Paludan Bog & Café is a true gem among Copenhagen's cafes that combines two Danish passions - literature and hygge. Founded in 1951, it is housed in a historic building at Fiolstræde 10, just steps away from the Rundetårn (Round Tower) - one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Europe. The interior of Paludan impresses with tall bookcases filled with books that reach all the way to the ceiling, creating a unique atmosphere of a library combined with a café. Wooden tables, soft armchairs and warm lighting make the place an ideal haven for lovers of literature and good coffee.

The history of the place is fascinating - it originally functioned as an academic bookstore, catering to students at the nearby University of Copenhagen. Over time, the owners decided to expand the business to include a café, creating a space where you can not only buy a book, but also sink into reading with a cup of excellent coffee. Paludan's menu offers traditional Danish baked goods, including the famous 'kanelsnegle' cinnamon rolls, as well as nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Prices are average by Copenhagen standards, making the place affordable for tourists and locals alike.

Just a few streets away, at Larsbjørnsstræde 23, is Next Door Cafe, a smaller but equally charming cafe that perfectly captures the hygge spirit. The name 'Next Door' (English for 'behind the door') perfectly captures the character of the place - the intimate interior gives the impression of a visitor entering a cozy Danish home. The café is famous for its hand-baked cakes and organic coffee, and its history dates back to 2010, when a group of friends decided to create a place that would be an alternative to chain cafes.

Next Door Cafe is distinguished by its authentic, somewhat austere decor - brick walls, recycled wooden furniture and vintage accessories create a unique atmosphere. The owners take care of every detail - from handmade ceramic mugs to fresh flowers on the tables. The menu features traditional Danish sandwiches 'smørrebrød' and seasonal pastries prepared according to family recipes. The café is especially popular with local artists and students who appreciate the quiet atmosphere conducive to creative work and conversation.

The two cafes differ in style and character - Paludan Bog & Café offers a spacious interior with a historical flair and a wide range of culinary offerings, while Next Door Café focuses on intimacy and a homey atmosphere. Paludan attracts both tourists and students, while Next Door Café has a more local feel. Prices at both places are comparable, although Next Door Cafe boasts slightly cheaper offerings. Regardless of your choice, both places guarantee an authentic hygge experience in the heart of Copenhagen.

Hygge Chi at Fiolstræde 38 is a fascinating fusion of the Danish hygge tradition and Asian tea philosophy. Founded in 2015, the tea shop offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical Copenhagen cafes. The name of the place is no coincidence - it combines the Danish 'hygge' with the Chinese term 'chi', meaning life energy. The interior is decorated in a minimalist style with subtle Asian accents - bamboo decorative elements, traditional Chinese teapots and carefully selected plants create a harmonious space conducive to relaxation.

The owners of Hygge Chi, a Danish-Chinese couple, brought rare varieties of teas from different regions of Asia to Copenhagen. Each tea is served observing the traditional brewing ritual, and the staff is eager to talk about the origins and properties of each variety. In addition to teas, the menu features organic Asian-inspired snacks, including vegan and gluten-free options. The place is famous for its seasonal tea blends, which are composed specifically with the Danish seasons in mind - winter warming blends with ginger and cinnamon or summer refreshing ones with mint and citrus.

In contrast to the quiet tea room, Bernikow Coffee Collective at Kristen Bernikows Gade 2 represents a modern, dynamic approach to hygge. Part of a well-known Danish coffee roasting chain, this coffee shop opened in 2018 and has quickly become a mecca for specialty coffee lovers. Coffee Collective is a pioneer of so-called 'direct trade' in Denmark - the company establishes direct relationships with coffee farmers, paying them fair wages and ensuring sustainability.

The interior of Coffee Collective Bernikow is quintessential Scandinavian design - light wood, minimalist furniture and large windows that let in natural light create a space that is both modern and cozy. The café is famous for its precise coffee brewing methods - from pour over to aeropress to espresso. The barista is happy to talk about the origin of each coffee, the roasting process and the best brewing methods. The menu is complemented by baked goods from local suppliers, including traditional Danish pastries.

