I went to the happiest country in the world – here’s what you can expect

FINLAND is said to be the world’s happiest country – and after taking my first trip there it’s easy to see why.

Throw in a bonus day across to Estonia, and you have the ideal weekend destination with two glorious capital cities, Helsinki and Tallinn.

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CLASSIC SIGHT: Helsinki is brimming with stunning sights but the one you can’t miss is the Helsinki Cathedral which towers above the city.

While you can soak up some history inside for just €5, the big white building itself is the perfect selfie spot with massive stairs leading up to it.

FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD: Estonia is just a stone’s throw from Finland, with Finnair flights across to Tallinn that only take half an hour – no sooner are you in the air, you’re preparing to land.

The capital is steeped in medieval marvels, from castles to the historic Walls of Tallinn, a World Heritage Site.

It also has a long history of beer-making, so you’re sure to find a good spot for a pint.

THE WOW MOMENT: There’s a bar in Helsinki where phones are banned.

At Chihuahua Julep you are asked to place your phone into a box upon entry.

This is so you’ll have to rely on good, old-fashioned face-to-face conversation while you sip on sophisticated cocktails.

CULTURAL FIX: The Finnish sauna is a huge part of Finland and Estonia’s culture.

They love it so much that many apartment blocks here come equipped with their own communal sauna.

Helsinki’s SkyWheel ferris wheel has its own sauna pod, but for the full Finnish experience we tried Löyly, on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula, which has a smoke sauna, traditional sauna and private sauna for groups.

You can go outside to dip into the freezing Baltic Sea before or after, if you dare.

NEW FOR 2022: If you’re feeling fancy and want to take the sauna experience to the max, Finnair reopened its swish top-tier Platinum Wing lounge at Helsinki airport this year.

It’s one of the few airport lounges in the world to have its very own sauna and you can follow it up with a glass of fizz.

FANTASTIC FEAST: Tallinn’s popular Balti Jaam Market is a must for foodies, with all sorts of local delicacies — especially if you have a sweet tooth.

I found a plum flavoured mousse dessert which was beyond moreish. My only regret was not picking up two.

TOP TOUR: Bicycles are a great way to see the sights and take in the fresh Finnish air — the cleanest air in the world.

There are dedicated routes all along the city, with cheap dockable hire bikes available.

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WITH THE KIDS: A library isn’t the usual selling point of a holiday (especially for kids) but this is no ordinary library.

Oodi only opened in 2018, to mark 100 years of independence in Finland.

The striking building looks like something dreamt up by an Ikea furniture designer, only on a bigger scale.

Forget books, here you get a real glimpse of locals at their communal best, with recording studios, instruments, 3D printers, games rooms, and even cooking stations, all available to hire for very reasonable prices.

For kids specifically there’s the interactive lit fairytale wall with touch-operated fantasy instruments.

Be sure to go to the very top for the tiny glass corner, which can only be reached by a sloped wooden walkway and offers amazing views of the city.

ONE MORE TREAT: If you’re looking for snaps to fill up your Instagram page, don’t miss Tallinn’s hipster Telliskivi Creative City, a giant art and food venue with eye-catching wall art, swanky shops and even a gin tasting experience.

Venture to La Muu ice cream shop for an unusually deceptive black scoop of white chocolate flavoured ice cream, coloured with charcoal.

THE GRAND HOTEL: The Radisson Collection Hotel in Tallinn only opened in May and impressed with its huge breakfast spread.

It also has a large spa that features all the usual facilities, plus an extremely hot Japanese bath.

For those who can handle a 40C soak, it works wonders on sore muscles.

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