Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World

Looking for a travel destination with great views and friendly people? 

Every year the United Nations measures the quality of life for citizens around the world through surveys and data analysis. The same 13 countries have dominated the top of the list since the reporting began in 2012. What makes these countries the happiest in the world? All possess a winning formula of good governance, strong sense of community, respect for fellow citizens, and general high quality of life.

 

Video 1.  The Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables - Hygge Danish tradition (YouTube link)

Try following a cue from the 2016 World Happiness Report:^[2]

1. Denmark
• Denmark offers an abundance of free public services, such as health care and education, and it prides itself on its strong sense of social life and community. 
• You can try visiting the "Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables" exhibition to learn more about hygge, or a cultural identification loosely defined as feeling cozy in the company of friends and family over a meal.
2. Switzerland
• Switzerland is known for being a prosperous nation with magnificent ski slopes and rich chocolate. 
• Switzerland’s thriving outdoor spaces also afford a healthy lifestyle for its citizens: The country boasts the lowest obesity rates in Europe. 
• Discover some of the wild spaces in Switzerland by canyoning, kayaking, or paragliding in Interlaken to explore the vast mountainous landscape.
3. Iceland
• Once in the country, travelers find indoor market halls and outdoor swimming pools in the capital city, as well as many easily accessible national parks. 
• If you have time, take a drive along Ring Road to see the island's volcanoes, beaches, and other outdoor landmarks.
• The Blue Lagoon is only one option to take a dip in Iceland's healing geothermal waters.
4. Norway
• Norway is rated one of the best countries in the world for its gorgeous landscape, take advantage of the outdoor spaces. 
• You can pitch your tent anywhere you’d like while hiking through Norway’s magnificent fjords. 
• In the summer months, try climbing Mount Skala, one of the tallest mountains in the country, for an exhilarating view of local mountains and glaciers. (Take a look at these other top 10 summer experiences in Norway.)
5. Finland
• Steam your worries away in a traditional Finnish sauna, a revered custom throughout the nation. Despite a population of only 5.2 million people, there are some 3.3 million saunas found throughout the country. 
• You can find them along the side of lake houses, office buildings, and even Parliament. (Related: Finland’s Sauna Obsession)
6. Canada
• There’s plenty to explore in this spacious and culturally diverse country. 
• In parts of the northwest along the old Trans-Canada Highway, visitors can learn the art of mushing during winter’s dogsledding season. 
• If you prefer two feet on the ground, hike the slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park or Canada’s many national parks.
7. Netherlands
• Citizens living in the Netherlands report the highest rates of physical activity in the world.
• The country takes pride in its 20,000 miles of bicycle lanes for safe travel, and the capital city of Amsterdam is considered to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. 
• Rent a bicycle to try the country’s preferred method of transportation and get some fun exercise during a trip. 
• Either map out a bicycle trip around Amsterdam independently or hire a local guide to show you around the city.
8. New Zealand
• From the Blue Mountains to the wild penguins on South Island, there are many beautiful sights to lift locals’ spirits in this thriving ecological paradise. 
• New Zealanders take pride in their local ecology and work hard to protect it. Don't miss the chance to visit the volcano, ancient Maori sites, and craters at Tongariro and Whanaguni National Parks.
9. Australia
• Australia has very low levels of pollution, high levels of civic engagement, and tight-knit locals. 
• The popular Australian barbecue brings everyone together; most national parks, outdoor spaces, and other places where people gather offer free or coin-operated grills. 
10. Sweden
• To experience what makes this country happy, simply visit a coffee shop: Sweden is one of the three biggest coffee consumers in the world. 
• A sense of community is strengthened through the tradition known as fika, loosely translated into "break time," when locals meet over coffee to catch up, discuss news, and eat pastries. 
• Try taking a fika at historic Vete-Katten in Stockholm, a local sipping spot founded in 1928.

