It is the little moments of happiness that often make a huge difference. The special tea, the fragrant candle, the extra chat with your girlfriend or a particularly delicious family dinner together during the week, just like that. The Danes have shown us how it's done and we would like to recommend the Danish "Hygge" to you again, especially for this winter in Berlin
But what is hygge actually? From a walk to an afternoon of handicrafts to a cosy café in the sunshine, it can really be anything you enjoy. Enjoy the moment, do something good for you and your loved ones. 11 Berlin inspirations for your very own little happiness.
Tip 1: Cosy hours by the fireside
A fireplace always creates a very special homely atmosphere, it is warm, cosy and there is something very calming about watching the flickering flames. Because very few of us have our own fireplace at home, we've put together a list of 11 places with fireplaces in Berlin. Warm up, sit back and enjoy some good times by the fire with your loved ones.
11 tips for cosy hours by the fireside
Tip 2: Sweet à la Hauptstadt
Even if the smell of crepes and waffles is no longer wafting from the Christmas markets everywhere, you can still get your hands on delicious and sweet treats in Berlin: smoothies, waffles, Lookma, vegan donuts and much more. We have put together the best tips for you. For everyone who likes sweets!
Tips for sweet desserts in Berlin
Tip 3: Take a deep breath - 11 wonderful winter walks
As we all know, there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. The numerous parks and gardens in the capital not only offer plenty of space, but also variety for beautiful walks. From the Grunewald to the Botanical Garden, from Tempelhofer Feld to the Tiergarten, and yes, even the outdoor areas of the zoo and animal park are inviting for excursions. Audio walks are a particularly good way to switch off and relax. You can listen to some exciting stories while strolling through Berlin.
Tip 4: Visit the Buddhist House in Berlin
You will find pure tranquillity when you visit the Buddhist House in Berlin. The house is considered the most important Buddhist site in Western Europe. Everyone is welcome to visit the house and garden. Mindfulness seminars and meditations are also offered regularly. If you're looking for more places of tranquillity, check out our Sustainable Berlin page. Here you will find tips for excursions to sustainable places, as well as tips for vegan and sustainable restaurants and sustainable shopping in Berlin.
Tip: The Buddhist House is also open for you at the turn of the year and invites you to a New Year's Eve snack from 8 pm - midnight and to a midnight meditation from 11.45 am - 0.15 am.
Tip 5: Pure deep relaxation - wellness afternoon
On grey autumn weekends, you can recharge your energy reserves with a few sauna sessions, a massage or a soothing day at the spa. In the vabali spa you can immerse yourself in a Balinese paradise. In the Liquidrom you float in warm water with minimal sensory stimulation. Enjoy yourselves!
Wellness in Berlin
Tip 6: Beautiful things for your home
Hygge is considered the Danish concept of happiness. And Scandinavian interior design is naturally a part of it. You don't have to go out and buy new furniture, decoration or candles now, just let yourself be inspired. We have selected a few Berlin stores for you, where you can browse and shop online. Let us inspire you and make your home a real feel-good place for a cozy winter.
Everything else you need to decorate your home according to the Danish Hygge concept can be found in the following Berlin stores:
- Stilwerk KantGaragen, Kantstraße 126, Wilmersdorf
- Hygge Interiør, Grolmanstrasse 44-45, Charlottenburg
- Nordliebe Berlin, Goltzstraße 18, Schöneberg: Here you can store online or also on Instagram.
- Hartog nordisches Design, Knesebeckstraße 68, Charlottenburg
Tip 7: Visit a museum café
From the breathtaking view from the windows of the newly opened Baret restaurant on the roof of the Humboldt Forum to the café in the Bode Museum and the more secluded insider tips in Dahlem or Zehlendorf: Berlin's museum cafés are perfect for a few cosy hours. Over coffee, tea and delicious snacks, you can reflect on the exhibition you've just seen or simply take time for your own thoughts and ideas.
Tip 8: Get cosy, reading your favorite thriller
When was the last time you took the time to just dive into a good book? Sure, there is always something to do at home. But beaming yourself in another world, cheering along with the heroines and really switching off is - almost - as good as a trip to faraway countries. These thrillers may not necessarily promise sunny moments, but they are so exciting that they will certainly provide you with a little distraction. We wish you good entertainment!
Tip: Of course you can also relax with a Berlin movie or be entertained by a series shot in the capital.
Tip 9: Dark seduction - chocolate
What would life be without chocolate? Perfect for sweetening even the less beautiful moments - or to make the beautiful ones a little sweeter. Although you can't currently sip hot chocolate on the spot or create the flavour of your own bar, many chocolate shops deliver the sweet temptation straight to your home. Get inspired by our ultimate chocolate tips.
11 ultimative chocolate tips from Berlin
Tip 10: Work together in a pleasant setting: Coworking in Berlin
Coworking is all about sharing and community: if you want to improve your work ethic, motivation and general well-being on your laptop, find a place in one of the many coworking spaces and coworking cafés in Berlin. That way you can bring a little hygge into your working day!
Tip 11: Glide across the ice and forget about time
We have a very special tip for all ice princesses and snow angels. Grab your skates and hit the ice. I'm sure many of you have fond (childhood) memories of ice skating on frozen lakes? Although there are very few waters in Berlin that are suitable for ice skating, there are some really nice ice rinks, 11 of which we present to you here.
