Creating moments you treasure - that is always the goal, right? While on holiday, there are few elements more important than how you experience your location, and perhaps the best way to do that is by embracing the Danish art of 'hygge'. Though it may be a new concept for us, this ancient word embodies the idea of creating comforting, cosy moments wherever and whenever you are.
One of the easiest ways to embrace these small joys is through the local cuisine. Create your own version of hygge while travelling in the place where its concept originated. Regardless of the season, here are some ways to soak up the moment in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Creating cosiness during a Scandinavian spring
As the annual thaw comes in Scandinavia and the landscape blossoms to life once more, Copenhagen becomes a hub of activity, from its harbour to its parks and gardens.
Spring is the perfect time to pop into one of its cosy cafés, where the air is filled with the aroma of rich coffee and freshly baked pastries like Wienerbrød, and grab your treats to go. Take a leisurely stroll through the local neighbourhoods with your drink in hand, or wander along the harbour, watching the comings and goings while sipping your beverage of choice.
Spring is also an excellent time to take a slow walk through Copenhagen's Botanical Garden, ending with a picnic amidst the flowers. However, you don't need a specific event to embrace hygge in the spring; it could be as simple as sitting on a park bench with a friend, enjoying a gourmet Danish hot dog as the world passes.
Embracing hygge in the summer
Sweet summertime - all the ambiance of winter but in a truly different way. Summer is the perfect time to find your version of hygge, perhaps while dining at a sidewalk café, tasting a Danish speciality: the iconic smørrebrød. These open-faced sandwiches are a work of art, each one a miniature culinary landscape.
The base is typically a slice of dense, dark rye bread, upon which a symphony of flavours is carefully arranged. Smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, pickled herring with onions, or roast beef with remoulade are just a few of the countless combinations available. Each bite is a journey through Danish culinary traditions.
Copenhagen has farmers' markets brimming with local produce and colourful flowers and pick-your-own farms where you can harvest berries and fruit. The capital city's culinary scene is filled with incredible restaurants serving Danish and international dishes and setting the tone for hygge moments over a glass of wine or with a local beer. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a rich stout, or a crisp pilsner, there is a Danish brew to suit every taste.
Delighting in the comforts of autumn in Copenhagen
There's a magic that envelopes Copenhagen during the autumn months, creating a sensory delight at every turn - particularly for the tastebuds. The cobblestone streets, lined with charming townhouses, are adorned with golden foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for the city's culinary adventures.
The heart of Copenhagen's autumnal culinary scene lies in its cosy cafés and traditional restaurants. Stepping inside one of these establishments wants to enter a warm embrace, the perfect antidote to the crisp autumn air outside. Sample simmering stews or tempt yourself with frikadeller, Danish meatballs perfectly spiced and served with gravy. Of course, sitting aside the ocean, Copenhagen's seafood offerings are just as enticing.
For those with a sweet tooth, the bakeries of Copenhagen are a treasure trove. The scent of warm cinnamon and cardamom wafts through the air, luring you in with promises of cinnamon swirls, apple strudels and almond croissants, amongst other seasonal delights.
The pinnacle of hygge seasons: winter
While winter can be harsh in northern Europe, the Danish have perfected the art of making the most of each season and creating hygge at every opportunity, making it easy for you to do the same. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head to one of the city's open-air ice rinks, or settle in around a fireplace in an intimate restaurant.
Winter is the perfect time of year to explore Copenhagen's many museums, such as The National Museum, or the many stalls of Torvehallerne, Copenhagen's incredible indoor food market. In addition to finding regional meats and cheeses, including local Havarti, there are plenty of stalls selling delicious Danish meals.
Visiting during the festive season brings a new opportunity for incredible hygge moments, with twinkling lights overhead and the spiced scents of winter all around Copenhagen's Christmas markets.
These markets are the perfect place to sample local seasonal delicacies, such as Æbleskiver, and sip limited-edition Christmas beers. No Christmas market visit is complete without nibbling on Christmas cookies, with Danish favourites including Jødekager, Pebernødder and Brunekager.
It's always the perfect time of year for culinary exploration in Copenhagen, for savouring the season's flavours and embracing the warmth and cosiness of Danish hospitality. This is a city of rich and comforting culinary traditions that make it easy to embrace hygge regardless of the season in which you are visiting.
So, if you are a traveller with a passion for food and the desire to create meaningful moments, Copenhagen is waiting to welcome you with open arms and a plate full of regional delights.
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