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11 tips for hygge in Berlin

Happy moments for rainy days

Vabali Spa
© @vabali spa

It's the little moments of happiness that often make a huge difference. A special cup of tea, an extra chat with a friend or a relaxing wellness and spa day, just like that. The Scandinavian countries have led the way and brought the trend to Germany.

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

Restaurant Schneeweiß
© visitBerlin, Foto: Claudio Fragasso

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: Pure deep relaxation - wellness afternoon

vabali spa Berlin
© vabali spa Berlin

You can also find a fireplace room at the vabali spa Berlin, this unique sauna village not far from the main railway station will whisk you away to a Balinese paradise. Here you can recharge your batteries with a few sauna sessions, a massage or a cosy day at the spa. Float in the warm water with minimal sensory stimulation in the Liquidrom. Immerse yourself and have a good time!
Sauna in Berlin

Tip 3: Sweet à la Hauptstadt

Vegan donuts from Brammibal's Berlin
Vegan donuts from Brammibal's Berlin © Brammibal´s Donuts GmbH

Let yourself be tempted by the aroma of crêpes and freshly baked waffles. There are many pretty and cosy cafés in Berlin where you can find sweet treats: Smoothies, Lookma, vegan donuts and much more. We have put together the best tips for you. For everyone who loves sweets!

Tips for sweet desserts in Berlin

Tip 4: Take a deep breath - 11 wonderful walks

Tiergarten in Berlin mit Blick auf die Baumallee
© (c) visumate

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.

11 Berlin walks for art lovers

Tip 5: Visit the Buddhist House in Berlin

Buddhist House in Berlin
The Buddhist House © BA Reinickendorf

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.

Sustainability in Berlin

Tip 6: Beautiful things for your home

Design in Berlin
Cool Midcentury Design © Getty Images, Foto: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz

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:

Shopping in Berlin

Tip 7: Visit a museum café

Restaurant Baret auf der Dachterrasse des Humboldt Forum
© Baret

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.

Top 11 Museum Cafés

Tip 8: Get cosy, reading your favorite thriller

reading woman
reading woman © Getty Images, Foto: Oliver Rossi

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.

Top 11 novels set in Berlin

Tip 9: Dark seduction - chocolate

Cocoa and chocolate Berlin
Cocoa and chocolate © Getty Images, Foto: Tracey Kusiewicz/Foodie Photography

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 Space im betahaus Berlin
© betahaus

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!

11 Coworking Spaces in Berlin

Tip 11: Take some time for yourself

Spa Beauty Care Concept. Beautiful Various Products Spa Set for Care. Spa Products View from Above.
© Getty Images, Foto: nerudol

Why not treat yourself to some personal quality time? Berlin has a whole range of wellness oases where you can do something good for yourself. Whether it's a massage, peeling, beauty treatment or a chic new hairstyle - Berlin has something to suit every taste and every need. From luxurious to affordable, from salon to day spa, we have put together 11 tips for you.

11 Wellness oasis for your beauty

Josefine Köhn-Haskins

Josefine

is originally from Munich and started out her career at one of Germanys largest daily news papers. Before finding her home in Berlin, she also reported as a correspondent and trend scout from the US. Today she is cruising Berlin's neighbourhoods, always on the lookout for good stories - with a focus on culture, music and ideas for the future of an innovative Berlin. All posts