Long Summer Days
As the weather warms up in places like the US and the UK, many of us start looking forward to spending more time outdoors. In Scandinavia, where winters can feel long and dark, summer brings extended daylight hours and a chance to be outside as much as possible. Though it isn’t summer yet, it will arrive before long. In this post, we explore how Scandinavians embrace “hygge” during the summer months — enjoying simple pleasures, relaxed company, and nature.
What is “Hygge”?
Hygge is a Danish concept that doesn’t translate precisely into English. It describes a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being found in simple moments — sharing a warm drink with loved ones, enjoying a leisurely meal, or savoring quiet time. The word appears in many forms (hyggelig, hyggeligt, hygger) and functions as noun, verb, and adjective. Hygge is woven into Scandinavian life: it encourages slowing down, appreciating small comforts, and connecting with others.
The Popularity of “Hygge”
Hygge gained international attention around 2016, when books and articles introduced the idea to readers in the US and UK. Titles such as The Little Book of Hygge and feature stories about Danish coziness sparked curiosity and inspired people to bring hyggelige elements into their homes. While these guides are helpful, hygge cannot be manufactured by decor alone. It’s a mindset that grows from balancing work and leisure, prioritizing relationships, and taking care of emotional well-being. Candles and soft cushions can help set the mood, but the core of hygge is making time to enjoy life.
Summer “Hygge”
Many portrayals of hygge focus on winter traditions — cozy fires, candlelit gatherings, and festive baking. Scandinavians certainly embrace those winter comforts, but hygge is just as present in summer. Long, light evenings and warmer weather create their own hyggelige rhythms. Here are a few common summer habits that capture the spirit of hygge.
1. Hanging Out With Family and Friends
Spending time with loved ones is central to hygge. In winter that might mean baking together, playing board games, or chatting over coffee. In summer, the possibilities expand: beach visits, backyard gatherings, late-night conversations under the lingering daylight. Scandinavians relish long evenings when the sun sets late, enjoying relaxed meals, drinks, and games outdoors. Those easy, unhurried moments among family and friends are quintessentially hyggelige.
2. Spending Time in Nature
Being outdoors is a natural part of Scandinavian summer hygge. Trips to nearby islands or coastal towns, walks in the woods, harbor-side ice cream stops, and countryside bike rides are all common. After long, darker winters, residents seize the chance to soak up sunlight and fresh air. Rain is part of the climate, but it rarely spoils the mood — a sudden shower might mean moving indoors for a cozy card game or baking session until the sun returns.
3. Enjoying Good Food and Drinks
Food and drink play a major role in summer hygge. Long, relaxed dinners—often outdoors—allow conversations to flow and time to stretch. Grilling, picnics, and simple seasonal dishes are favorites, and meals can easily become multi-hour affairs as people savor both the food and the company. Summer beverages and lighter desserts are popular too; seasonal flavors like elderflower appear in refreshing drinks, and fresh produce stars in tarts and salads. These shared meals and treats help create lasting, hyggelige memories.
What are your thoughts on hygge? Share your experiences or ideas in the comments below — we’d love to hear how you create hyggelige moments throughout the year.