🇩🇰 Why Are Danes So Happy? What is Hygge?

Scandinavian people have always been known as happy people. Denmark, which has been among the happiest countries in the world for many years, says that the secret of this happiness is hidden in the concept of "Hygge". Even books have been written to make this concept useful to people all over the world. The concept of hygge, which comes from the Norwegian word "Hugga", has become the lifestyle of the Danes. This word has the meanings of "giving peace" and "relaxing"; It is accepted as a symbol of warmth and sincerity.

This concept, pronounced as “Hüga” or “Huggah”, is now taught as a course in many universities around the world. Moreover, in 2016 by Oxford "It was honored with the title of

"Word of the Year".

According to the figures of the World Happiness Report presented by the UN in 2023, the happiest countries are as follows:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Israel
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Norway
8. Switzerland
9. Luxembourg
10. New Zealand
11. Austria
12. Australia
13. Canada
14. Ireland
15. USA
16. Germany
17. Belgium
18. Czech Republic
19. United Kingdom
20. Lithuania

What is Hygge: A Philosophy of Life?

Hygge, which emerged in the 19th century, is an indispensable element for Danish culture. According to this philosophy, which aims to enjoy simple things, you do not need a lot of money to be happy. Living in the moment and feeling free from all negative emotions are nuances compatible with hygge. For the Danes, who argue that living a peaceful life is not difficult at all, it is possible to make every moment warm and enjoyable with this philosophical stance.

Seeing the sun in Denmark, which has a cold and harsh climate, is a very special situation for the people living here. However, the fact that the weather is constantly overcast and cold is not a problem for the Danes. Despite the dark weather, these Scandinavian people have a warm lifestyle; He believes that it is possible to make life happy with tiny details. For this society, which opposes the intensity of the modern age, tradition is more prominent. For the Danes, this philosophy of life has settled over time and turned into a complete culture.

To define it from another perspective; According to Meik Wiking, Founder of the Happiness Research Institute, Hygge is consciously being comfortable, but it can also be considered the art of creating a pleasant atmosphere. This is called the pursuit of daily happiness. For introverts, it can also be defined as socializing or enjoying being with loved ones.

Hygge; It is directly linked to relaxation, tolerance, good food, equality and gratitude. In fact, it is a philosophy that directly incorporates and requires all of these. You can also watch a minimal video made with him here:

The Danish Secret to Happiness

The fact that they argue that happiness already exists in daily life is an indication of how deeply the concept of hygge has penetrated into their lives. It is possible to say that simplicity, calmness, modesty and naturalness are among the indispensable elements of this philosophy. The Danes, who nourish everything they do during the day with these concepts, consider hygge as the primary rule of their lives. Taking a break, even for 10 minutes, between daily hustle and bustle and staying calm coincides with the concept of hygge.

The happy life secrets of the Danes, who have a lifestyle that is envied by the whole world, are actually very simple and enjoyable. Hygge, which is in the same league with the concept known as Lykke and meaning "Happiness", is like a tree with many branches. In the meantime, I would like to recommend a few books on the subject:

• Happy as a Dane: 10 Secrets of the Happiest People in the World
• The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
• The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World’s Happiest People

A Cozy Environment is a Must to Be Hygge!

The home environment is very important for Scandinavian people. Instead of finding spending too much time at home "boring", they resort to ways to make it enjoyable.

For Danes, dim light is the most important detail. Using strong, white light at home is not among their preferences. Reading a book or drinking coffee on an armchair next to a floor lamp that emits yellow light can be their greatest asset. Candles are among the indispensable items for these happy people. They can achieve hygge at any time of the day by lighting a few candles at home.

For the Danes, who favor simplicity in home decoration, too much furniture is seen as a cause for fatigue. But this; It doesn't mean that they don't care about decoration at all. They generally prefer wooden, solid furniture when choosing furniture. Because such items have a warm texture.

Vintage pieces are also among the items they use most frequently in their homes. Comfort is always at the forefront for them. For this reason, they always avoid ostentation and overly modern lines in their selection of items. A house with traditional traces is warmer and more enjoyable for them. Sofas with soft cushions and blankets in baskets or spread on the sofas are among the nuances that bring peace to the home.

Although candlesticks and candle holders are their favorite decoration pieces, growing live plants at home is also an important detail of this philosophy. Every touch that will make the house feel warmer is included in the hygge style. Naturalness is at the forefront when it comes to decoration; Sometimes it may mean placing objects such as real pine tree branches, pumpkins, walnuts and leaves on the coffee tables. Peace for the Danes, who love to place family photos on the wall; It means family and ties.

Clean Mind: The Key to the Art of Happiness

The pace of work, responsibilities and difficulties in daily life can be exhausting for everyone. Especially being a slave to technology actually causes the mind to become more tired. However, this is not the case for the Danes. These Scandinavian people, called happy people, usually leave their work-related problems at the door when they step into the house. In addition, things like looking at the phone for hours and watching TV series on digital platforms are also distant activities for them.

