How to digital detox in Finland

Modern life involves a lot of screen time. For many of us, work, leisure and downtime all happen online. While convenient, it can also be exhausting. Digital detoxing, the active decision to cutting down on computer time, turning off application notifications, shutting down news sites and allowing for more tech-free time, has proven effective for many. A digital detox can help fight anxiety, enhance your self-esteem, and allow for better sleep.

If you’re ready to take a break from the constant stream of notifications, Finland offers some of the most accessible and inspiring places to unplug.

In Finland, named the world’s happiest country eight years in a row in 2025, being AFK – away from keyboard – means tuning back into nature, not tuning out. A life spent AFK means choosing to find meaning outside of the digital world and looking for natural beauty, cultural traditions, and a slower pace of life. Even though Finland has some of the fastest internet connections in the world, stepping away from your device here feels natural. Whether it’s watching the sunrise from a lakeside cabin or hearing the crunch of snow underfoot, Finland makes it easy to feel present again.

Instead of thinking of digital detox as “disconnecting,” many Finns see it as a return to something more essential. The Finnish way of digitally detoxing often involves an escape to nature. This means a cottage holiday in the countryside, or a simple walk in the nearby forest. Reconnecting with nature, whether it be sitting by the 188 000 lakes, the nearly 50 000 kilometres of coastline or the acres upon acres of forest, is extremely easy in Finland.

Below, you'll find relaxing nature experiences around the country to add to your holiday.

In Finland, silence is not something to be filled. It’s something to be enjoyed. That’s why many favourite Finnish pastimes happen quietly: hiking, canoeing, and berry picking. These slow activities don’t require instructions or tight schedules. They help you focus, gently, on the present moment.

Even in the cities, it’s easy to find calm. In Tampere or Turku, a swim or short forest hike is never far away. In Helsinki, you can paddle through protected waters in the eastern archipelago or walk through ancient forests in Central Park.

Finland also takes quiet seriously at an urban level. In central Helsinki, innovative green noise walls are being tested to reduce traffic noise and create more peaceful outdoor spaces. The project is part of the city’s wider effort to support sustainable, liveable urban environments, and reflects how seriously Finns value their acoustic comfort – even in the heart of the capital.

Looking to add peaceful urban experiences to your holiday? Below you'll find city-meets-slow-travel inspiration.

Finland’s accommodation options are designed to help you unwind. Whether you're seeking solitude, fresh air or a beautiful setting that invites you to put your phone away, you’ll find plenty of places that feel naturally restful. But what makes Finland truly special is the way many of its stays are integrated with nature, architecturally distinctive, and deeply rooted in local culture.

Here's a look at some of the unique places to stay during your digital detox.