Feeling all Danish at Café Good in Rapperswil

Are you familiar with the Danish word hygge? It has many meanings and it is no easy task to translate it. A good meal with loved friends ist hygge. But the soft light of a candle is hygge, too.

If you look up the term "hygge" on Pinterest, you will find cozy, comfortable, peaceful and almost painfully beautiful pictures of all things that give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. A pretty good definition of hygge is the "complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming, with a focus on togetherness and prioritizing the people in your life." (Helen Russell)

I'm going hygge in Rapperswil.

It is late April and it has been raining cats and dogs for days. Heck, it has even snowed and I had to get my winter coat out again! My better half is away on a business trip, even my dog gives me the what-do-you-want-from-me look. I am desperate for some serious hygge-time!

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

So I call my best friend, wrap the little one in some warm clothes and take off towards Rapperswil, the town of roses, snugged in next to Lake Zurich. The solution to this frustrating caught-on-a-treadmill-situation is called Café Good and it is located right in the heart of Rapperswil's old town, tucked away from the hustle und bustle of the lakeside and the noisy main street that winds its way through the town.

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)
 

Feeling welcome at Café Good.

My friend and I give each other a hug (first glimpse of that warm feeling), park the strollers next to the entrance and open the big wooden door that guides us in a universe of well-being. One step in and I forget about the world out there and get wrapped up in the smell of freshly baked cake (I recommend chocolate! My friend is more the cheesecake type.) and aromatic coffee. There are even some burning candles and fresh tulips in old jars on the wooden shabby chic style tables.

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

As a caring mom, it can only get better! The staff members are happy to welcome kids, too. They built a cool playing corner for little boys and girls with books and lots of other things to keep them busy for a couple of hours. There is a diaper changing unit in the bathroom. And they have "babycchino" (foamy milk) on the menu!

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

If you live in Switzerland and have kids in tow, you know that this is (sadly) not a standard in most cafés and restaurants. Often, kids are welcome as long as they don’t speak, don’t cry and don’t play. So in reality, pretty much never.

What I also find quite likable about Café Good is that they sell bread from a day before (at 50 percent off), and that they support the social fashion label "Love your neighbor."

On the right hand side of the counter, you will notice a chalkboard to pay it forward. The idea is that you can pay for an extra coffee for those who cannot afford one. (This karma movement is quite a trend in many cafés around the globe these days.)

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

I guess I have given you a number of reasons for a trip to my fave home away from home. I cannot wait to see you there for another hygge moment...

More information

- Where: Marktgasse 11, 8640 Rapperswil, www.cafegood.ch
- What: Coffee and other hot beverages, cakes, waffles, also yummy lunch-menus on offer and a good selection of beers and colorful gazosa; also brunches (I’ve tried it and the „Franzbrötchen“ are to die for! Check the website for the dates or like their Facebook page)
- Who: Moms, but not only! I could also imagine having a first date there or spending some quality time with my grandma, brother... It’s pretty much for everybody!

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

(Photograph copyright Boris Baldinger)

Book recommendation: "Das neue Wohnglück Hygge!" by Marion Hellweg

Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, snuggle up on the sofa and get inspired by the wonderful new book "Hygge!" featuring bright, real homes of enthusiastic fans of the Nordic interior style.

The book picks up the different faces of "hygge", presents some recipes and adds the best websites to shop all these wonderful things that make a house a warm and comfy home. What I did when I got done browsing ("schmökern") through the pages full of new ideas? I rolled up my sleeves and rearranged the furniture in my living room. Now, I have that same "hygge" feeling in my own home!