Copenhagen and 'Hygge'

Learning to understand 'Hygge'

I have been fortunate enough to come across an Aussie bloke whom I became good friends with over the last 6 months. This Aussie happens to share the same interest in spontaneous travel that I do. So we booked a little trip to Copenhagen with himself and my brother. Little did we know that this trip would teach us some very important lessons about the Danish term 'Hygge'. 

 A rushed trip to the airport, a long security queue and a very expensive late check-in fee set the tone for a terrible airport experience (never travel with an Aussie). After a sigh of relief when we just about made it to the gate and a 2 hour flight later, we arrived in Copenhagen. 

Within the first hour we had a visa issue and a train door closing before all of us could board. This trip was not looking good. The sun was splitting the stones, as we rose from the depths of the underground metro in a small island-like area called 'Christianshavn'. Life was a little slower here than we had ever seen before. Bikes everywhere, but no one rushing. People everywhere, but no one running to catch their next bus or metro. It was just living. 

As we sat and sipped our first of many incredible coffees, said Aussie bloke speaks up. Maybe all the problems that happened this morning was a sign. A sign that we were moving too fast for the lifestyle we were about to experience in Copenhagen. He was right. The pace of our trip slowed down and we enjoyed every moment that Copenhagen has to offer us - waiting for 30 minutes to get some cocktails at the well-established Bird, spending endless hours along the canal with shop-bought drinks with nowhere to be, or taking a bike to find some of the best cafés on offer.

Everyone here seems to cherish the time they spend with friends and family, and enjoy the peace of life outside of the daily rush - 'Hygge'.