Hygge: One of the best parts of Danish culture

Written by: Grace Beaster a student from: Open Campus Sring Block 1 2025

One of the best parts of Danish culture that I’ve discovered while here is a concept called “hygge”. Even right now, as I'm writing this sitting in a cafe a few minutes’ walk from our study center, I’m surrounded by hygge. I'm at a cozy little table, surrounded by small groups of people chatting or studying quietly. The lighting is dim and warm, with a small candle burning brightly at each table. I ordered a chocolate croissant and a hot chai served in a large mug. This, to me, is the definition of "hygge". It centers around the coziness of winter; big sweaters and scarves, indulgent desserts, creamy hot drinks, and, of course, candles and warm lights. It captures the best parts of this otherwise cold and dark season. 

Not only does hygge incorporate these items of physical warmth, though, it includes those intangible feelings of warmth and satisfaction that come to the surface when you spend time with the people you love. These things, the Danes excel at. They seem to put family and friends above everything else, having the shortest work week of any country in the world and maintaining a strict work-life balance. In fact, this is such an integral part of their lives that cafes don't allow you to take out a computer to complete any amount of work during the weekends. My friends and I made that mistake our first week here, as we were still learning a lot about Danish culture, and we were approached by a waitress and asked politely to put away our computers while we enjoyed our drinks. 

Now that my open campus block in Copenhagen is almost done, I’ve been reflecting on the ways that Danish culture has changed my habits and routine. I realized that so many parts of the culture have slowly become a part of my mindset now. I’ve found myself focusing much more on finishing my schoolwork during the week, so that the weekend can be solely reserved for spending quality time with friends, exploring the city, and relaxing with a warm drink. It’s been such an amazing experience to spend six weeks in Copenhagen and I know I’ll carry little bits of the Danish lifestyle back to my life in the States.