How Norwegians keep summer all year round

In Scandinavia, coziness has become the key to happiness, but be warned: not all versions are the same. Norwegian koselig and Danish hyggelig share a common core—warmth, closeness, and peace—but stem from different cultural and climatic contexts. We prefer the former. Why?

Hygge 2.0.

Hygge is a Danish concept that has gained international popularity as a lifestyle. It's associated with simplicity, comfort, good design, and the celebration of ordinary moments in an aesthetically pleasing setting. Often, it also includes candles, soft blankets, and a cozy interior, always scented with cinnamon.

The Norwegian Koselig, on the other hand, stems from a genuine need to adapt to the harsh, changeable weather and master the space, which is abundant in Norway. It's not just a self-created scenography, but above all, a love of nature (poetically expressed in the national anthem), relationships with people and gestures ( klem —a Norwegian hug), rituals (a trip to the hytte, waffles after skiing), and the ability to retain positive sensory impressions. As the Norwegians themselves say— an inner summer . I assure you, it's easier said than done, because enjoying a slice of gray sky on a black polar night sounds perverse, right? But not to a Norwegian.

What can be koselig

Danish hygge is an emphasis on simplicity, atmosphere and aesthetics of the interior; celebrating small pleasures in a pleasant environment (book, tea, lamps).

The Norwegian version has a broader meaning and application – anything can be koselig: a place, a conversation, a person, an outdoor activity, a meeting, a party game, cooking, or even clothing.

Community is important, being together, whether on a walk, at home, at a bar or restaurant. If we cook, it's absolutely NOT from ready-made ingredients. You have to make your own waffle batter and homemade jam, too.

Koselig is a difficult emotional resilience and a willingness to face unpredictable weather, requiring considerable effort. But if you succeed, no Norwegian or Polish winter will truly be a nightmare. This is the essence and key to success. After all, it takes a lot of determination to go running at -10°C, or to wake up at 5 a.m. to ski before work. This strengthens both the body and the mind. By the way, in Oslo, you can take the metro to the nearest slope, which opens at dawn precisely because of this.

Closeness in Norwegian

Hygge promotes closeness, but without much emotional effort. For Norwegians, it's quite the opposite. One has to work hard to be invited into this community, which offers warmth and security.

Speaking of closeness, koselig is associated with a subtle expression of warmth in interpersonal relationships, as Norwegians are even less likely than other Scandinavians to show emotion (the cover of "The Social Guidebook to Norway" is a great illustration). Thus, the rituals of koselig become a way to build trust and intimacy. An invitation to a weekend at a country cottage (hytte), "det var kjempe koselig," klem, or tacos night is a clear expression of sympathy and acceptance.

Accessories, including warm underwear (!)

Candles, a simple table, soft textiles, aesthetic minimalism—these are fairly obvious associations. But the typical Norwegian will be somewhat disappointed by them.

He prefers a fireplace or a campfire (even in winter!), the aforementioned waffles, always with homemade jam (a symbol of summer), and—as it turns out— ullundertøy , or woolen underwear . This is an incredibly important accessory. Soft, warm long sleeves and loose trousers that you can wear after skiing are in every Norwegian's wardrobe in abundance and worn year-round. They must be simple, comfortable, and practical. And only made of natural fibers, primarily wool .

To sum up

Koselig remains more down-to-earth, practical, and rooted in local customs, and is also more difficult to clearly define and replicate as a fashion trend. Both phenomena combine the most valuable elements: presence, simplicity, and warmth. Hygge is a more structured aesthetic philosophy of everyday comfort; koselig is culturally broader, encompassing atmospheres, gestures, and rituals adapted to the Norwegian reality, not only in winter but also in summer.

If you want to experience koselig, think less about style and more about the moment: the forest you're walking through with your dog, the fire burning in the fireplace, the food you're preparing together, or the silence after a long day where you feel safe.

Let me know if you like this post! :) And what you think about koselig!