry, who missed the win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, is not listed on the injury report.

Kelly Oubre Jr. will join the injury report as he is listed as questionable due to left shoulder soreness.

https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin/status/1772347849818173739

If Oubre can't go, then one has to assume that the Sixers will turn to Nic Batum or Cam Payne. Batum did not play against the Clippers on Sunday while Payne has given Philadelphia a big boost.

Tip off with the Kings is set for 10 p.m. EDT on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Full injury report for Kelly Oubre Jr., Sixers vs. Kings in road trip finale