Hygge is a term used by Danes to embody the sense of coziness, happiness, and well-being of simple everyday moments. This peace and mindfulness can be fostered in one's physical surroundings and state of mind. Curling up with a book, lighting a candle, spending quiet time in nature, and sharing a meal with loved ones are just a few examples of hygge.
Copenhagen is a city rich with history, innovation, and high quality of life. The countless parks, cafes, and restaurants create a vibrant social scene and a noticeable sense of community. The locals prioritize a strong work-life balance which I have come to love and appreciate. The state-of-the-art public transportation system makes it easy to explore the neighborhoods that make up the city. Each area offers a unique hygge experience. For example, Vesterbro is a hotspot for hipster cafes, vintage shops, and a busy nightlife, while Norrebro is known for its multicultural atmosphere and diverse food scene.
Overall, Copenhagen perfectly balances its modern urban landscape with relaxing green spaces and beautiful canals. From my long checklist of sights to see and bakeries to visit, my favorite activities have been exploring Freetown Christiania, studying the Royal Danish Library, and indulging in a cinnamon from Copenhagen’s oldest bakery, Sankt Peders Bageri.
With Denmark being a world leader in sustainability, biking is an integral part of the culture, with around 500,000 people on the expansive bike paths everyday in Copenhagen alone. This is made possible by the bike friendly infrastructure the city has implemented including bike only lanes, bike traffic lights, and ample parking racks. Biking has been one of my favorite aspects of studying abroad in Copenhagen. It has made commuting to class and exploring the city’s numerous neighborhoods so easy and convenient! Many locals have cargo bikes which have large wagons attached to the front to transport bundles of groceries, dogs, or even entire families!
Apart from biking, the sustainable lifestyle can be seen in the architecture and practices that the Danes incorporate into every aspect of their lives. With its angular shape and green rooftop, Copenhill is an impressive, cutting-edge piece of architecture that has taken innovation and sustainability to a whole new level. While it is primarily used for converting the city’s waste to renewable energy, it also doubles as a recreational area with a synthetic ski slope, rooftop park, and Europe’s highest climbing wall. From sorting waste into 12 categories to distributing surplus food through the app Too Good to Go, I am constantly inspired by the city and its residents’ commitment to living “green” and supporting the planet’s health.
As the winter months approach, maximizing the hygge is becoming even more important to counterbalance the limited sunshine and colder temperatures. I have prioritized meeting and spending time with new people, as well as savoring the simple everyday moments like making a warm cup of tea or biking by the water on my way to class.
I am excited to continue to bike my way through Copenhagen and to discover new ways to adopt a hygge lifestyle!
Isabel George
Fall 2024
DIS Copenhagen: Study Abroad in Scandinavia
Milken Institute of Public Health
Public Health Major