Embrace hygge at these Colorado destinations for cozy food, lodging and, of course, candles
When the temperatures drop below freezing and snow blankets the Rocky Mountain peaks, that’s Coloradans’ signal to embrace hygge.
Defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, which added the Danish word in 2017, hygge means “the quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness.” But Scandanavians contend the concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is slightly more intangible.
Denmark’s official website, Denmark.dk, describes it as an escape from the daily grind to spend time with loved ones or in solace and “enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.” Think of it like a lifestyle that revolves around coziness and conviviality — and not just during the winter months, though Coloradans often seek cozy amenities when it’s cold out.
In a recent roundup of nine bucket list-worthy hygge travel destinations, The Washington Post explained the term as getting “comfy to the point of bliss.” The Post listed Telluride among the irrefutable locations like Copenhagen and Northern Iceland because of its Victorian architecture and 14,000-foot peaks that practically transport visitors to Europe.
“The ski slopes are world famous, but to really tap into the Scandanavian factor, book a dog-sledding experience, go ice skating in the Mountain Village or book a stay at the Dunton Town House,” the publication said. Writers also recommended dipping into the Dunton Hot Springs — which, it’s worth noting, are about 70 miles or some 2 hours away by car.
That got us thinking about other places and products in Colorado that offer maximum comfort. Here are six local recommendations to help you reach hygge nirvana this winter.
Bluecorn Beeswax
According to the publication Scandanavia Standard, candles are an essential component to hygge. Bluecorn Beeswax candle company was born in an electricity-free Telluride cabin in 1991 and recently moved into a large new production factory in downtown Montrose. The candles, which come in several scents including unscented natural beeswax, are available for purchase online in many different shapes, sizes and containers. And when you find yourself in Montrose, swing by the factory’s open-to-the-public cafe, where you can grab a cup of coffee or a pint of beer and shop for candles and other locally made goods before settling into the couches to enjoy a bite of food.
Bluecorn Beeswax is at 1842 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose. Shop online at beeswaxcandles.com.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
If you’re looking for staycation that epitomizes hygge, consider visiting Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Grand County. Located near the Continental Divide, the ranch was originally built in the 1930s as a homestead and dairy. Today, it’s grown into a destination for locals looking to escape the city and indulge in its world-class Nordic skiing trails and horse-drawn sleigh rides, as well as other year-round activities. The main lodge houses a massive fireplace that’s practically begging visitors to curl up nearby with a warm beverage on a snowy day.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is at 3530 County Road 83, Tabernash. More information at devilsthumbranch.com.
Hygge Chalet and Sauna
So you’d prefer to do hygge in solitude? There’s an Airbnb for that. The Hygge Chalet in Grant offers a mountain escape on 3½ acres of wooded terrain, complete with an A-frame dwelling, an indoor fireplace, and expansive mountain views. The Park County property also boasts an outdoor, barrel-shaped Finnish sauna that guests operate by pouring water onto heated rocks to produce steam. That last amenity is essential: In 2020, the Finnish sauna was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “In a sauna, people cleanse their bodies and minds and embrace a sense of inner peace,” the organization said.
The Hygge Chalet and Sauna is available to reserve on Airbnb.com. More information at thehyggechalet.com.
Hygge Life Shop & Cafe
Hygge isn’t just about people or places, it’s also about things. Partners Alexandra Gove and Koen van Renswoude understand this well, and during a stint living and traveling across Europe in a van, they discovered they had a knack for creating hygge-friendly environments. That was the genesis of the Hygge Life, a home goods store and cafe in Avon where the couple sells furniture, candle holders, books, blankets, kitchenware and more. The company also hosts ticketed “hygge experiences” such as seasonal dinners that are open to the public. Its latest winter attraction is “sauna Saturdays,” when parties of up to six guests can rent a wood-burning sauna onsite by the hour ($100).
Hygge Life Shop & Cafe is at 41149 US Highway 6, Avon. Shop online at hyggelife.com.
Süti & Co.
Hygge is on the menu at Süti & Co., a Scandinavian café and shop in Boulder that opened in September. The bakery specializes in Danish shortbread cookies inspired by chef Chef Andrea Uzarowski’s upbringing near Copenhagen. She leverages her traditional family recipes to bring authentic sweets paired with coffee to the Pearl Street district. “I try to translate hygge and what it means to me, and share that with Boulder,” Urarowski said. Her mission became increasingly important after the pandemic. “With COVID, everyone was so stressed and everyone was in a rat race,” she said. “I was like, ‘C’mon, people, we need to slow down and decompress.’ The store became a natural extension of that.”
Süti & Co. is at 2031 16th St., Boulder. Check out the menu at sutiandco.com.
The Wolf’s Tailor
Glamping in the middle of Denver? It’s never been more delicious than at The Wolf’s Tailor, which erected canvas tents as an outdoor dining experience in light of COVID-19. In addition to a dinner table, each tent is equipped with a fireplace and rustic decor that transports guests miles away from the Mile High City. The fixed, multi-course menu costs $160 per person and throughout the winter will showcase “the art and history of buckwheat,” according to the restaurant.
The Wolf’s Tailor is at 4058 Tejon St., Denver. Reserve a table at exploretock.com/wolfstailor.
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