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24th Sep 2025
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It’s hygge season: how to embrace Danish culture in the North East

It’s officially September which means it’s time to start embracing hygge.

The Danish word and practice that focuses on creating a warm and comfortable environment to experience the good things in life with your favourite people.

Enjoying a cup of tea, reading under a warm blanket and using adorable lamps instead of ‘the big light’ are all ways you’re probably already embracing hygge into your life.

But as we head into autumn, the grey English days in Newcastle will call for a little more comfort. Here’s how to embrace Danish culture in the North East for the cosiest winter yet.

Hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about – or even by yourself – to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.

GETTING OUTSIDE NO MATTER THE WEATHER

One thing the North East has in common with Denmark, is the less than perfect winter weather. But instead of hiding in a pub (oops) they still get out into nature and embrace the elements.

To fully appreciate the calm and quiet of hygge, sometimes you first need to step out of your comfort zone. And the Danish do it best. They incorporate exercise into their day to day with cycling as a mode of transport and running as a ritual – if you’re feeling brave, here’s some local inspiration to leave the house…

10 Women Only Cycling Clubs CHECK IT OUT

10 North East Running Clubs CHECK IT OUT

DANE APPROVED FOOD IN THE NORTH EAST

From cardamon buns to smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to a simple Danish breakfast – the North East has some surprisingly great options that will satisfy your appetite for something hygge to eat.

Foda Whitley Bay CHECK IT OUT

Kith and Kin Whitley Bay CHECK IT OUT

Hjem CHECK IT OUT

Pure Knead Bakery CHECK IT OUT

SAUNA AND SEA DIP: A WELLNESS RITUAL

If you’ve ever swam in the North Sea you already know that the danes are onto something with cold plunging. As hard as it is to get in, you really can’t get out without that euphoric endorphin release that’s known to “shock” your body into happiness.

Still, they take things one step further by contrasting the freezing cold with the hot heat of a sauna or steam.

Here’s how the ritual works:

First heat. Enjoy a session in the sauna to prepare your body for the cold.

Then the dip into ice cold water (don’t forget to breathe).

Now it’s time to rest, allowing your body to relax and your heart rate to slow back down.

Find a Dip Club near you CHECK IT OUT

Sauna and Ice Bath at Kip & Nook CHECK IT OUT

Wood Fired Sauna and Dip in Saltburn CHECK IT OUT

ADOPTING COSY HOBBIES

The hygge lifestyle is all about prioritising relaxation, slow living and cultivating a sense of peace whether it’s alone or with friends and family.

If you’re been meaning to start something new, this is the perfect time to pick up some knitting needles or read that book you’ve had on your shelf for ages. Maybe it’s journaling or baking to clear your mind. Or hiking and gardening to get into nature. There’s no wrong way to find peace in your day.