The ‘Coolcation’ is Trending—Here’s Where You Should Go in Europe
This summer, many travellers are swapping their usual beach breaks for the cities, coastlines and mountain ranges found further north. From seal-spotting to sauna stays, here’s what to do on your next ‘coolcation’.
For many travellers, the image of the summer holiday is shifting. Instead of chasing the sun, more people are seeking destinations where cool mornings, fresh air and comfortable conditions make it easier to spend time outdoors. The rise of the ‘coolcation’ has seen countries such as Norway and Iceland become increasingly popular in summer, as travellers prioritise cooler temperatures over guaranteed sunshine.
Pleasant weather is now one of the leading factors in destination choice — a 2025 study revealed 81% of Europeans had already tweaked their summer travel plans due to climate change. Cooler temperatures mean more time exploring without retreating indoors during the hottest part of the day, while also creating ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching and other outdoor adventures.
However, the ‘coolcation’ doesn’t signal an end to the classic beach holiday, but simply a shift away from traditional summer destinations in favour of outdoor pursuits and cooler climes. These six destinations across Europe are perfect for trying out a ‘coolcation’ this summer, offering everything from volcanic landscapes and island hikes to Baltic beaches and tranquil lakes.
1. Central Highlands, Iceland
Summer is the only season when the Icelandic Highlands, which cover around 40% of the country, can be explored. Heavy snowfall closes the mountain roads from September until June, but once they reopen, visitors gain access to colourful rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs and some of Iceland’s finest hiking trails.
The country’s best-known long-distance hike, the Laugavegur Trail, passes through the rainbow-coloured mountains of Landmannalaugar, the black sands of Mælifellssandur and the panoramic viewpoints of Jökultungur, where three glaciers come into view.
The Highlands are also one of Iceland’s best regions for volcanic landscapes. Herðubreið — often called the ‘Queen of Icelandic Mountains’ — rises dramatically above the country’s largest lava desert, while Eldgjá, the world’s largest volcanic canyon, can be reached via a two-mile walk from the nearest car park. For a quieter experience, head to Fremrinámur, where colourful mineral deposits surround naturally heated springs in a landscape largely untouched by tourism infrastructure.
2. Sopot, Poland
On Poland’s Baltic coast, Sopot combines long stretches of golden sand with a cooler summer climate. The small city grew as a 19th-century spa resort and much of its elegant character remains. Wander through the leafy streets around the Grand Hotel to admire belle époque villas and manicured gardens, then head to the beach. It’s known for natural amber that occasionally washes ashore — often referred to as Baltic gold — while the town’s pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe, stretches out into the sea.
Beach days are punctuated by a search for gofry — traditional waffles topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Gofry pod Arkadami is a popular stop. Away from the beach, stroll along Monciak, Sopot’s lively pedestrian street, where the fairytale-like curves of Krzywy Domek (‘Crooked House’) have made it one of Poland’s most recognisable buildings. Nearby, the small Sopot Lighthouse offers panoramic views over the town, beach and Baltic Sea from its viewing platform.
3. Lofoten, Norway
Few places embody the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv — embracing life outdoors — quite like the Lofoten Islands. This Arctic archipelago is a haven for wildlife and adventure, where visitors can join a sea eagle safari aboard a RIB or explore beaches and mountain trails on horseback with Hov Gård. After a day outside, Hov Gård’s Låven Restaurant serves seasonal dishes in a restored 1950s barn, with menus designed around local produce.
During summer, the midnight sun extends the day well into the evening, allowing visitors to make the most of the landscape long after sunset. In June and July Lofoten Links Golf Course remains open around the clock, offering the rare chance to tee off in the middle of the night with views across the surrounding fjords.
4. Glasgow, Scotland
As a Unesco City of Music, Glasgow is best experienced after dark once its many live music venues come alive. Spots such as Barrowland Ballroom — where artists from David Bowie to Metallica have performed — and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where Oasis was famously discovered in 1993, have helped cement the city’s reputation as one of the UK’s great music destinations. After a gig, Loaded Fries on Sauchiehall Street is a favourite late-night stop, while Ubiquitous Chip pairs Scottish classics, including haggis, with an atmospheric rooftop terrace.
By day, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum remains one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. Alongside exhibits that range from a Spitfire aircraft and an Egyptian sarcophagus to works by Van Gogh, the red sandstone building itself is an architectural highlight.
5. Lake Saimaa, Finland
Fresh air, forested shores and thousands of islands define Finland’s Lakeland region, with Lake Saimaa at its heart. Visitors typically explore its network of waterways by boat, but the illuminated Topeliuksen Polku Nature Trail offers a different perspective after dark, where light installations highlight the contours of the surrounding landscape against the lake’s still waters.
Daytime temperatures average around 20C in August, making conditions ideal for spending time on the water. Lake Saimaa is also the only place in the world where the endangered Saimaa ringed seal can be found. In early summer, the seals can often be seen basking on shoreline rocks, while environmentally friendly excursions operated by Lakeland GTE use quieter electric boats to minimise disturbance.
6. Saaremaa, Estonia
While Tallinn is best known for its medieval streets, Estonia’s largest island offers a glimpse into the country’s rural heritage. At the Angla Windmill Mount, four 19th-century post mills and a Dutch-style windmill dating from 1927 have been preserved as part of an open-air museum celebrating centuries of breadmaking traditions. Fresh rye bread is baked on site, while the neighbouring island of Muhu is known for its distinctive black rye loaf.
Saaremaa is also home to one of Europe’s most unusual geological landmarks. Around 5500 BCE, nine meteorites struck the island, creating the Kaali crater field, where the largest crater measures around 110 metres across. For those looking to relax on their summer trips, Kuressaare, Saaremaa’s only city, has long been a spa destination thanks to its mineral-rich mud. Even if you’re not staying overnight, several wellness centres offer day passes, mud treatments and saunas.
