The latest edition of the World Happiness Report has been published, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Finland continues to lead the rankings as the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year.

Actually, the majority of the top 10 spots are held by Nordic nations, specifically Denmark at number two, Iceland at number three, and Sweden at number four, while Norway takes the seventh position.

The report is compiled by the Gallup World Poll in collaboration with the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

The group responsible relies on information from over 140 nations annually. Although individuals assess their personal well-being subjectively, specialists in fields like psychology, economics, and sociology enhance the accuracy of these assessments through objective analysis using six primary criteria.

The listed factors include GDP per capita (income), duration of healthy life, level of social support, liberty in making important life decisions, degree of generosity, and extent of freedom from corruption.

Traveling has been shown to boost happiness, particularly as our world becomes more unpredictable. However, air travel is often cited as one of the most stressful modes of transportation. Keeping these points in mind, we recommend visiting the following four destinations: happiest countries - Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden – without taking flight. Here’s how you can accomplish it.

Reduce your environmental impact by opting for travel through trains, boats, or vehicles on roads.

Here’s a heads-up: this voyage will be considerably lengthier compared to covering the same distance by air—however, it offers travelers an authentic experience, providing a more leisurely and eco-friendly journey.

Beginning in Iceland, you'll embark on the most extensive segment of your trip.

Throughout the entire year, the M/S Norröna operates weekly trips from Iceland to Denmark with stops at the Faroe Islands. During the months of June through August, the journey lasts approximately two days; however, this extends to slightly above three days when the weather becomes less favorable.

Even though your journey lasts a full day at sea, the ship makes a stop for six hours in Tórshavn during this time. Faroe Islands This implies you have the opportunity to explore an unvisited location.

Passengers can transport their own vehicles aboard the ferry, hence luggage restrictions do not come into play.

One can also view the trip as akin to a cruise ship experience, with 366 cabins accommodating up to 1,482 passengers in total.

They vary from basic couchette accommodations to lavish ocean-facing suites, based on your budget.

The most affordable cabin isn't actually very inexpensive, however. The minimum cost for an individual adult right now stands at €565, covering a standard cabin along with one car parking spot.

You’ll arrive at Hirtshals, a seaport at the top of the Jutland peninsula in northern Denmark. It’s worth spending a little time there as it does have attractive views and impressive lighthouses, but you’ll likely want to travel to the Danish capital of Copenhagen.

Explore the beautiful Danish landscape by train: From Northern Denmark to Sweden

Even though Hirtshals is located 375 kilometers north of Copenhagen, the trip can still be quite enjoyable.

One can opt for traveling by car—or even splurge on a taxi—if one prefers, yet taking the train remains both simple and the eco-friendliest choice.

You will have to board two trains, which operate multiple times daily. The initial one runs from Hirtshals to Aalborg - which lasts slightly more than an hour - and another route from Aalborg to Copenhagen, taking just under five hours. During this trip, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of Denmark’s charming rural landscapes that cannot be seen through an airplane window.

Additionally, there’s a third option involving a train that makes a stop in Hjørring before reaching Aalborg. This route might save you some travel time, though it requires switching trains. Whether this extra step is worthwhile depends on your preference. Regardless of which variation you choose, the ticket price remains reasonable at €72 for a single trip.

Journey by rail over a famous bridge: from Denmark to Sweden

Following your exploration of some of Copenhagen's standout attractions – such as the iconic Little Mermaid statue, the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, and the colorful Nyhavn district – prepare yourself for what will be one of the easiest stops on your journey through the world's happiest nations.

Starting from Copenhagen's Central Station, an abundance of trains head across the border into Sweden.

Actually, trains to Malmö, a progressively more favored Swedish destination, depart every 20 minutes. Copenhagen , with a journey duration of just 35 minutes.

Although it does not draw as many tourists as the capital city, Stockholm, it is brimming with history and attractions.

They feature Lilla Torg, a charming cobblestone plaza dotted with cafés, timber-framed buildings, and stores offering traditional crafts. Also included is Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fort constructed under King Christian III of Denmark, along with what many consider to be among the finest culinary offerings throughout Sweden.

If infrastructure fascinates you, then traveling from Copenhagen to Malmö is also worthwhile.

The Øresund Bridge, an impressive dual-purpose rail and road stay-cable construction, spans the Øresund Strait connecting Denmark with Sweden. At almost eight kilometers long, this engineering marvel ranks as the second-longest European bridge. Additionally, it serves as a cultural symbol, inspiring "Bron/Broen" (known internationally as "The Bridge"), a popular Nordic noir TV series based around the nearby area.

The tickets begin at €18 for a single journey.

Experience the beauty of the Swedish countryside as you travel by train followed by ferry to Finland.

After you've eaten your share of Malmö’s Charming roads—it’s time for yet another lengthy voyage. Do not lose heart, however, because the railway trip from Malmö to Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm covers nearly the whole southern part of the nation.

Single fares from Malmö Central Station to Stockholm start at around €40. These trains operate every hour and take approximately four and a half hours, offering an intimate view of the picturesque Swedish scenery along the route.

Arriving in Stockholm , you have the option to delve into Swedish culture—at least consider visiting the ABBA museum—or proceed further eastward towards Finland.

Regular travelers mention that there are two approaches for traversing the northern Baltic Sea, where the trip typically lasts around 16 hours.

Although many opt for the comparative comfort of a cabin during the night journey, others choose to utilize the distinctive facilities available aboard. To save some money on accommodations, one can enjoy a range of nighttime activities offered on board.

From live performances, pubs, and special theme events to non-stop dance venues for those who have the endurance, there’s something for everyone.

If dancing isn’t your thing yet you wish to fully enjoy your visit, the ferry makes a brief stop at Finland’s autonomous region. Åland .

This route isn’t very crowded, allowing you to choose whether to spend just a few minutes or several days exploring. You might also consider extending your trip to visit neighboring Turku on Finland’s southwest coast, or take a short ferry ride to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

No matter which type of ferry ride appeals to you, it won't empty your wallet - or harm the planet.

The ticket prices start at €96 for a one-way journey, leading you to charming Helsinki—a city that offers attractions throughout the year, including top-tier art museums and famous saunas, as well as the chance to take a rejuvenating dip in the cold Baltic Sea. If this does not put a smile on your face, nothing else will!