By Ingrid Friberg & Tegan Ross.
A tiny museum tucked into a side street promises to answer one of life’s biggest questions: how do we become happier? In the world’s second “happiest country,” the answer draws on actual research.
Down the stairs from a street in Copenhagen lies a museum, entirely based on the fact that Denmark often ranks one of the happiest countries in the world. Run by the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark, it presents ideas on how happiness is measured, compared, and interpreted around the world.
Since its opening in 2020, the museum offers interactive exhibits, philosophical questions, and global data. Visitors can learn how happiness is understood across different cultures, and why Denmark keeps landing near the top.
What do the numbers show?
Catarina Lachmund is a senior analyst at the Happiness Research Institute. “The World Happiness Report measures life satisfaction around the globe”, she says.
According to the World Population Review and their Happiness Report, Denmark is consistently ranked among the happiest nations on Earth. But this high happiness doesn’t just arise from sunshine or wealth. It’s about a strong work-life balance, trust in institutions and a strong social safety net.
The World Happiness Report ranks countries by factors like GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceived corruption. Denmark scores highly across the board, particularly in trust and social support.
One exhibit suggests possible explanations for Danish happiness, which could be down to free access to nature or the wealth of the country. Another welcomes visitors to write down what makes them happy on colourful post-its. Among them are: “Sunshine and time laughing with friends,” “laughing until you’re crying with childhood friends,” and “the ability to be the real you”; all highlighting the simple pleasures whilst navigating a busy life.
“Perhaps we are looking in the wrong places”
“We all seem to be looking for happiness, but perhaps we are looking in the wrong places,” says Catarina Lachmund at the Happiness Research Institute. “We have gotten richer as societies but often failed to become happier. The interest in happiness research is growing steadily.”
The think tank opened the museum to share what knowledge they have on what happiness actually is. “We hope that our visitors leave the museum a little wiser, a little happier, and a little more motivated to make the world a better place”, Catarina Lachmund says.
Acts of kindness, and lost bags
So, what do Danes themselves think? What is it that makes them so happy? We asked the young population about their ideas.
Selma Larsen and Freja Schou, two friends from Copenhagen, believe happiness lies in spontaneity and sharing simple moments with others.
“Here in Copenhagen at least, there is a lot of opportunities. Anything that you want to do, in the moment, you can kind of grab it”, Selma Larsen says.
Freja Schou also describe how acts of kindness are simply part of daily life, in Denmark, and how being open to help others might be an important reason for happiness.
“There was a lady that dropped her bag in the water. And then, we saw a girl in a kayak, going by. And then she picked the bag up for her and gave it to her again. We thought it was so sweet, and we just… it was a normal thing to do.”
Arthur Løvgren and Merete Sparvath, visiting Copenhagen from Aarhus, find happiness in quality time with loved ones.
“I think what makes me happy is spending time with my family especially and my friends when not working”, Arthur Løvgren adds.
They also note how Danes value sun and warmth. Merete Sparvath says the weather makes her happy. “Because when it’s good, it’s really good.”
Mille Antvorskov, Naya Mai Morgensen and Lucca Emilie Morgensen are sitting and talking by the water. They all agree that spending time together is essential to their happiness.
“Hanging out with friends, just having a good time,” Mille Antvorskov says. “We go for coffee a lot.”
The Danish secret to happiness
So, why do Danes seem so happy? Beyond high rankings and social policy, it’s their everyday habits that seem to make the real difference.
Arthur Løvgren sums it up simply:
“We love our jobs, but I think we love our free time more than focusing on jobs. So, we spend more time appreciating freedom, I guess.”
If this is the final answer remains a mystery, even though the Happiness Museum offers some reflections. While Denmark’s trusting society plays a major role, it’s the daily routines of connection, kindness, and balance that appear to define Danish happiness. The kind of joy that’s hard to measure, but easy to feel.