The Danes, who put a comma between technology and business life when necessary, manage to become hygge in this way. Despite all the intensity of life, creating a special moment for themselves and resting their minds is a must for them.

Those Who Are Hygge Establish a Warm Bond with Their Home

Danes are home-loving people and they believe that you can have a great time at home, too. Their home, which is a safe and peaceful shelter for them, is the address of small happiness. In order to relieve the tiredness of the day; They wear comfortable clothes, light candles and go to their favorite corner... A hot drink and chocolate are always indispensable. Being the country that consumes the most candles and sweets in the world is also due to their fondness for the hygge philosophy.

For Danes who like to reward themselves, sipping coffee by the fireplace while listening to the sound of crackling wood is priceless.


Sometimes watching the snow or rain falling outside is the greatest wealth for them. For Danes, wearing thick woolen socks and using a blanket at home also means increasing the feeling of warmth. Blankets, which are usually laid out on sofas, may sometimes find their place in a wicker basket. Windows decorated with LED lighting are also among the details that support the atmosphere. These people, who care about valuing themselves, specially design the corner where they want to spend time during the day, without getting lazy.

Hygge is Based on the Concept of "Everyone is Equal"

Danes have made it a rule to help each other whenever they spend time together. When they go to a friend's house as a guest; The table is prepared or gathered together. For these people, who prefer to eat the food they prepare together with laughter, it is never right to burden a single person and ruin things.

For them, things become easier and more enjoyable when done together. Aim; Since it is about enjoying the moment, it is incompatible with hygge for the host to be deprived of this and only deal with the preparations.

Being Grateful is Effective in Making Them Feel Happy

For Danes, who never forget to be thankful every day, being happy with little things is a main idea. These people believe that happiness cannot be achieved with money; He believes that it is better to be grateful for small preparations, a pleasant environment and food. They always find something to make them feel happy in their lives, which are far from ostentation and exaggeration. A pleasant dinner spent at home with their loved ones, reading a book by candlelight, hugging a blanket and looking outside are reasons for gratitude for them.

For these people; Thoughts such as career ambition, the desire to be more successful than others, gaining favor, always wanting more, or being jealous of others are either absent or at a much lower rate than other peoples. They prefer to be happy with what they have and continue their lives this way.

There is No Room for Arrogance in the Hygge Philosophy!

According to this lifestyle, no one has the luxury of being superior to anyone else. In this world where everyone is equal; Career, money or achievements do not make you more important than others. Danes who love spending time together should never worry about proving their own success in any environment. Sarcastic words, hurtful and condescending behavior are never on the agenda of people with hygge. Therefore, one should curb their ego and look at life only as a "human"

The More Comfortable, the Better

Danes have a clothing style that is both comfortable and stylish. Loose and woolen sweaters, scarves and shawls are among the indispensable items for them. They never like clothes that might cause them to compromise their comfort. To be hygge, it is necessary to stay away from exaggeration and ostentation. The most important thing is to be yourself instead of seeking the admiration of others. These people, who adopt a natural and warm clothing style, do not have to worry about proving their beauty or handsomeness to anyone.

Truce Rule Prevails in a Hygge Environment

If you are in a friend or family environment; You cannot talk about topics that may vary from person to person, such as politics and religion. According to the Hygge lifestyle, "Everyone has their own opinion." Chatting about such topics is never preferred because it can damage friendships and relatives and cause tension in the environment to rise.

It is among the principles of Danes to generally prefer small talk and useful conversations based on positive thinking. For them, any depressing conversation is of no use to anyone and serves no purpose other than making the atmosphere tense.

The Bonds of Togetherness of Those Who Follow Hygge are Strong

Spending quality time with their loved ones is extremely important to them. Crowded dinners, celebrations and parties may be their favorite events. According to the concept of Hygge, life is better together. Cheerful conversations and sharing memories have a big place in their daily lives. Danes, who form strong bonds of unity, attach great importance to friendship.

Their Homes are the Safest Shelter for Them

Danes think that people need a shelter to be happy, so they attach great importance to home and decoration. In order to be hygge, it is very important that the house has an atmosphere that is both comfortable and feels good. Therefore, in order to be happy, they try to enjoy every day by designing their homes as best as possible. For the Danes, who naturally incorporate the secret of happiness at home into their lives, there is no difference between a large villa and a small house. It is possible to say that their belief that peace cannot be bought with money forms the basis of their lives.

Being Happy Isn't Actually That Difficult

In fact, for Scandinavian people, staying happy is not hidden in unattainable things. Loving yourself and not neglecting yourself, trying to be happy even with the little things, and focusing on the side of the glass that is always full is enough to become hygge. It is no one's right to be arrogant and to humiliate others. Based on this, happiness is actually a deserved result for these people who see everyone as equal and manage to make good use of their time.

Adopting this lifestyle, where focusing on yourself rather than criticizing the lives of others is at the forefront, can be a new beginning for everyone.