Every year, the World Happiness Report reminds us of something we already knew—some places just feel, well, happier. That feeling comes from a unique blend of connection, nature and balance, plus a certain je ne sais quoi that shifts in subtle, fascinating ways from place to place. In this year’s CNBC list of the happiest countries on Earth, seven of the top ten are places you can explore with Backroads.
Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these countries—and the Backroads trips that visit them—so special, from the quiet forests of Finland to the pura vida rhythms of Costa Rica.
1. Finland: Forest Bathing & Sisu
Topping the happiness ranking charts again, Finland’s secret sauce might just be its national love of nature. Over 70 percent of the country is covered in forest, and the Finns make the most of it—wandering, cross-country skiing or simply pausing for a moment of silence. There’s also sisu—a quiet, steady resilience that reflects the Finnish way of finding happiness in life’s simple rhythms, meeting challenges with grace and drawing strength from the stillness of the natural world.
Explore with Backroads: On our Finland adventure tours, hike through pristine boreal forest, snowshoe above the tree line, spot the northern lights from cozy glass cabins and sauna like a local.
2. Denmark: Hygge & Design-Forward Everything
Denmark is the home of hygge—the art of cozy contentment. But there’s a lot more to Danish happiness than warm lighting and wool socks. The Danes also take pride in thoughtful design, a strong social support system and work-life balance that actually . . . works. It’s a country built for ease and connection—where city biking is a joy, coffee breaks are sacred and even the coastal winds seem to slow you down in a good way.
Explore with Backroads: Ready for a cycling trip in Denmark? Ride with us along breathtaking coastal routes, feel the cheerful buzz of Copenhagen and stay in stylish hotels that might just spark your next home makeover.
3. Iceland: Raw Beauty & Resilience
Iceland consistently ranks high in life satisfaction, thanks in part to universal health care, free education and a strong sense of community. But happiness here runs deeper than policy. It’s found in the daily connection to nature—roaring waterfalls, geothermal springs, dramatic coastlines—and in a culture that values resilience, creativity and a shared well-being.
Explore with Backroads: Our Iceland adventures take you deep into this elemental landscape—with glacier hikes, hot spring soaks and Trip Leaders who know the terrain like an old friend.
4. Sweden: Fika & the Right to Roam
In Sweden, happiness often starts with coffee and a cinnamon bun. But fika is more than a snack break—it’s a cultural ritual, a built-in pause to slow down, connect and savor the moment. Swedes also embrace allemansrätten, the “freedom to roam,” which guarantees access to the country’s vast forests, lakes and meadows. Happiness here is found in small daily pleasures and wide-open spaces—two things you’ll find in abundance when you visit.
Explore with Backroads: Paddle through serene archipelago waters, bike past red-roofed cottages and unwind in chic hotels—our Sweden trips offer the perfect balance of wild beauty and Scandinavian ease.
5. Norway: Nature & Friluftsliv
Norwegians embrace friluftsliv—a deep love of outdoor living. Whether it’s skiing through snow-covered forests or hiking high above dramatic fjords, nature isn’t just a backdrop here—it’s a way of life. This ingrained connection to the outdoors, paired with a strong sense of community and equality, shapes a well-being that grows from fresh air, shared trails and a deep respect for the land.
Explore with Backroads: On our adventure tours in Norway, iconic fjords and glacier-carved inlets set the stage for epic activities, balanced by cozy harborside villages and handpicked hotels that reflect the warmth of this Nordic country’s design.
6. The Netherlands: Bikes, Canals & Balance
The Dutch are famously direct—and apparently, that honesty leads to happiness. So does the country’s incredible bike infrastructure, art-filled cities and open-minded social culture. From tulip fields to canal-side strolls, life in the Netherlands is built around ease, community and biking to anywhere and everywhere.
Explore with Backroads: Pedal past windmills, hike through golden countryside and visit family-run cheese farms—our Netherlands walking and biking trips offer simple pleasures at every turn.
7. Costa Rica: Pura Vida in Every Step
Costa Rica is the only non-European country to crack the top ten—and it wears its happiness on its sleeve. Pura vida isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. With rainforest hikes, surf-friendly coastlines and wildlife around every corner, life here feels good. A strong education system and deep commitment to conservation round out a Latin American culture that lives well—and kindly.
Explore with Backroads: Our Costa Rica adventures are some of our guest favorites for a reason, bringing you face-to-face with sloths, volcanoes, jungle-lined trails and truly amazing retreats.
A Quick Detour to Bhutan
Not on the CNBC list of country rankings (they weren’t surveyed), but definitely worth a mention, Bhutan has long been a global beacon of intentional living. With its Gross National Happiness Index, this Himalayan kingdom puts well-being above GDP. Here, spirituality, nature and tradition are deeply intertwined—and one can’t help but leave with a little more perspective.
Explore with Backroads: Join us in Bhutan to explore ancient temples, peaceful valleys and sky-high passes—with moments of reflection built into every day.
Travel Happy
Whether it’s sipping coffee in a Swedish café, biking through Dutch flower fields or soaking in an Icelandic hot spring, each destination on this list offers its own take on what it means to live well. And with Backroads as your guide, you don’t just visit these places— you experience a way of being that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Ready to find your happy place? Start exploring.