References

1. Press freedom ranking 2021
2. Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World (published 08/12/2016)
3. World's happiest countries 2021 (CNN Travel)
• 1. Finland 2. Iceland 3. Denmark 4. Switzerland 5. Netherlands 6. Sweden 7. Germany 8. Norway 9. New Zealand 10. Austria 11. Israel 12. Australia 13. Ireland 14. United States 15. Canada 16. Czech Republic 17. Belgium 18. United Kingdom 19. China 20. France
  
4. Why Iceland is the Perfect Stopover Destination any Time of Year

Slovenia Travel—Visiting Ljubljana

Figure 1.  Prešeren Square (left) & Triple Bridge (right)

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. It is the cultural, educational, economic, political and administrative centre of the country:^[2]

Ljubljana is a city built on a human scale and one that puts its people first. The city center has long ago banished cars to make room for more outdoor cafes and restaurants, cultural events, open-air markets, bike lanes, shopping areas. The joy of living in this city emanates from its every corner. Come and let the Ljubljana variety of dolce vita come over you.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, you won’t be disappointed either. Slovenians love sports, preferably outdoors. You’ll find hiking and biking paths in the heart of the city, or you can explore beyond city limits and go for world-class hiking, skiing, white water rafting and other adrenaline experiences.

Attractions in Ljubljana

Top 10 Attractions in Ljubljana (see also video 1&2):^[1]

1. Ljubljana Castle
• Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana's main attraction. 
• You can reach it by funicular railway or climb it on foot. 
• The castle's tower and ramparts offer the most beautiful views of the city. 
• There are two permanent museum exhibitions, two restaurants, a café, and a nightclub.
2. Plečnik’s Ljubljana
• The image of Ljubljana is most marked by the work of the world-renowned architect Jože Plečnik, who also arranged the urban planning of the central part of the city. 
• The famous Triple Bridge belongs among Plečnik's most famous works. 
• You can find the legacy of this great architect in the Plečnik House, where the living areas and the architect’s personal items are preserved.
3. Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge)
• The dragon is a symbol of Ljubljana, which has been proudly reigning in the city coat of arms since the late Middle Ages. 
• Masterfully designed dragon sculptures at the Dragon Bridge (built in 1901) are both scary and magnificent at the same time. 
• If you haven't taken a photo with either one of them, it is considered that you have not really visited Ljubljana.
4. Central Market
• The Central Market, designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik, is the place where the locals shop, but at the same time meet and socialize. 
• It encompasses the outdoor market and the buildings of the covered markets. 
• Every Friday from mid-March until the end of October, the market hosts the Open Kitchen food market.
5. Prešernov trg Square with the Franciscan Church
• Prešernov trg Square is the heart of the historic city center. 
• It is a blend of Baroque, Secession and architecture of Jože Plečnik. 
• His image is marked by the pink façade of the Franciscan Church, which is probably the most recognizable image of Ljubljana, a monument to the poet France Prešeren and Plečnik's Triple Bridge.
6. The City Museum of Ljubljana
• The permanent exhibition of the City Museum of Ljubljana shows the development of the city of Ljubljana from the prehistoric period to the present day. 
• The museum collection comprises tens of thousands of units, and they are especially proud of two findings – the world’s oldest wooden wheel and a wooden arrow that is about 40,000 years old.
7. The Cathedral (Church of St Nicholas)
• The cathedral of the city of Ljubljana, in which the headquarters of the Ljubljana Diocese is located, is the most important Baroque church in Ljubljana. 
• The site where it stands was originally occupied by a Romanesque basilica from the 13th century and was built in 1701 after the first basilica was burnt down by the Turks. 
• It boasts exceptional wall paintings and other artistic heritage.
8. National Gallery of Slovenia
• The permanent collection of the National Gallery comprises almost 600 pieces of Slovenian and European fine art. 
• Among others, there are works of the Slovenian impressionists, the popular Slovenian painter Ivana Kobilca and the famous modernist painter Zoran Mušič.
9. Town Hall
• The Town Hall, the seat of the Municipality of Ljubljana, is an exceptional Baroque palace with Venetian influences. 
• In front of the Town Hall, there is the famous fountain by Francesco Robba, designed in the style of the most beautiful Roman baroque fountains. 
• Every Saturday, you can take a guided tour of the premises of the municipal government, which has been operating here for almost 500 years.
10. Tivoli Park
• Ljubljana’s central park is a popular place for socializing and relaxing. 
• An outdoor gallery at the Jakopič Promenade regularly exhibits interesting large-format photos. 
• Tivoli Park is crisscrossed with walking and recreational paths that continue into the slopes of Rožnik hill and allow an escape to nature from the center of the city.

