Overview

• Kassel achieved the highest score in the 2025 Glücksatlas with 7.44 points while Rostock recorded the lowest at 6.08.
• Most of Germany’s 40 major cities saw higher average life satisfaction than in 2024.
• Smaller, green and secure cities outperformed larger metropolitan areas in the latest rankings.
• The gap between top-ranked and bottom-ranked cities has widened, highlighting growing regional inequality in happiness.
• Researchers point to strong social relationships, meaningful work and gratitude practices as key drivers of well-being.