Icon

Finland is giving away free trips to Finnish Lakeland: how tourists can apply

Popular
Travels
Finland
Finland is giving away free trips to Finnish Lakeland: how tourists can apply

Finland, which has been recognized as the happiest country in the world for several years in a row, has launched an unusual tourism campaign. Foreign travelers are invited to apply for an all-expenses-paid trip to the Finnish Lakeland region, where participants will be able to experience traditional Finnish outdoor recreation. Learn more about the terms of participation, the application deadline and what the winners will receive

Medical insurance from Visit World – your reliable assistant when traveling abroad!
Medical insurance from Visit World – your reliable assistant when traveling abroad!
GET


Visit Finland has launched an international campaign called Chill Like a Finn, which offers foreign travelers a chance to win an unusual trip to one of the country's most peaceful natural regions, Finnish Lakeland. The idea of the project is to show tourists the Finnish approach to vacation, which is based on simple things: nature, silence, and the opportunity to rejuvenate away from the city noise.


Finland has been at the top of the World Happiness Report for many years in a row, and, according to the tourism organization, an important part of the Finnish sense of happiness is regular outdoor recreation and the opportunity to “reboot.” That is why in summer, many residents of the country travel to the lake region, where they spend time in cottages by the water, visit saunas and walk in the forests.


As part of the new campaign, international tourists are invited not just to visit the country, but to try to experience the Finnish style of vacation in practice. The winners of the program will be able to spend a few days in the natural environment of Finnish Lakeland and find out why this region is considered one of the best places in Europe for recovery and relaxation.


Planning a trip abroad?


Insurance from the Visit World portal will help you avoid unnecessary risks. The policy covers the costs of medical treatment, emergency assistance, and unforeseen situations abroad, so that even in the event of delays or route changes, you remain protected and can focus on your trip rather than on problems.




What is Finnish Lakeland and why is this region special?


Finnish Lakeland is the largest lake region in Europe and one of the most famous natural landscapes in Finland. It is home to tens of thousands of lakes, numerous islands, dense forests, and national parks. For the Finns themselves, this area has long been a symbol of summer vacation and a place where they go to recuperate away from the city rhythm.


The region is especially popular in the warm season. It is in summer that many residents of the country spend time in cottages near lakes, visit traditional saunas and combine them with swimming in cool water. Hiking in the forests, boating, and relaxing in nature without the noise of big cities are also popular here.


Finnish Lakeland is often called the “heart of Finnish nature” because it is the best place to experience the country's traditional lifestyle. This region remains less well known to tourists than Helsinki or Lapland, so the organizers of the tourism campaign are seeking to draw more international attention to it.


What will the winners of the Chill Like a Finn program receive?


As part of the Chill Like a Finn tourism campaign, the organizers will select several international participants who will be able to visit one of the most beautiful natural regions of Finland - Finnish Lakeland. The trip will be organized by Visit Finland, and all major travel expenses will be covered by the organizers.

Under the terms of the program, the winners will receive a week-long trip to the Lakeland region, during which they will be able to get acquainted with the Finnish culture of outdoor recreation.


The trip program includes:

- 7-day trip to Finnish Lakeland

- Fully paid vacation from the organizers

- Accommodation in a natural region near the lakes

- Getting acquainted with the traditional Finnish way of relaxation

- Visiting saunas by the water and swimming in lakes

- Walking in the woods and relaxing in nature


The organizers plan to select six pairs of participants who will go on this trip with their companions. The vacation itself will take place in June 2026, when the Lakeland region is especially popular among locals and tourists due to its warm weather and long, bright days.


The idea of the program is to show tourists how Finns recuperate: spending time in nature, visiting saunas, walking in forests, and abandoning the city rhythm of life for a few days.


How to apply for the Chill Like a Finn program?


The campaign organizers invite international tourists to apply for the program via social media. To do this, you need to follow a few simple steps and fill out an online form on the official project website.


The application procedure consists of several stages:

1. Record a short video in which you need to introduce yourself and tell why you would like to spend your summer vacation in Finnish Lakeland.

