What is hygge?

The hard to explain and even harder to pronounce, the Danish word hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) has gained popularity around the world. It roughly translates to "coziness" but means much more. So what exactly is hygge? Read on to find out!

Hygge is as Danish as æbleskiver, and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. Essentially, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Warm candlelight is hygge. Cozy time with your loved one before watching a movie is also hygge. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting with friends and family discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.

Hygge does not come from Danish, but from Old Norse, where it meant something like “well-being.” It first appeared in Danish writing around the end of the 18th century, and the Danes have adopted it since then. The good thing about hygge is that it can be used anywhere, and the Danes generously allocate it to everything ordinary, as you will certainly see when visiting Denmark.

If you're planning to visit Denmark during the summer months, don't despair. Hygge is something that happens all year round. Picnics in the park, barbecues with friends, outdoor concerts, street festivals and bike rides can all be very hygge, especially in Danish style. If you don't know where or how to start your hygge adventure, the Hygge and Happiness Tour can help. This will surely show you how to find your own hygge happy place. You can also take a ride on GoBoat, one of Denmark's solar-powered self-driving boats. We're not going to tell you where hygge is. Only that you have to do it!

The high season of hygge is Christmas. The Danes lead a secular lifestyle, but when it comes to religious holidays, they don't stop there. Danish winters are notoriously long and dark, so the Danes fight the darkness with their best weapon: hygge and the millions of candles that come with it. If you've ever been to Tivoli Gardens or walked the streets of Copenhagen during the festive season, you know what the Danes can do with lighting, mulled wine (known as glögg to the locals), blankets and huge scarves. If not, maybe it's time to try.