Hygge is not just for Christmas

January 10th, 2018

Hygge, the Danish concept that became a world sensation no one could stop talking about. What is it about this phenomenon that is so special that has caused hundreds of articles, several books and guides, and has created a huge international interest worldwide?

It is not a new, or a Danish concept per say, it exists in all countries and cultures – the Danes just have a name for it. The word itself does not have a clear translation. Some would say ‘coziness’ or ‘togetherness’, but it is so much more than just that. It actually originally comes from the neighboring country, Norway, and means ‘well-being’, and it was not until the 18th century that it was first noted down and developed as a Danish concept and way of life.

So now to the trying-to-explain-hygge-part: It is not something tangible nor something you can necessarily see. It is both a feeling and an experience, and it can be completely different depending on the person, the time of the year and the activity being conducted. For some, hygge is hanging out with friends and having a beer whilst talking about everything and nothing, for others it can be enjoying the solitude in nature when taking a walk on a crisp autumn morning. Hygge can be with friends or alone, inside or outside, during winter and during summer, for old and for young – the important thing is that you enjoy it!

Our cozy lounge at Zleep Hotel Copenhagen City

For many, Christmas is the most hyggelige time of the year. However, the darkness and cold remains long after Christmas, and so does the hygge. There are still beautiful lights on every street, the cold allows you to wear super cozy sweaters and big scarves, candles are lit all the time and everywhere, and naturally, you still enjoy social events with family and friends. Hygge is all about the social atmosphere, taking it easy and not thinking too much about things, but instead enjoy the moment and take in the surroundings. Hygge is an all year round experience, but maybe even more necessary during the last cold months before spring. You need some cheering up and something to look forward to when the depressing weather is getting you down. What better way to get you in a better mood than hygge?

Try the hygge experience at one of our hotels! Today, many of our Zleep hotels have modern lounges and common areas, and we always try to create good surroundings with a cozy and warm atmosphere. Come sit down with your family and friends, or try talking to someone new, and enjoy a beverage and snacks from the bar. (Psst, you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to be able to enjoy our lounges!) If you are staying at Zleep Hotel Copenhagen City, you are just a few minutes away from Tivoli, probably the most hyggelige place of all, no matter the season! Enjoy traditional Danish food and drinks, or the many other options you have in the big park. If you feel like something more secluded and private for you and your partner, then check out our weekend deal in Kalundborg (NB: The hotel is no longer a Zleep hotel). It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy a weekend at the beautiful hotel right by the sea. Come relax, enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Naes, and just take in the moment and pleasure of being together away from the everyday stress. Hygge is about being with the people you love and eating and drinking in a cozy atmosphere. It is a philosophy and a way of living that revolves around understanding the importance of simplicity, to concentrate on the moment itself and slowing down the otherwise so stressful pace of life. Kalundborg is the perfect place to do this; with its secluded location right by Kalundborg Fjord and surrounding nature, it is the ideal place to unwind with a glass of wine in the afternoon, looking out over the fjord.

A beautiful winter morning by Zleep Hotel Kalundborg

Danes have often been named ‘the happiest people in the world’, and this might very well have to do with the hygge concept and the fact that they prioritize taking time to do things they enjoy and things that make them happy. It might have started in Denmark, but you can hygge wherever you are, so why not start now and apply the Danish philosophy to your everyday life. There is nothing stopping you from setting aside time to create a hyggelig atmosphere and do nothing but enjoy the moment, alone or with family and friends.

Come hygge with us at one of our hotels. We look forward to welcoming you!