There is a Danish concept that might just change the way you think about time in nature. It is called hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). There is no direct English translation, but it captures something most of us recognise instantly: the feeling of being warm, comfortable and exactly where you are supposed to be, with the people you love most.
Hygge is about:
- Warmth and cosiness, indoors and out
- Slowing down and being present
- Simple pleasures shared with good company
- Feeling sheltered, safe and content
Most people picture hygge as a candlelit room with thick socks and hot drinks. But hygge is not limited to four walls. Some of the most hygge moments you will ever experience happen outside, gathered around a campfire, wrapped in a cosy camping blanket, watching the sky darken and the stars appear.
Why it matters for your wellbeing
Research shows that spending just two hours outdoors each week can significantly boost your mental and physical health. Add the warmth and togetherness of hygge to that time outside, and something really special happens.
The benefits include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Stronger connections with family and friends
- Improved mood and mental wellbeing
- A genuine sense of rest and restoration
Here are five simple ways to bring hygge to your next trip outdoors.
1. Gather Around a Campfire
Nothing says hygge quite like a campfire. The warmth, the glow, the way it draws everyone in. It is almost impossible not to slow down and be present when you are sitting around a fire.
Whether you are at a sustainable UK campsite, a glamping site, or somewhere more remote like wild camping in the UK, creating a proper campfire setup is the foundation of a hygge outdoor experience.
Gather everyone close, set up your chairs, wrap up in your camping blankets, and let the conversation flow naturally. The Danes will tell you: the fire does most of the work.
Tips for a hygge campfire:
- Build a perfect cosy campfire setup before it gets dark
- Bring extra logs so no one has to leave to find more
- Position chairs close enough to feel the warmth
- Put your phone away and let the fire hold your attention
2. Wrap Up Warm and Stay Longer
One of the core principles of hygge is comfort. Comfort outdoors means staying warm enough to actually enjoy yourself. The moment you start shivering, the magic starts to fade.
Investing in the right kit makes all the difference. A good quality camping blanket is one of the most versatile things you can pack. It keeps you warm at the campfire, adds an extra layer in the tent, doubles as a picnic blanket on warm afternoons, and makes the whole experience feel a little more considered and special.
3. Slow Down and Be Present
Hygge is not just about things. It is about how you spend your time. In a world that moves fast, it is a deliberate choice to slow down.
Spending time in nature lends itself to this. There is no commute, no inbox, no scrolling. Just the sound of the trees, the smell of the fire, and the people around you.
Research shows that time in nature improves relationships and communication with family and friends. Time without distraction deepens connection in ways that everyday life rarely allows. This is hygge in action.
Hygge moments to look out for on your trip:
- Watching the sunrise before anyone else is awake
- Sitting quietly together without needing to fill the silence
- Playing cards or simple games by lantern light
- Taking a slow morning walk before breakfast
For more on the science behind why time outdoors does you so much good, read our post on the top science-backed health benefits of being in nature.
4. Make Warm Drinks a Ritual
In Denmark, a warm drink is never just a warm drink. It is a signal: we are stopping, we are together, this moment matters.
Bring the drinks you love. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or even a warming mulled cider in autumn. The ritual of making and sharing them is as important as the drink itself.
Pair this with your blanket, your campfire, and the company of people you love, and you have the most hygge moment imaginable, under an open sky.
5. Choose Your Location Thoughtfully
Where you spend time shapes the mood of the whole trip. Hygge thrives in places that feel warm, natural, and a little tucked away from the world.
Look for locations with a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, this can be spending the day at the beach, walking in forest or even having a campfire in your own backyard.
What Exactly is Hygge?
Hygge is a Norwegian and Danish word with no direct English translation. It describes a quality of cosiness, warmth, comfort and togetherness that makes everyday life feel meaningful and worthwhile.
According to Visit Denmark, hygge is less a thing and more a feeling. The feeling of being content, safe and connected. It is why the Danes consistently rank among the happiest people in the world, despite long, dark winters.
The word gained global attention following Meik Wiking’s bestselling book The Little Book of Hygge, published in 2016.
Key elements of hygge:
- Warmth and comfort: physical and emotional
- Togetherness: being with people who make you feel at ease
- Presence: putting down devices and being in the moment
- Simple pleasures: good food, warm drinks, candlelight, and blankets
- Safety: a sense of being sheltered from the world
Why Hygge Works So Well Outdoors
The Danes and Norwegians have a saying: There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. It reflects a deep cultural belief that nature is not something to be avoided, but something to be embraced, with the right preparation.
Studies from the University of Exeter found that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature report significantly higher wellbeing and health. The top 50 wellbeing benefits of camping covers many of these in detail.
The Mental Health Foundation also highlights how connecting with nature reduces stress, anxiety and low mood. All things that hygge addresses in its own way, through warmth, presence and human connection.
Together, outdoor time and hygge create something powerful: a space where people slow down, reconnect, and feel genuinely at ease.
Hygge Time in Nature: What to Bring
You do not need much. Hygge is about simplicity. But a few well-chosen items make all the difference:
- Cosy blanket, the single most important hygge camping item
- Soft battery-powered lanterns for warm evening light
- Thermos flasks for hot drinks away from the fire
- Comfortable outdoor chairs positioned close together
- Simple, satisfying food you genuinely look forward to
- A few familiar comforts from home: a favourite mug, a well-worn jumper
Embrace the Hygge Lifestyle
Hygge is not a trend. It is a way of being. Spending time in nature makes it surprisingly easy to access.
You do not need a perfect location, perfect weather, or expensive gear. You need warmth, the right people, and a willingness to slow down.
Learn more:
- What is Hygge? — Visit Denmark
- The Little Book of Hygge — Meik Wiking
- How Nature Benefits Mental Health — Mind
- Two Hours in Nature Does You Good — University of Exeter
- Nature and Mental Health — Mental Health Foundation
- Top 50 Wellbeing Benefits of Being in Nature — Collette Costello
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