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“Hygge in South Tyrol – Be Happy with the Simple Way of Life

“Hygge” is a word for a condition that makes you happy. The term is little-known outside of Denmark, but without a doubt there is much of it to be had in Alpine South Tyrol.

It is said that the Danish have discovered the secret of happiness up in their country. Indeed, the March 2016 World Happiness Report (WHR) confirmed for the third time that Denmark has been rated as the happiest country in the world. So what are the Danes doing that makes them so happy?

For many, the secret of the Danes lies in the concept of so-called "Hygge". This could be translated as a type of approach to coziness, like the German "Gemütlichkeit". Although Hygge is not exactly so easily definable. But this does not matter. The main thing is a relaxed lifestyle, an intimate atmosphere, a cozy way of life.

Hygge is also a feeling, something that makes you happy. The term is little-known outside of Denmark, but without doubt there is much Hygge to be had in South Tyrol, being an Alpine region with snowy winters where the people have always passed the winters in comfortable houses heated by traditional tiled stoves. Even the environment itself is "hyggelig". Just think of the many quiet spots that reveal their idyllic side in the mountains, especially in winter. Snow-capped mountains, snowshoeing through untouched nature, and the cozy warmth of an indoor open fire: the people of South Tyrol have always lived according to the principle of Hygge since time immemorial.

In the past, when there was not yet electricity in the houses and the winters were even more snow-filled than today, the inhabitants of the valleys created an intimate atmosphere for themselves in cozy wooden- paneled parlors with tiled stoves, the typical main rooms of traditional houses. People knitted, sewed and made music there, and spent time with their loved ones. The parlor was a place to debate, to rest and to retreat. A meeting place for the entire family.

In fact, life used to be even more “hygge”. People got up with the first light of dawn, and went to sleep as soon as it got dark. They followed the rhythm of nature. We can no longer do that today, but still, while on vacation, you can look back on a lot of things and make yourself comfortable in the same traditional style of retreat, only with today’s comfort. The South Tyrolean parlors in hotels, restaurants, inns or wine taverns are still as comfortable as they were back then: wood paneled or with a warm stove. Hyggeliger than hyggelig. Close to bliss.

And no matter if it is an old farmhouse parlor or the salon of a designer hotel – there is still a cozy fire around the fireplace, the scent of wood, soft cushions and delicious Alpine-Mediterranean food. Just the little things to make you feel good. And in addition, exciting stories from times gone by, from life on the mountain. This is what Tyrolean serenity is about.

Find more Hygge experiences here!

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