The winter season on the North Shore brings lots of cold nights and the desire to be warm and cozy. This is the idea behind the idea of Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”). Hygge means “invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being”. It is these ideals that we embrace during the Hygge Festival.
Hosted by Visit Cook County, the festival based on the Danish concept encourages you to embrace life’s simple pleasures and feel cozy and relaxed with ten days of events and activities throughout Cook County.
About the Hygge Festival
Visit Cook County’s Hygge Festival was started a few years ago to embrace and bring attention to the idea of Hygge. And, show off how well Cook County Minnesota does Hygge!
The 10-day festival happens every February, as the temperatures in the area tend to dip and the darkness is still prevalent. The festival is all about being warm and cozy. Featuring a Fireplace Tour, sharing all the places visitors can enjoy and admire public fireplaces—pictured public fireplace: Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais. Also, a Sauna Series featuring free community sauna sessions throughout Cook County.
Guided hikes and sleigh rides will please those looking for an outdoor Hygge experience. Locally businesses are also getting in on the Hygge spirit by offering special Scandinavian-themed menus and specials. Live music, a winter market, outdoor hikes and adventures, art displays and activities, and plenty of mulled win and hot cider round out this activity-filled festival.
Events occur all over Cook County from Schroeder to Grand Portage and up the Gunflint Trail. Wherever you are, you’re sure to find a Hygge event nearby.
Experience It Yourself
Head on over the Visit Cook County to find a full schedule of events for this year’s Hygge Festival. Then plan to get Hygge in your private vacation rentals. Casacde Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of rentals with a wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplace, or electric fireplace.
Come on over and get cozy at the Hygge Festival!
Pictured rental fireplace: Always Grace’s gas fireplace up top and Gem House’s amethyst fireplace to the right.