Dessertcaféen Hyggenygge, located a little further from the center at Carl Jacobsens Vej 15A in the Valby district, is a real paradise for gourmands. The café's name is a fun play on words - 'hyggenygge' can be translated as 'cozy-cozy', which perfectly captures the character of the place. Opened in 2016 by a passionate pastry chef, the café specializes in traditional Danish desserts with a modern twist. The history of the place is charming - the owner started out by baking cakes for friends and family, eventually fulfilling her dream of having her own cafe.

The interior of Hyggenygge resembles a fairy tale house with colorful accents, vintage furniture and lots of pillows. Each table has a different character, and family photos and memorabilia hang on the walls. The menu features the legendary Danish apple cake, traditional butter cookies and seasonal desserts using local fruits. The café is also famous for its hot chocolate served during the winter months - thick, creamy and served with homemade whipped cream.

Comparing the three places, each offers a different interpretation of hygge - Hygge Chi focuses on peace and harmony, Coffee Collective Bernikow on quality and modern design, and Dessertcaféen Hyggenygge on homeliness and sweet pleasures. Price-wise, Hyggenygge is the most affordable, while Coffee Collective ranks in the higher price bracket due to the quality of the products used. In terms of location, Coffee Collective and Hygge Chi are located in the city center, making them easily accessible to tourists, while Hyggenygge requires a short trip to the Valby neighborhood, offering instead a more authentic, local experience away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Cafe Hygge in Roskilde, located at Sankt Ols Gade 24, is a prime example of how the hygge philosophy has spread beyond Copenhagen's borders. Roskilde, a historic city just a 30-minute train ride from the capital, is best known for its impressive UNESCO-listed cathedral and famous music festival. Café Hygge, founded in 2008, is located in a historic 18th century building, just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. The history of the building is fascinating - according to local accounts, it housed a meeting house for local artists and intellectuals in the 19th century.

The interior of the cafe impresses with its authenticity - original wooden ceiling beams, brick walls and antique furniture create an atmosphere that transports guests back in time. Cafe Hygge's owners proudly emphasize ties to the local community - coffee comes from a nearby roaster, and ingredients for baked goods from local suppliers. The menu offers traditional Danish specialties, including 'æbleskiver' - a fluffy doughnut-like snack served with jam and powdered sugar. The café also hosts live music evenings, during which local artists present traditional Danish songs.

Returning to Copenhagen, Café Feel Good at Nørre Farimagsgade 55 represents a contemporary approach to hygge, combining tradition with modern health trends. Opened in 2012, the café is located in the vibrant Nørrebro neighborhood, known for its multicultural character and artistic atmosphere. The name 'Feel Good' perfectly captures the philosophy of the place, which focuses not only on coziness, but also on the well-being that comes from a healthy lifestyle.

The interior of Café Feel Good is an example of a modern interpretation of hygge - a bright, airy room with large windows, live plants and recycled elements. The café stands out for its eco-friendly approach - from biodegradable packaging to furniture made from reclaimed wood. The menu focuses on healthy, wholesome meals, offering a wide range of vegan, gluten-free and low-calorie options. The place specializes in colorful açai bowls, avocado sandwiches and 'hygge bowls' - warm bowls with grits, vegetables and homemade dressings.

Café Feel Good is also known for hosting workshops on healthy lifestyles, meditation and mindfulness, an interesting fusion of traditional hygge and contemporary wellness culture. The café collaborates with local artists, regularly changing the exhibitions on the walls and organizing intimate acoustic concerts.

Comparing Cafe Hygge in Roskilde with Café Feel Good in Copenhagen, there is a marked difference in the interpretation of the Danish philosophy of comfort. Cafe Hygge focuses on tradition, history and authenticity, offering a classic Danish experience in a historic setting. Prices there are slightly lower than in the capital, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking a more affordable hygge experience. Café Feel Good, on the other hand, represents the evolution of the hygge concept into the 21st century, combining coziness with ecology and a healthy lifestyle. Although prices are higher here, the café attracts a younger clientele interested in a sustainable lifestyle.

It's worth noting that each of the seven locations described offers a unique interpretation of hygge, tailored to different needs and preferences. From historic book cafes, to tea shops that bridge cultures, to modern establishments that promote healthy lifestyles, the Danish hygge philosophy proves to be extremely flexible and versatile. Whether you're looking for a traditional, historic experience or a contemporary interpretation of it, Copenhagen and the surrounding area offer a wealth of places where you can immerse yourself in legendary Danish comfort and discover why hygge has become a global cultural phenomenon.