Refreshing summer holidays: cooler travel destinations discovered in Northern Europe!

Refreshing summer holidays: cooler travel destinations discovered in Northern Europe!

For many, summer is a time of rest and relaxation, but it also brings challenges. High temperatures can not only be uncomfortable, but can also pose health risks, especially for the elderly, the chronically ill and children. According to the German Weather Service, a hot day is defined as 30 degrees Celsius. During this time, holidaymakers are increasingly looking for cooling destinations to escape the extreme temperatures. The search for so-called “coolcations” has become a growing travel trend in 2023.

Popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece are recording temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius this year, accompanied by drought and forest fires. 2023 was the warmest year since weather records began, both in Germany and worldwide, which increased the trend for cooler places. In this context, Nordic countries and coastal regions are particularly attractive.

Cool travel destinations in Northern Europe

Countries such as Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are ideal for a pleasant summer holiday. They not only offer refreshing temperatures, but also breathtaking nature. Summer temperatures in Iceland are around 13 degrees Celsius, making the country a paradise for active holidaymakers. The scenic highlights such as the Blue Lagoon and the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon attract many tourists. [LZ] reports that Iceland is particularly valued for self-drive trips and exploring the extraordinary volcanic landscapes.

Denmark is often cited as an ideal destination by travelers with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. Sights such as the Danish Art and Design Museum in Copenhagen and the long sandy beaches along the 7,400 kilometers of coastline make the stay attractive. A bike tour along the N8 cycle path on the Danish Baltic Sea coast also offers many opportunities to explore the region.

Sweden also scores with pleasant temperatures and a beautiful combination of urbanity and nature. The capital Stockholm offers numerous cultural highlights, including the Vasa Museum and the Royal Castle. Meanwhile, the Skåne region in the south offers long sandy beaches that invite you to spend relaxing days by the water.

Other recommended destinations

Norway is known for its impressive mountains and fjords such as the Geirangerfjord, while Finland beckons with Helsinki, a UNESCO City of Design, and its numerous lakes and national parks. Travelers will also find welcome relief in Scotland with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, while Estonia and Latvia impress with their historic old towns and charming sights.

Lithuania, especially the capital Vilnius with its old town, and the water castle of Trakai are also recommended destinations. Finally, the island of Madeira, with maximum temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius in midsummer, and the city of Funchal offer a perfect combination of mild weather and natural beauty. According to [ReiseReporter], the trend towards cooler summer destinations in Europe continues unabated.

Finally, it should be noted that holiday resorts on the coast and in the mountains usually have lower temperatures than inland regions. A refreshing wind from the sea can provide a pleasant cooling effect, especially in the hot months. With changing climate conditions, the search for cool travel destinations is likely to increase in the coming years.