Dreaming of Finland? You could win a free 7-day summer escape — here’s how

A free trip to Finland? This summer challenge lets you live the country’s happiest lifestyle in its most peaceful region.

• Finland offers a free week-long trip for six pairs in June
• Winners will experience Finnish Lakeland's calm and nature
• Applications close March 29, 2026; open to anyone 18 or older

Did our AI summary help?

If a trip to Finland has been sitting on your bucket list, this might just be the moment you’ve been waiting for. The Nordic country—known for its calm landscapes, clean air, and high quality of life—is offering travellers a chance to visit for free this June, making it an opportunity that’s hard to ignore.

The initiative, called the ‘Chill Like a Finn’ challenge, is designed to give visitors a real taste of everyday life in Finland. Instead of rushing through tourist spots, the idea is to slow down and experience what makes the country consistently rank as the world’s happiest—from its deep connection with nature to its simple, balanced way of living.

What’s the offer all about?

Organised by Visit Finland, the programme will select six pairs of travellers for a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to the stunning Finnish Lakeland region.

Think of it as less of a holiday and more of a reset.

Set in Europe’s largest lake district, the experience focuses on slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and embracing simple joys. With over 188,000 lakes, thick forests, and quiet wooden cottages, this is where Finland truly unwinds.

Why Finland?

Finland has been topping global happiness rankings year after year—and it’s not by chance. Life here is built around balance: clean air, easy access to nature, strong social support, and the freedom to live at your own pace. People spend time outdoors, value quiet moments, and don’t rush through everyday life.

Through this initiative, travellers get a chance to experience this lifestyle firsthand—not as tourists ticking off sights, but as guests learning how to slow down and enjoy the present moment the Finnish way.

Lakeland region, Finland

A little about Finnish Lakeland

This is where Finland truly slows down. Finnish Lakeland is dotted with shimmering lakes, forest trails, and quiet islands that feel far removed from busy city life.

Days here are simple yet memorable—morning swims in clear waters, long walks through pine forests, and evenings spent in traditional wooden cottages or saunas by the lake. It’s less about sightseeing and more about soaking in the calm.

What can you expect?

The itinerary is all about living like a local:

• Mornings begin outdoors—hiking through forests or exploring Kolovesi National Park.
• Afternoons are for lakeside saunas, reading, or simply doing nothing.
• Evenings bring cosy meals, warm fires, and peaceful sunsets.

It’s a reminder that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as fresh air, still water, and good company.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is open to anyone 18 years or older, from anywhere in the world. And you don’t have to do it alone—you can apply as a pair.

Bring along someone you’d love to share this experience with—your partner, a friend, a sibling, or even a neighbour.

How to apply

The process is simple and creative:

Step 1: Create a short video with your chosen partner, sharing what your dream Finnish summer in Lakeland looks like.

Step 2: Upload it on Instagram or TikTok.

Step 3: Fill out the application form and add the link to your video.

That’s it—you’re in the running for a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip.

Important deadline

Applications close on March 29, 2026 (11:59 pm EEST / 3:29 am IST). Full details can be found at ChillLikeaFinn.com.

Finland

Why this is worth trying

Beyond being a free trip, this is a rare chance to experience a different pace of life—one that values quiet moments over packed itineraries. Whether it’s swimming in a clear lake, enjoying a traditional sauna, or simply sitting by the water, Finnish Lakeland offers something many of us don’t get enough of: stillness.