The world’s happiest destinations 2017

Norway has been named the happiest place on Earth in a recent report released to mark the International Day of Happiness. The World Happiness Report measures “subjective well-being” according to an article by the BBC, which includes how happy the local people are and why. Here are the world’s happiest destinations 2017: 

Many will be familiar with the city of Amsterdam, with its elegant architecture, canals and bicycle-lined bridges. But there’s so much more to this remarkable country than its company. Famously liberal, it’s little wonder why The Netherlands has made it into the top 10 happiest places in the world. But it could also have something to do with its balance of towns, cities and gloriously authentic Dutch landscapes, such as the polders.

The Netherlands conjures up images of perfectly formed rows of tulips, windmills and wheels of cheese. While this is all accurate, this pretty country also has a few other tricks up its sleeve. The cities of Leiden and Haarlem both offer all the charm of a typical Dutch town or city, such as Amsterdam, but with less of a focus on tourism. If you’re looking for wide-open space, look no further than The Netherlands’ sweeping beaches. 

Whether you decide to explore Finland’s dense boreal and pine forests or the eclectic city of Helsinki, we’re confident you’ll discover why it is one of the happiest places in the world. With 37 national parks, Finland’s ethereal landscape is well-protected and respected among locals. Many will recognise Lapland as a festive destination but as the country’s northernmost region, it is truly spectacular at any time of year. 

Finland is one of the best places to see the northern lights and explore an important part of Nordic heritage. In the eastern portion of Finland, there is more sea than land. Tens of thousands of lakes, rivers, marshes and ponds offer tranquillity. Lake Saimaa, also known as the lake of a thousand islands, is one of the country’s most popular attractions. If you’re looking for a little more life among the lakes, head to the city of Savonlinna. 

Iceland has a population of just 300,000, which probably contributes to its overall happiness. With wide-open spaces, hot springs and beautiful architecture, Iceland is on many people’s travel bucket lists. This magnificent country opens doors to all sorts of activities including skiing and hiking as well as opportunities for total relaxation in the form of its natural hot springs. These mineral-rich springs can be found all over the country and are recommended for a peaceful dip after exploring the rugged landscape.

If you can tear yourself away from Iceland’s picture-perfect landscape, check out Reykjavík, the country’s capital. It’s truly a sight to behold, with vibrant houses dotted across the coast and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Reykjavík is the ideal place to get stuck into Icelandic culture. Visit the National Museum of Iceland or one of its many galleries to learn about the country’s past and present. The city is a hub of culture for Iceland and one of the best places to sample its unique cuisine. 

Denmark offers visitors an authentic Nordic experience through a blend of unique cities and landscapes. Its capital city Copenhagen draws visitors from across the globe due to its magnificent castles, pretty waterfront shops and cafes and its relaxed atmosphere. Roaming through the city, with its cheerful appearance and laidback vibe, it won’t take you long to understand why Denmark is listed as one of the world’s happiest countries. 

One of the best ways to explore Denmark is on a bicycle. After you’ve disembarked your cruise ship, take some time to explore Denmark’s understand beaches and parks on wheels or on foot. This quirky Scandinavian country has so much to offer. 

From its tranquil fjords to energetic cities, Norway has something truly unique to offer every type of traveller. Its diverse landscapes and laidback feel keep things fresh and exciting, making it clear to see why its residents are always smiling. Head to Lysefjord to see the iconic Pulpit Rock towering 2,000 feet over the water or visit Sognefjord, Norway’s largest fjord and home to sites of Viking heritage. Geirangerfjord, meanwhile, is one of Norway’s most popular fjords due to its impressive waterfalls and hiking trails. 

If you’d rather get stuck into Norwegian culture in the city, Oslo is packed full of culture, music, food and arts. If you can’t decide between fjords or cities, Bergen, also known as the city of seven mountains, is well worth a visit. Sitting on the west coast of Norway and surrounded by spectacular scenery, Bergen was founded over 900 years ago and has deep Viking roots.