Ifah SakinahWhile some stressors are actually good for you — like the ones that turn you into a tough cookie and improve your performance — the thought of getting away from it all may have occurred to some. If you’re seeking a laid-back destination to unwind or perhaps retire at, the following is a list of the least stressful cities in the world according to the Least and Most Stressful Cities Index 2021. P.S. — your environment can have a profound effect on your well-being.
The index assesses 500 cities all over the globe, and takes into account a multitude of stress indicators that include the following: safety; unemployment rate; pollution levels; gender and minority equality; and health access. After removing those without reliable data, the list ranks a total of 100 cities accordingly. Without further ado, these are the 10 least stressful cities in 2021.
Top 10 least stressful cities in 2021
Reykjavík, Iceland is the least stressful city for 2021. | Image credit: Mike Swigunski
Reykjavík in Iceland, famous for its geological landscapes, takes the first spot. There, you can feast your eyes upon a magnificent array of wonders such as waterfalls, hot lagoons, and black sand beaches. Plus, the fact that it is the least stressful city certainly adds on to its allure.
Also read: 8 Airbnb Homes in Iceland for When You Finally Make That Trip
Image credit: Andreas Fischinger
Second place goes to Bern, Switzerland. This breathtaking city in Switzerland brims with old-world charm. In fact, Bern’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coming in third place, Helsinki — the capital of Finland — is well-known for its design and architecture. Meanwhile, Wellington in New Zealand and Melbourne in Australia came in fourth and fifth respectively. The two destinations also appeared on the list of the world’s most liveable cities in 2021.
Oslo in Norway takes the sixth place, while Copenhagen in Denmark takes the seventh place. The Nordic cities are an eclectic mix of modern architecture and natural sceneries.
Image credit: A Rosara
Ranking number eight, Innsbruck, Austria is the epitome of postcard-perfect thanks to its quaint villages and unparalleled views. Finally, Hanover in Germany bags the ninth spot; and Graz, another city in Austria made it to the 10th spot.
11th to 20th positions
Image credit: Adrien Olichon
- Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Montreal, Canada
- Vienna, Austria
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Cologne, Germany
- Sydney, Australia
- Stockholm, Sweden
Would you consider visiting or moving to one of these least stressful cities in 2021? If so, which destination would be your ideal choice?
