Hugge and Fika: Live Your Myth in Scandanavia

By George Manadis

Whoever has ever visited Denmark, Sweden or any of other Scandinavian countries, the first thing they come across is the extreme calmness that prevails among their citizens. Everywhere you go, you see people walking idly, bicycling, swimming in city canals, enjoying a good coffee and/or beer and a bite to eat.

Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Finland are voted constantly as countries where its people enjoy the highest quality of life, innovative education systems and peace and happiness. What is their secret? From where does this perception arises?

Hygge and Fika: Two notions that change lives

Experts attribute the inner happiness and quiet of the Scandinavian people to two major qualities that are incorporated into all aspects of life: hygge and fika. Books and surveys are written, various articles also, all trying to make sense of it all while many countries try to imitate them, with hygge and fika acting now as individual brand names. But what are they?

Starting with Hygge, this is an entire way of life and a philosophy that consists of being in a comfortable, warm and convivial atmosphere. In order to have a hygge environment, lightning is very important. Candles, dim lights and open fires are very important.

Furthermore, the correct food and drinks are also of primordial importance. In the core of hygge lies pleasure and taking a break from the demands of a healthy lifestyle. Try enjoying a homemade cake, a large bowl of coffee, a hot chocolate or even mulled wine will do. If you add to this, a good sofa and comfortable clothes, there you have it: hygge at its finest.

Fika: the Swedish pause that conquers the world

In Sweden, the ritual of fika is a true social institution that started around the 50s. Fika entails a pause for a coffee among friends, colleagues or family members. Coffee can be accompanied with something sweet or with some cheese. Discussion is also a large part of fika.

It started during the 50s when Swedish people started enjoying, after the Second World War, items that were previously considered as luxury. Now it has turned into a daily ritual that organizes and constructs the entire day of a Swedish person. It is only through fika that people interact with each other and also get to know each other.

Approximately two times per day or week, Swedish people get together, with friends or family, somewhere cozy, in a café or at home. People usually do not say “let’s go for lunch or coffee” but say “let’s go for fika”.

Fika is not only part of the private life but also enters the professional life. During fika, we do not speak about work and hierarchy does not play any role. If you try to contact a Swedish administration office around fika time, you will find it difficult to reach anyone.

Both hygge and fika are essential parts of the day of a Scandinavian, qualities that make them happy and peaceful.