Hygge, Lagom, Kos & Sisu – The Scandinavian Lifestyle

The Scandinavian population is renowned for its high quality of life and strong sense of well-being. But what exactly makes life in the North so livable, and how do people handle stress?

Each country has its own word with a unique interpretation that encapsulates its lifestyle. In Denmark, everyday life is shaped by "Hygge," in Norway, a good time is called "Kos," in Finland, people live with "Sisu," and in Sweden, they follow the principle of "Lagom." But what do these countries have in common, and what lies behind this special lifestyle?

Hygge: How Danish Coziness Enriches Life

Denmark is known for its "hyggelig" lifestyle. While in Germany, Hygge is often associated with cozy furnishings, in Denmark, the art of coziness means much more. The word can best be described as a sense of well-being. It's about fully enjoying the small pleasures of life and daily routines.

A central aspect of the Hygge culture is quality time spent alone or with others. Shared moments of enjoyment, a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere, a freshly brewed tea on a rainy afternoon, a homemade cake—the list could go on and on. When asked what they associate with Hygge, Danes will give various answers about their personal Hygge moments: cozy togetherness, a gathering with friends, or a moment alone with an engaging book in hand. What's important is to consciously take time for each of these moments and enjoy them to the fullest.

Hygge has a decelerating effect. It means staying in the moment and leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. We are constantly reachable or rushing to the next appointment. In a world where we daily seek balance and harmony, Hygge offers a beautiful way to focus on what truly matters and to do something good for ourselves and others. It reminds us that it's often the small, simple things that enrich our lives, remain in our memories, and create a sense of closeness and security.

Living Lagom: The Art of Balance and Contentment

Sweden also has an expression that is difficult to translate into German. If you look it up in the dictionary, you'll find exactly three translations: "just right, appropriate, enough." But the word "Lagom" means so much more than these three terms. It describes a state or amount that is just right—not too much, not too little, but the perfect balance. It is a central element of Swedish culture and reflects an attitude that emphasizes balance and sustainability.

In daily life, it's about finding the perfect balance between work and leisure and living in harmony with others. Lagom is a positive outlook on life, emphasizing modesty and harmony as societal values. In terms of sustainability, Lagom plays a significant role, supporting the idea of using resources moderately and wasting as little as possible.

Lagom also means enjoyment. In the novel Emil of Lönneberga by Astrid Lindgren, Emil's mother responds to the question of how she prepares her meatballs: "Jag gör köttbullar precis lagom. Lagom stora, lagom runda och lagom bruna"—"I make the meatballs just right. Just the right size, just the right roundness, and just the right brownness." But Lagom isn't just part of preparation; it's also important when eating: you should only eat enough to be satisfied—the perfect middle ground between restraint and indulgence. Swedes value mindfulness in resource usage. When preparing food, they use healthy and flavorful ingredients, often opting for vegetables from their own garden in the summer months.

A special moment in the Lagom lifestyle is the Swedish coffee break, called "Fika." Not only in private settings but also in the workplace, a relaxed break with fresh coffee and pastries is firmly entrenched and always a pleasure.

When you ask a Swede about their Lagom moment, each person shares their own interpretation. For some, it's semi-skimmed milk, the right amount of salt in a dish, a day spent fishing, a waffle by the campfire, or a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

In Swedish homes, the furnishing rule is "quality over quantity." Following the Lagom principle, natural materials are preferred, and a minimalist style is chosen—less is often more. A warm and pleasant light creates a special feel-good atmosphere. Candles and cozy lamps provide a mood full of security.

Anyone who has traveled through Sweden in the summer months will notice that the further north you go, the less additional light is needed during the midnight sun. But as soon as the first hours of twilight appear, the windows of the colorful Swedish houses glow with a warm and cozy light.

Lagom promotes a lifestyle that focuses on balance and contentment. It's not about always wanting more but about living in harmony. In Sweden, people consciously take time, enjoy the moment, and emphasize awareness.

Kos: The Art of Norwegian Coziness and Joy of Life

In neighboring Norway, there is also an expression that describes a feeling of comfort, coziness, and contentment. "Kos" stands for all the moments when one feels completely at ease and secure. Both physical and mental well-being play a significant role, characterizing the Norwegian approach to life. Especially during the long and cold winter nights, the lifestyle focuses on calm and peaceful moments. Serenity and mindfulness are particularly emphasized during this time.

Conscious decisions enhance well-being and meet personal needs. Especially when external conditions, such as the harsh weather in Norway, can be very challenging at times, small breaks help to enjoy life even on harder days.

But Kos isn't only used in connection with a relaxed everyday life; it can also describe situations and activities that are relaxing and pleasant. Norwegians love things that are "koselig"—cozy. A shared dinner with friends in a homely atmosphere by candlelight, holding hands while watching the Northern Lights on a cold winter night, reading a good book, a walk in nature, or simple things like warming your hands on a fresh coffee—all this and more is Kos.

Norwegian life mostly takes place outdoors in the summer. Outdoor activities like hiking, beach visits, or time spent by a cozy campfire provide a particularly valuable balance. In winter, Kos describes a cozy and warm atmosphere at home. People consciously take time to prepare hearty meals, enjoy the scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns, warm drinks, and pleasant hours by the fireplace or cuddled up in a blanket on the sofa. It's about taking a break for body, mind, and soul.

The focus is on being aware of and fully enjoying the moment without distractions. In a cozy environment, one feels secure and shapes their day with a positive attitude. This naturally leads to personal happiness, joy in the little things in life, and an appreciation for the luxury of simplicity.

Sisu – In the Land of a Thousand Lakes with the Happiest People in the World

Finland—the happiest country in the world. In 2024, it was named so for the seventh consecutive time by the World Happiness Report. The reason isn't just the excellent school and healthcare system; it's mainly the connection to nature and the lifestyle of the 5.5 million Finns. Nearly 70% of the country, which is only slightly smaller than Germany in area, is forested, and it's estimated that there are over 3 million saunas in the country.

Finnish culture also has its own special word for its approach to life. Whether Finland is entirely, partially, or not at all considered part of Scandinavia is a matter of debate. What is certain, however, is that Finns have a unique way of making life in Northern Europe as pleasant as possible.

In Finland, people live with "Sisu." There is no exact translation for this word. Some Finns joke that they've lost their Sisu gene and that it's now just a myth. But once you've been to Finland, you'll quickly realize that this mindset is deeply rooted. Sisu is a word with great and powerful meaning. It describes a special kind of courage, perseverance, and determination that helps one continue and not give up despite all difficulties, even in extreme situations. It's not primarily about physical strength, but especially about mental and emotional resilience—a kind of inner strength that enables one to overcome any challenge. In modern psychology, it would likely be referred to as Finnish resilience.

Recognizing that tasks that initially seemed insurmountable can only be accomplished through inner strength and willpower shows what one is truly capable of.

Sisu forms the foundation for a healthy and active life. It's about an action-oriented mindset. One lives in the moment and doesn't get caught up in thoughts of the past or future. Pushing your limits, leaving your comfort zone, and not letting stress or negative emotions affect you—all this is part of the Sisu life philosophy.

In the Here and Now: The Art of the Moment