Finnish Happiness Camp Archipelago & Lakeland

Finland has been the happiest country in the world for seven consecutive years!

The purpose of the camp is to offer a peaceful retreat where you can experience Finnish nature and traditions. Through activities like fishing, hiking, and local cooking, the camp provides an opportunity to relax, learn about Finnish culture, and enjoy the serene landscapes of Finland. It’s a chance to unwind, disconnect from everyday life, and gain new skills in a beautiful, natural setting.

The camp embraces the themes of connection to nature, as Finland’s forests, lakes, and tranquil surroundings promote calmness and well-being. The emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation encourages slowing down, reducing stress, and increasing happiness. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the camp nurtures meaningful connections, which are key to overall happiness. Lastly, the camp offers an immersion in traditional Finnish practices like sauna and outdoor activities, which support a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, contributing to long-lasting happiness.

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki & Inkoo Archipelago

Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and travel to the serene archipelago of Inkoo. You will stay surrounded by lush landscapes and shimmering seas. The hotel provides a peaceful setting to disconnect from daily routines and embrace nature’s calm.
Enjoy a multi-course dinner made from local and seasonal ingredients that highlight the flavors of the archipelago. Finnish cuisine values simplicity and freshness, with minimal processing and a focus on natural flavors.

Eco-friendly approach: The eco-conscious hotel in Inkoo prioritizes sustainability with renewable energy, waste reduction, and local, organic ingredients. It supports eco-friendly practices in all areas, from construction to daily operations.

What you will learn: You’ll learn how connecting with nature enhances well-being and happiness, and how the simplicity of Finnish cuisine can promote a mindful, fulfilling eating experience. You will also explore how eco-tourism supports sustainable happiness by preserving natural spaces.

Day 2: Fishing, Nature, and Relaxation in the Archipelago

Start with a sustainable fishing and boating adventure, followed by a picnic on a nearby island with your fresh catch. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, then unwind in the heated jacuzzi. End the day with a local dinner celebrating the flavors of the archipelago.

Eco-friendly approach: The day emphasizes sustainability through eco-friendly fishing practices, using renewable energy for heating, and enjoying locally sourced ingredients.

What you will learn: You’ll learn how spending time in nature can boost happiness by reducing stress, and how Finnish traditions like sauna promote relaxation and mental clarity. You’ll also discover how reconnecting with simple pleasures, such as sustainable fishing and mindful eating, enhances emotional well-being.

Day 3: Finnish Lakeland Heritage

Enjoy lunch at a historic manor, where local, seasonal ingredients are prepared with a modern twist. Then, unwind at a luxurious lakeside resort surrounded by stunning nature, featuring villas with panoramic views and private saunas. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating Finnish seasonal cuisine with wild herbs, forest berries, and lake fish.

Eco-friendly approach: The manor uses local, seasonal ingredients and the resort embraces energy-efficient practices, while the restaurant focuses on locally sourced, wild ingredients to minimize environmental impact.

What you will learn: You’ll learn how connecting with nature through mindful eating and sustainable design practices enhances personal well-being and happiness. You will also discover how Finnish culture’s focus on balance and simplicity fosters contentment and a resilient, joyful mindset.

Day 4: Lakeside Activities and Finnish Resilience

Catch fresh rainbow trout for a traditional fish soup over an open fire, then enjoy activities like paddleboarding and hiking around Lake Saimaa. Relax at a spa with many saunas, geothermal heating and natural spring water, before dining at a local restaurant showcasing seasonal Finnish ingredients.

Eco-friendly approach: The experience focuses on sustainable fishing, eco-friendly activities like paddleboarding and hiking, and a spa that uses geothermal energy and natural spring water. The restaurant highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to support sustainability.

What you will learn: You’ll learn how outdoor activities, such as hiking and paddleboarding, foster happiness by promoting physical and mental well-being. You’ll also discover how Finnish resilience is rooted in nature, and how geothermal energy and natural springs contribute to sustainable relaxation and a sense of vitality.

Day 5: Helsinki’s Historic Charm

Visit Local Manor in Lahti for a traditional Finnish lunch. Before heading to the airport, you will take one last stroll through these tranquil surroundings, taking with you the lessons and warmth of Finnish happiness. More than just memories, this journey has equipped you with practical tools to find joy and fulfillment in everyday life.

Eco-friendly approach: The local manor in Lahti combines historic preservation with sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and organic, locally sourced ingredients for its meals.

What you will learn: This shows you how supporting local, organic food production contributes not only to the environment but also to a happier, more fulfilled life through community and mindful consumption.

Through this camp, you will leave not only with a renewed sense of joy but also with a personal guide to happiness that you can use long after the adventure is over.