Video 1.  Why You Should Visit LJUBLJANA Slovenia (YouTube link)

Video 2.  10 Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia (YouTube link)

When to Visit

The climate of Ljubljana is continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The city is located in the central-western part of Slovenia, at an altitude of 300 meters (1,000 feet). The Alps are to the north and the Carso to the south.

Figure 2.  Ljubljana Annual Weather (Source: [6])

References

1. 10 LJUBLJANA’S TOP ATTRACTIONS (official website)
2. A small capital city with a big soul
3. LJUBLJANA travel series by Rok (YouTube video)
4. Free Walking Tour Ljubljana
5. Top 7 Attractions in Ljubljana (Free Tour Community)
6. climatetotravel.com
7. All options to get your ticket - ÖBB

Slovenia Travel—Visiting Lake Bled

Figure 1.  Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is one of the most popular places in picture perfect Slovenia nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps (see Video 1). Lake Bled is famous for its:

• Emerald-green waters
• Small island with a church and an ancient castle on the cliff
• Perfect destination for outdoor and nature lovers 

and can be visited all year round:

• In summer 
• The lake is a popular swimming and rowing destination
• In winter 
• The lake freezes and becomes a fairytale ice skating rink

With unspoiled nature, hot springs and alpine climate it also offers healing properties. No wonder then, that Lake Bled has the longest tradition in tourism in Slovenia and remains to be one of the most popular day trips from the capital city Ljubljana. 

 

Video 1.  Lake Bled, Slovenia (YouTube link)

How to Get There

If you want to make your own way from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, you have two options (check out Rome2Rio):

• Train
• Ljubljana → Train (39m; hourly) → Lesce Bled → Bus (8m; every 30m) → Bled
• Bus
• Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana (or Bus Station) → Bus (1h 6m; hourly) → Bled

Things to do in Lake Bled

In [3], Miriam has highlighted the below things to do in Lake Bled:

1. Visit Bled Castle
2. Wine tasting
3. Hike to Osojnica Hill
4. Stroll along the boardwalk at Lake Bled
5. Taste the famous Bled Cake
• The original Bled cream cake, also known affectionately as Kremsnita is a desert cake with rum and lemon rind. You can get it at most cafes or restaurants in Lake Bled.
6. Row to the Church of the Assumption
7. Kayaking and swimming in Lake Bled
8. Picnic at Lake Bled
9. Slovenia Camping or Glamping
10. Watch the sunrise over Lake Bled

References

1. Free Walking Tour Ljubljana
2. Top 7 Attractions in Ljubljana (Free Tour Community)
3. LJUBLJANA travel series by Rok (YouTube video)
4. 3 best ways to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (good)
5. 10 magical things to do in Lake Bled Slovenia
6. Rome2rio: discover how to get anywhere
• Lesce Bled to Salzburg Hbf (3h 35m)
7. Day trips from Lake Bled

Austria Travel—Visiting Salzburg

Attention: Click here to view a mobile-friendly version.

Salzburg is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, both for its architecture and for its magnificent setting. In addition, Salzburg enjoys a special fame in the world of music as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Figure 1.  Hohensalzburg Castle viewed from Mirabell Garden

What Not To Miss In Salzburg

In [1], you will find out about the must-do and must-see attractions and activities during your time in the city of Salzburg. All of these must-see places are within a few minutes walking from each other.

1. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
2. Getreidegasse and Mozart's Birthplace
3. Mozartplatz Square and the Mozart Statue.
4. Salzburg Cathedral
5. Hohensalzburg Fortress
6. Saint Peter's Abbey
7. Authentic Austrian Street Food
8. Coffee Houses and Cakes
9. City Mountain Views

What if you have more than a Day?

You might want to head into the lake district for lakes and mountains and cute villages. The most popular of these cute villages is Hallstatt, which became the most popular place to visit in Austria overall. 

But there are many more places worth visiting in the Austrian lake district. You might also want to cross the German border to visit Kings lake (önigssee) and/or Hitlers' Eagles Nest in Berchtesgaden. And the third place that can be recommend is Werfen where the world's largest Ice Caves are located (see Video 2).

