How to hygge in the summer

It’s easy to assume that it’s all about woolly socks and cups of steaming coffee in front of the fire, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hygge isn't strictly for winter - it's something that can be enjoyed all year round.

You can hygge at any time of year and summer is the perfect time of year to make like a Scandinavian and get back in touch with nature.

A Danish summer is very similar to a British summer, with beautiful blue skies and light breezes coupled with bracing, blustery showers and drizzle. But the Danes are a hardy people, and a little rain doesn’t put a damper on the hygge.

Instead of cosy jumpers and candles, summer hygge means enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it’s a paddle in the sea, a laid-back picnic with friends or toasting marshmallows on a campfire, this is the time for making memories and enjoying the warmth.

The beauty of summer hygge is that all the best activities can be enjoyed for free – a fun day at the seaside; a glass of wine in the garden; reading a book in the sunshine.

Take the time to engage all your senses and appreciate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the long, lazy days and balmy nights.

If you want to channel some true Danish spirit this summer, you’ll want to get on your bike.

In 2016, bikes outnumbered cars for the first time in Copenhagen, with thousands of people travelling on two wheels for commuting and leisure.

Ditch the car and get some exercise by exploring your local area by bicycle, and embrace the fresh air and family fun.

But, as we all know, we can’t necessarily rely on the weather. If you don’t fancy a refreshing walk in the summer rain, why not bring the outside in with some beautiful fresh flowers? Or try your hand at a Danish recipe, such as this summer berry Danish braid, or their famous smørrebrød (open sandwiches)?

Remember, as Meik Wiking says in The Little Book of Hygge, hygge is ‘the pursuit of everyday happiness’ – and that means summer just as much as winter.

Hygge can’t be forced, but it can happen at any time, so sit back, relax, and let the summer hygge wash over you. Try out these summertime hygge tips...

6 summer tips for hygge

1. Fruit picking in the countryside
2. Looking for shells on the beach
3. Inviting your friends over for a barbecue and toast marshmallows
4. Starting a vegetable patch
5. Riding your bike through the park
6. Stargazing on a clear, warm night

By Kayleigh Tanner, owner of hellohygge.com, a blog dedicated to the cosier things in life.

Photos by Zalmen Pollak, Carlo Villarica and Hanna Morris on Unsplash