Hygge, the Danish concept of cosiness, is now a well-known practice the world over. So, it got us thinking—do the other Nordic countries have their version of hygge?
From Iceland to Norway to Sweden to Finland, we discovered some of the best places that embrace the hygge concept as well as ways you can get that cosy feeling at home.
Iceland has more than just a word for positivity, they have a whole way of life! The saying þetta reddast—“it will work itself out in the end”—is a mantra that all Icelanders live by. With a harsh climate, unexpected natural occurrences—think volcano eruptions—and an isolated location, Icelanders have long had a penchant for living in the moment and taking things as they come.
If you get the chance to head to Reykjavik, visit the quaint bookshop, Ida Zimsen. In typical Icelandic style, the exterior is a muted grey wooden building, but once you step inside you’re welcomed with warm wooden floors, inviting nooks, and shelves stacked to the rafters with books (many of which are in English). Settle down with a coffee in one of the sheepskin-draped leather chairs and spend the afternoon getting lost in a good story.
If Iceland isn’t on the cards, bring the þetta reddast ethos home by savouring small moments or go one step further and bring a bit of Ida Zimsen home by putting the kettle on, grabbing a blanket and losing an afternoon to a gripping read.
The Swedes have their own philosophy when it comes to keeping a positive attitude during winter. Mys, like hygge, is the notion of cosiness and as long as you’re having a pleasant, chilled out time then anything can be mys—from snuggling in with a good film to cosy cafes to brisk winter walks.
To get mys in person, head to Rosendals Trädgård, a picturesque garden and farm shop in Stockholm. Stroll through the vegetable patches and take in all the sights and smells before retreating into one of the vintage white iron glasshouses for fika—a special break for coffee and cake—with a freshly baked cinnamon bun from their wood-burning stove.
If getting to Sweden isn’t feasible, you can easily bring the mys vibe home. Instead of pining for Friday nights out, why not embrace fredagsmys? Do as the Swedes do and order pizza or tacos, get plenty of salted liquorice and settle down to watch a good movie—you’ll forget about the dreary weather in no time.
If you’re looking for something more social, then the Norwegian concept of koselig is for you. Similar to hygge and mys, the Norwegians like to enjoy their cosiness with others—from long walks with friends to spending time with loved ones playing games.
To get the true koselig experience, head to Oslo with a group of friends or family to take in the fresh sea air before heading to Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri, a mecca for beer in the vaults of the historic Schou brewery. With low ceilings, brick walls, and a warming fire, it’s the perfect place for a very koselig night.
If a trip to Oslo seems only a dream, you can easily feel koselig at home—we suggest a long walk with your “support bubble” followed by a night of candlelit card games.
Finland often ranks as the happiest country in the world and it’s not hard to see why! Unlike the ideas of cosiness from Sweden and Norway or the calming attitudes of Iceland, the Finns have a very different approach to keeping the winter blues at bay. Sisu is the idea of putting yourself in tough situations that will make you stronger.
Test your sisu by following the Finns to the sauna. Long a part of the Finnish culture, saunas were once the only sterile places to wash during the harsh winter months. Today, they’re a way of life throughout the Nordic land with nearly one sauna per person in the country of 5.3 million people.
For an authentic experience, head to Löyly on Helsinki’s waterfront—you can’t miss its striking geometric wooden exterior—where they take the idea of communal sauna-ing seriously. Delight in the multiple saunas, relaxation area and access to the sea for that character-building cooldown plunge.
Although most of us can’t sauna at home, we can experience the same invigorating experience by enjoying a candlelit hot bath followed by an ice-cold shower or running into a cold winter’s eve. If that sounds like too much effort then perhaps Kalsarikannit—getting drunk in your underwear at home—is more your thing. If all else fails this winter, why not embrace Finland’s more amusing pastime by enjoying a nice glass of wine in your PJs! Kippis!
