For a second year in a row, Finland is the happiest country in the world (United Nations World Happiness Report 2019). 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.
Now you can find your own happy place in the happiest country in the world. Eight ordinary Finns have signed up as happiness guides and want to share their connection to nature with you. The Finnish Rural Netwok is proud to announce a special offer:
You can book your very own rural Finn and be amazed by the Finnish Lapland!
Magical, mythical Lapland
Finnish Lapland is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland. Contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days.
The thrill of witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Finland is one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights – they appear on more than 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland.
Autumnal Lapland is the best place in Finland for witnessing “ruska” – a short period when all the foliage turn into bright colors like red, yellow and orange. Seeing ruska makes looking at the already breath-taking landscape into an out-of-this-world experience.
Find out more about amazing Lapland
Our happiness guide in Lapland is Timo (get to know Timo), who has a summer cottage in Inari. There is so much to do in Inari - kayaking, wandering, fishing, chatting with reindeers, eating well... Exploring and relaxing. Breathing the unbelievably fresh air. Also, you will get a change to find out how do we keep our countryside vital (with the help of EU funds) and meet some of the active people making it all happen. Happiness guide will lead the way.
And guess what? This experience will be totally free of charge for you!
Practical issues
A few things to keep in mind before you go on. If you are selected, you will travel to Finland this summer (2019) during week 34 for three days. There won’t be any expenses from travel or accommodation during your stay with the host. You will be accommodated by the nice Finnish host Timo at his summer cottage.
You are free to continue your journey in Finland after your time with the host has ended, but that will be on your own expense. If you want to bring a friend or a family member with you to share the experience, that is ok. He/she needs to cover his/her own costs.
We are looking for open-minded European interested in Finnish nature.
We also hope that you:
- are not afraid to speak English
- are okay with sharing experiences with others in social media
- are okay with being filmed for Finnish national rural network to use for marketing communication purposes
How to apply (Please do so by 24.4.2019)
A short video application is compulsory for this campaign. The maximum length for your video is 1 minute. Please send you application latest on Wednesday 24.4.2019.
In the video tell us shortly
- who you are
- why should we choose you and
- how would you document your adventure in Finland.
Please apply by using the application form below or open it in a new window:
National Rural Network of Finland will review the applications and contact the selected applicant personally. Further details will be agreed upon individually to ensure the best possible experience for both the host and visitor.
Rent a (rural) Finn is organised by Finnish Rural Network in cooperation with Visit Finland, Finland’s national travel promotion organisation.
