Random Thoughts on Happiness: A Finn Returns Home
Moving back to Finland after years abroad has been an adventure—and full of surprises. This page is my collection of random observations about the little things that make me (and other fellow Finns) happy.
Oodi, Helsinki Central Library, makes me happy
Oodi: A library so cool it makes you proud to pay taxes.
A library? Sure. But also a living room for the entire city.
You can borrow books, play video games, record music, use a sewing machine or a 3D printer—or just enjoy the view. All for free.
And no one steals anything.
Built on trust, funded by taxes, and cleaner than most cafés.
Even the public toilets are a 10/10 experience. Honestly.
Having access to your own sauna makes Finns happy
More saunas than cars.
There are more saunas than cars in Finland.
Yes, really. Around 3.3 million saunas for 5.5 million people—that’s one for almost every household (plus a few extra, just in case).
If you live in a detached house, you probably have your own sauna. Many apartments have private ones too, and almost all apartment buildings come with a shared sauna—the kind you book for your weekly sweat-and-chat session with your family.
It’s where we unwind, talk about life, and occasionally hold work meetings (no joke). Sauna isn’t about silence—it’s about connection.
Also, regular sauna use has been linked to better mental health. Which might explain how we survive the dark winters with a smile.
And yes, that’s our own sauna in the photo. Wouldn’t be Finnish happiness without it.
Lunch Buffets – make Finns happy
A warm, healthy, affordable lunch. Every. Single. Weekday.
Welcome to the Finnish lounasbuffet—where for under €15, you get a hearty main dish, soup, salads, (rye) bread, coffee, tea and dessert. Always with a vegetarian option, and often a vegan one too.
But it’s not just about the food.
Lounas is a sacred social ritual. A time to eat with colleagues, catch up, and take a proper break. No sad desk lunches here. No “just grabbing a quick bite.” Lunch means sitting down—together.
You eat well, you reconnect, you feel human again—and still get back to work on time.
Pesutupa (Shared Washing Room) makes Finns happy
Pesutupa: Grown-up joy, Finnish-style.
Ever thought a communal laundry room could be a source of joy? In Finland, most apartment buildings come with a pesutupa—a shared laundry space that’s nothing short of everyday luxury. And the best part? It’s usually free of charge!
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill laundromats. A pesutupa includes washing machines, dryers, and even a dedicated drying room where you can hang your sheets to dry. Imagine fresh, line-dried linens without sacrificing half your living room to a drying rack.
Honestly, for anyone over 30, this is peak happiness. Who needs a fancy car when you’ve got perfectly folded laundry and no dryer to maintain? Finland, you’ve nailed it.
Glazed balcony makes Finns happy
A glazed balcony (lasitettu parveke) might not sound exciting, but trust me—it’s everyday luxury, Finnish style.
It’s -3°C outside, but I’m sitting on our balcony in the sun, no jacket, working like it’s a spring morning. The glass keeps the cold out, the warmth in, and if it ever gets too warm (yes, even in Finland), you just crack open a window.
It’s not usable during the coldest winter months, but from March onwards? Game changer. It becomes your second living room. Or office. Or breakfast spot. Or all three.
Apparently, this isn’t common elsewhere, and that just seems wrong. It should be. Especially if you have an east-facing balcony—just enough morning sun to heat things up, but none of the sweaty midday stuff.
Honestly? This might be one of my favourite things about our apartment. A mini sunroom in Finland = pure joy (and the best natural anti-depressant).
(And yes, that's me in the photo, soaking it all in.)
International Media Talking About Finland Makes Finns Happy
International mentions: We pretend we don’t care, but we do.
Did you know that anytime Finland gets mentioned abroad, it becomes national news? Case in point: when Stephen Colbert made a joke about us, it didn’t just trend on social media—it made headlines in our biggest newspaper.
We Finns are like a shy kid in school who secretly loves the spotlight. We pretend it’s no big deal, but trust me, we’re quietly proud and secretly saving every mention.
