Hygge in Copenhagen: Unveiling the Danish Secret to Happiness

Contributed by Kim Barden, The Hive National

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Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. Their secret? Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), a concept that revolves around coziness, togetherness, and enjoying the simple things in life. And what better way to experience hygge than on a trip in and around Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark!

Planning for Happiness

Thanks to Hive Travel, planning this trip was a breeze. They not only suggested fantastic hotels, but also sent tips on what to expect and pack (thank goodness for rain jackets!) We opted to travel in early September, after the peak summer crowds had thinned out, and snagged a great deal on Play Airlines (though be warned, if you're tall or have a lot of luggage, you might want to consider paying extra for legroom).

Landing in Hygge Heaven

Copenhagen greeted us with a sea of bicycles, both parked and weaving through the streets. Seriously, there are bikes everywhere! After dropping our bags at the Scandic Webers hotel (conveniently located near popular sights), we grabbed a classic Danish hotdog and walked along the pedestrian-only Strøget, a haven for shopping and people-watching. We stumbled upon Nyhavn, the picturesque harbor with colorful houses, and even got a friendly (but firm!) reprimand from a king's guard about not sitting on the curb at Amalienborg Palace.

Canal Tour and Cozy Boats

The afternoon was spent on an idyllic canal tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. The sunny weather brought out the true Copenhagen spirit - locals were kayaking, swimming, and sunning themselves by the canals. We even saw some floating rafts with tables (cphraftent.com) that looked like the perfect spot for a hygge evening with friends!

Exploring on Two Wheels

The next day, we hopped on bikes for a 3-hour city tour. It was fantastic revisiting the previous day's sights and discovering many new ones. Our Dutch guide, a Copenhagen resident for 10 years, shared fascinating history and even took us to the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace. We also stopped for made-to-order churros with Nutella - yum!

Viking Adventures and Local Delights

Taking advantage of a rental car, we explored beyond Copenhagen. The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde was a highlight, showcasing the impressive vessels used by these seafaring warriors centuries ago. We stopped at a Lidl to pick up some Danish blue cheese and an assortment of tasty snacks. (Pro Travel Tip: ID/credit cards can double as cheese spreaders when you don't have a knife!) Scandic Roskilde Park Hotel was next to a walking path and park, so we went for a walk after dinner. The park had some unique fitness stations that encouraged a playful approach to exercise. We even saw an area where there were beehives in the park! 

Hygge by the Sea

The weather turned rainy, but that didn't dampen our spirits. Gilleleje, a tranquil fishing village, became our next stop. We found the perfect spot to experience hygge: Brasseriet Gilleleje. This cozy restaurant, with its warm lighting and closely placed tables, was the ideal setting to indulge in Smørrebrød, a classic Danish open-faced sandwich. We opted for the herring and plaice with prawns and caviar varieties - delicious!

Castles, Bikes, and More Hygge

After a night in Fredensborg Store Kro, a charming hotel built in 1723 (originally a guest inn for the nearby Fredensborg Palace), we spent the morning exploring the beautiful castle grounds and gardens on rented bikes from the hotel. (Most hotels in Denmark have bikes that guests can borrow or rent). One unique feature was the “Valley of the Norsemen” section which contained 70 sculptures of farmers and fishermen. We later found out that Fredensborg Palace happens to be the residence most used by the Danish royal family!

Back in Copenhagen, we checked into the artistically-designed 25hours Hotel, where each room has a unique theme and guests can borrow a messenger bag for their travels! We then went to the Iris Gallerie (irisgalerie.store) for a fun eyeball photo keepsake, and for dinner we explored Reffen, a street food haven offering global flavors. Spring rolls, kebabs, and more churros with Nutella (yes, I’m obsessed!) perfectly rounded off the evening.

Taking Hygge Home

This trip to Denmark was a tapestry of cozy moments. From the friendly locals to the delicious food and stunning sights, everything contributed to that special hygge feeling. The amazing Danish design and hygge lighting was at every hotel we stayed in. A huge thanks again to Hive Travel for making everything so easy - we'll definitely be using them to plan our next adventure in search of more hygge!

Enjoy Your Own Hygge

That cozy, comforting feeling is within reach for everyone. Hygge is all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and appreciating life's simple pleasures. I highly recommend the book, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking. It's a quick read filled with practical tips on how to infuse more hygge into your daily life. So, light a candle, snuggle up in your favorite armchair with a soft blanket, and savor a steaming cup of tea or cocoa. Embrace the hygge, Hive Ladies!

If you need help booking your next trip, make sure to fill out the Hive Travel interest form and we would be delighted to help you plan your vacation.