As you stroll through Finland's capital, it's easy to see why the country has been named the happiest nation in the world for eight years in a row. Helsinki embodies the core values of a Nordic society that values work-life balance, equality and a high quality of life.
This author was there from October 5th to 10th to participate in the Climate Solutions from Finland program. The program, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to showcase Finland's wide range of climate innovations to the media, as the country is considered a pioneer in the circular economy.
Helsinki is a city that balances urban culture and nature and is safe for visitors to explore even as a solo traveler. For a capital with around 660,000 of Finland's 5.65 million inhabitants, it is surprisingly quiet.
The streets are not very crowded and I noticed that a lot of people are walking – a sign of how easy it is to get around the city on foot or using public transport such as trams, trains and the subway system.
I took the train from the airport to the city center, a journey of just 30 minutes, and also took the tram while sightseeing, which was convenient and provided seamless access throughout the city.
The city has wide streets and heritage-listed architecture, complemented by green parks and urban forests that integrate nature into everyday life.
I even loved simple things like being able to drink tap water, thanks to Helsinki's abundant natural water sources, strict government regulations, and advanced water purification systems.
Of course, the city's efficient public transportation and high quality of life are not overnight achievements – they are the result of long-term planning and a national commitment to sustainability and well-being.
From my observations, environmental awareness and sustainable practices are deeply rooted in the lifestyles and mindsets of the Finnish population.
There were no single-use plastic bags in my hotel. Some public restrooms provide reusable towels, and recycling bins are available throughout, making it easy for everyone to engage in eco-friendly practices.
I had the opportunity to visit Ainoa, a shopping center, and learned about its drinks return system: a system that provides a small, refundable deposit to encourage consumers to return empty plastic and glass bottles for recycling.
I noticed that many Finns brought large bundles of plastic bottles with them – a simple but powerful reminder of how deeply rooted environmental awareness is in Finland, a country that has set the bar really high in the fight against climate change.
I also had the opportunity to visit Viikki School and Aalto University, where education plays a central role in promoting environmental awareness. At Viikki School, children as young as five years old learn the principles of sustainability and learn how everyday actions can impact the planet.
At Aalto University we met a local graduate who had founded a Finnish startup called Reverlastwhich transforms old rotor blades from wind turbines into floating docks.
This innovative approach not only gives new life to industrial waste, but also shows how Finnish education promotes creative solutions to real environmental challenges.
Culture, heritage and urbanity
Helsinki also offers a mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions. Iconic buildings include Senate Square, known for its neoclassical architecture; and the nearby Helsinki Cathedral.
From the steps of the cathedral I could see the Government Palace, which houses the Prime Minister's Office and several other important ministries.
Another impressive place is the Oodi Library, which is anything but a typical library. It offers group work facilities including a recording studio, games rooms, DJ and karaoke studios, as well as 3D printers and sewing machines.
On the top floor there is a citizen's balcony where you can drink coffee and a children's area with a playground. When I visited, the strollers were neatly lined up, a clear sign that many parents had brought their babies and toddlers to this open, welcoming library.
In the heart of the city is the Old Market Hall, which gave me the opportunity to try traditional Finnish cuisine such as reindeer and salmon soup. In the nearby market square, stalls sell fresh seafood, local crafts and souvenirs. Not far away is the Presidential Palace, which is often used for official ceremonies.
From the market square, I continued to the ferry terminal for a 15-minute ride to Suomenlinna Fortress, a Unesco World Heritage Site that spans six islands. Built over three centuries ago, the fortress is now a popular tourist destination and is home to around 800 people.
Saunas are an integral part of the culture in Finland, with almost every household having a sauna. Finns often use it to relax and connect with family and friends, but also to slow down, enjoy simplicity and enjoy the balance between heat, cold and nature – a reflection of the wider Finnish philosophy of integrating wellbeing and nature into everyday life.
I had an unforgettable experience at Uunisaari, a traditional Finnish sauna on a small island just outside southern Helsinki that features both electric and wood-fired saunas.
I tried both and particularly liked the latter, which felt more refreshing and was filled with the calming scent of burning wood.
After the sauna, I was encouraged to jump into the icy Baltic Sea, as is common among Finns. The heat of the sauna followed by a jump into the ice-cold water was an exhilarating rush.
This Finnish tradition is said to be good for the body and mind and perfectly reflects the Finnish way of maintaining balance in daily life.
All in all, my time in Helsinki offered more than just scenic views or innovative climate solutions: it revealed a society based on trust, awareness and purposeful living.
As Malaysia continues its journey towards becoming a greener and more livable nation, there is much to be learned from Helsinki's example of how thoughtful urban planning, public trust and respect for nature can coexist in harmony.