The lovely Bavarian lake of Königssee is one of the great beauty spots of the region of Germany referred to as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a hiking (and biking) paradise thanks to its vast network of trails.^[11]

One of the most popular things to do is follow the attractive footpath located along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel. Also known as Painters' Corner, it's notable for its superb views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

 

Figure 2.  Hallstatt

Visiting Hallstatt

Situated on the shores of the idyllic Hallstätter Sea, the tiny community of Hallstatt is perhaps the most beautiful example of the many quaint traditional villages waiting to be explored in Upper Austria.^[10]

Using buses and trains are the fastest way to travel by public transportation from Salzburg to Hallstatt:^[3]

If you are coming from Vienna, travel time to the city can last up to 135 minutes via the ÖBB Railjet high-speed train. If you are coming from Salzburg, then the ÖBB Railjet high-speed train will drop you off at Attnang-Puchheim station in just 46 minutes. From Attnang-Puchheim, switch to a local REX train to Hallstatt Bahnhof station in 1hr 21mins. The local train shuttles you in across the lake from town, where you have to take a ferry to get to Hallstatt town proper. 

If you prefer a direct travel from Salzburg or Vienna, then you may take a bus, which gets you in the heart of Hallstatt. Once in the city, you easily explore on foot or on a bicycle. You can either bike on your own or you can join one of the guided biking tours offered.

Video 1.  Salzburg and Surroundings (YouTube link)

Video 2.  Eisriesenwelt (German for "World of the Ice Giants"; YouTube link) 

References

1. What Not To Miss In Salzburg (Free Tour Community)
2. 3 DAYS OF WINTER IN HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA
3. Your official travel guide to Salzburg
• Salzburg Card
4. Großglockner tour (mid May - mid Oktober; 8 hours)
5. Bavarian Mountain tour
6. Sound of Music / Hallstatt Tour (8 hours)
7. Parorama  Tours
• Hallstatt Tour (starts at noon and lasts for 5 1/2 hours)
• Meeting place: Panorama Tours Bus Terminal, Mirabellplatz / corner Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
8. Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour (3.5 hrs)
9. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Salzburg (planetware.com)
10. 14 Top Tourist Attractions in Hallstatt & along the Hallstätter See
11. 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany
12. 9 Top-Rated Day Trips from Salzburg
13. Eisriesenwelt (Ice Cave official site)
1. Salzburg → REX 3Salzburg Hbf (Service run by ÖBB; 42 mins) → Werfen
2. Werfen Train Station → by local bus → Eisriesenwelt
• A local bus system operates a direct shuttle service from Werfen to the Eisriesenwelt parking area / visitor’s center each day at 8:18 a.m., 10:18 a.m., 12:18 p.m. and 2:18 p.m.
14. Best Trails in Schönau a. Königssee
15. BEST THINGS TO DO AT BEAUTIFUL LAKE KONIGSSEE, BAYERN (good)
• If you don’t have your own transport then the number 841 bus takes about 10 minutes from Berchtesgaden Train station (Berchtesgaden Hbf) to Konigssee. As it is a relatively short distance, so you could also catch a cab or even walk – which would take about 40 minutes.
• The Deutsche Bahn (DB) website provides train and bus times from other points of travel within Germany.
• Salzburg Hbf → Bus 840 (49 mins) → Berchtesgaden Hbf → local bus or walk → Konigssee
16. Austria in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph (good)
17. Coronavirus Information in Austria
• FFP2 masks are mandatory in essential shops (e. g. supermarkets, post offices, pharmacies) and when using public transport (last update: 03/07/2022)
18. Best Western Hotels & Resorts
19. SalzburgCard
20. Route Planner (fahrplan.salzburg-verkehr.at)
• fahrplan means timetable
21. All options to get your ticket - ÖBB
22. Frankfurt Airport--COVID-19 test center
• Rapid antigen test: digital test result within 15 to 20 minutes (Antigen Test: 29,00 EUR)
• In our COVID Test Center at Frankfurt Airport in Terminal 1 located in the passage between the long-distance train station and Terminal 1 and in Terminal 2 on level U4/parking garage, you can be tested for COVID-19 by means of an RT-PCR test, an antigen rapid test and an antibody rapid test.
23. Salzburg 14 Day Extended Forecast
24. Obus/Albus Buses: Public Transportation in Salzburg (https://www.salzburg.info)
25. Sbg Vekehr (Salzburg verkehr app)