Find out why this is the happiest country, in Lavia, Finland

Details

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  Description

  I've always been a bit of a poor traveler myself, even though I have a strong interest in meeting people from different parts of the world. During my studies, I worked as a tutor and guide for exchange students, which led to many lasting friendships.
  
  Nowadays, I (male, born in 1988) work full-time and live in a small village in western Finland. Even though the village is small, it offers beautiful, postcard-like landscapes (see my pictures), which I like to visit to relax and clear my mind. I also hope to give visitors a positive and genuine impression of Finland, as I truly believe it is a great country to live in.
  
  I spend a lot of time at my family’s old farm and our lakeside cabin, which are both located in the same village. I live on the property together with my mother, and we take care of the general upkeep as a team. She is over 70, and alongside my full-time job, I help her with daily tasks and maintenance whenever I can.
  
  During the summer, I usually stay in the old farmhouse. It has electricity, but it does not include all modern conveniences. For example, there is no shower, and washing water is heated in a large pot. The same applies to the lakeside cabin. Because of this, this place is best suited for people who are comfortable with simple, rustic living and can manage without modern comforts.
  
  We don’t have farm animals anymore, but I do have a cat and guinea pigs, so there will definitely be some animal hair on your clothes. My mother also has a dachshund who absolutely loves people, sometimes a bit too enthusiastically, and really enjoys long walks in the forest.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Photography

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Cycling
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Finland is the happiest country in the world, now for the ninth time in a row (2026). Maybe you travelers can spot the small things in everyday life here that make us the happiest country.
  
  We can't forget the Finnish sauna culture and our clean nature, with its four distinct seasons, and how these elements are integral to our everyday life.
  
  Finnish people can be a bit hard to approach, but when you manage to build a friendship with a Finn, it's a lifelong friendship.

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  Help

  The help we need involves cleaning, organizing, maintaining and doing small repairs both inside and outside. Example projects include cleaning the cellar and an old pigsty, cutting down small trees and bushes, collecting wood and painting buildings.
  
  Alternatively, you might help me work towards my gym and exercise goals as a personal trainer.
  
  There is always something to do here, but I can only host as many people as I can give my full energy and attention to. I want to make sure I can give each Workawayer enough time, attention and a warm welcome so that your stay is as pleasant and culturally rich as possible. For me, it is important that we also have time to connect, share meals and exchange stories, not just work side by side.
  
  If you have skills in building or improving small wooden structures, such as making shelters or terraces, or if you can do small maintenance tasks on roofs without fear of heights, you are especially welcome to contact me. For people with these skills, I can almost always make room in my calendar. We can even plan your visit far in advance, spending time getting to know each other before you arrive.
  
  My calendar is marked in yellow, but please feel free to reach out anytime.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Finnish: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Accommodation is available either in the old farmhouse or at our lakeside cabin. Both offer a simple, rustic lifestyle and a chance to experience authentic Finnish countryside living. The farmhouse is truly retro, filled with details and items from many decades, centuries, and even hints of older times, so there is always something interesting to discover.
  
  The cabin brings you closer to nature with peaceful surroundings, beautiful views, and the classic Finnish outhouse experience. This is not luxury, but something more genuine and memorable. We can choose the option together based on what suits you best.
  
  We share warm, home-cooked meals twice a day, and there is always something to eat available if you get hungry in between.

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  What else ...

  Our village is quite small, but we can find many evening and weekend activities for you. For example, you can explore nature or engage in sports activities. We have a nice small town nearby, but public transportation is non-existent. However, we have bikes, and we can discuss what you would like to see. I can help with transportation using my car.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Enya (3 years)

  Enya is a British Longhair and a spayed female cat. At first, she may seem a little cautious, but it usually only takes about ten minutes before she’s ready to ask for attention and cuddles from new people.

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