2. Post the video on Instagram or TikTok using your own social media account.

3. Go to the official website of the program ChillLikeaFinn.com and fill out the application form.

4. Provide basic information about the participants, including name, email address, country of residence, and links to social media.


Since the trip is intended for two people, you must also provide the details of the partner with whom you plan to travel.

After the application period is over, the organizers will review all the applications and select the participants who will get the opportunity to travel to the Finnish Lakeland region as part of the travel program.


Main conditions of participation and application deadline


Before applying, the organizers recommend that you carefully read the program requirements. The campaign is aimed at international tourists, so not everyone is eligible to participate.


The main conditions for participation in the Chill Like a Finn program are:

1. Only foreign tourists can apply

2. Participation is provided for two people (duo)

3. One of the participants of the couple must have a valid driver's license

4. When applying, you must provide the names of the participants, email addresses, country of residence and social media accounts

5. A short video posted on Instagram or TikTok is also required.


Applications are accepted for a limited time. The deadline is March 29, 2026 at 22:59 CET. After that, the organizers will select six pairs of participants who will have the opportunity to go on a week-long trip to Finnish Lakeland.


If you are chosen among the winners, you will be able to spend a week in one of the most beautiful natural regions of Finland and get acquainted with the traditional Finnish style of vacation.


Before planning a trip to Finland, it is also worth checking the entry rules, document requirements, and other relevant travel conditions in advance. More useful information for tourists can be found on the Visit World portal, which contains up-to-date recommendations for travelers to different countries of the world.


Are you preparing for a trip abroad in 2026?


Medical insurance from the Visit World portal will provide reliable support during your trip, especially in the context of flight changes and unstable schedules. The policy covers medical expenses, emergency assistance, and other unforeseen situations outside the country, so you can feel confident even when plans have to be adjusted at the last minute.




We remind you! Croatia is stepping up its fight against drunken tourists by introducing new restrictions in popular resort cities. Split became the first city in the country to introduce strict rules on alcohol sales this summer. Read more about the new bans, hefty fines for tourists, and changes in Croatia's tourism strategy.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline

Frequantly

asked questions

Can tourists from any country apply for the Chill Like a Finn program?

International tourists, i.e. people living outside of Finland, can apply. The campaign was created to introduce foreign travelers to the nature and style of recreation in the Finnish Lakeland region. When filling out the online form, participants must indicate their country of residence and contact details.

How many people can win a trip to Finnish Lakeland?

When will the winners travel?

What do I need to do to apply?

What is the deadline to apply?

Recommended articles

3 min

Expats Scotland, Sardinia, and Tuscany: cities that will pay new residents to move in 2026

Scotland, Sardinia, and Tuscany: cities that will pay new residents to move in 2026

Across Europe, more and more small towns are launching support programs for new residents. Some of them offer financial grants, reduced rents, or housing assistance to stem the outflow of population. Learn more about the cities and programs that are ready to pay for relocation in 2026

15 Feb. 2026

More details

2 min

Travels Free islands in Sweden: how to become the guardian of your own island for a year?

Free islands in Sweden: how to become the guardian of your own island for a year?

The tourism organization Visit Sweden has announced an unusual contest, the winners of which will be able to enjoy authentic Swedish islands free of charge for an entire year. Travelers from all over the world can participate — all they need to do is record a short video. Learn more about the contest rules, available islands, and the rights of their future guardians

19 Feb. 2026

More details

3 min

Travels TOP 5 safest European capitals for traveling in 2026

TOP 5 safest European capitals for traveling in 2026

Safety is becoming one of the main criteria when choosing a travel destination. Experienced traveler Vinicius Costa has named five European capitals where tourists can feel especially comfortable and safe. Learn more about the safest European capitals for travelers

09 Mar. 2026

More details

3 min

Travels Europe Island Hopping in 2026: The Best Routes for Traveling Between Islands

Europe Island Hopping in 2026: The Best Routes for Traveling Between Islands

Island hopping is becoming a major travel trend in Europe. Discover the best island-hopping routes in Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Italy, and learn how much such a trip can cost

07 Mar. 2026

More details