Top Places to Escape the Heat: Coolcation Destinations in Europe

With global warming and excessive heat in Europe, coolcations — destinations with mild temperatures during warm months — are becoming more popular than ever. Travelers are seeking relief from the summer heat and choosing places with refreshing weather and a cool climate. INFOBUS has gathered the best coolcation destinations in Europe — explore how to beat the heat this summer. 

Coolcation Destinations: Why Is This a New Travel Trend? 

Excessive heat is now a common summer feature in most European countries. Global warming brings rising temperatures, unusual heat waves, and discomfort for many travelers. As a result, more tourists tend to seek an escape from the boiling summer routine. Some travelers are sensitive to high temperatures, making hot destinations less enjoyable. They prefer destinations with cool breezes and comfortable temperatures for their summer escape. 

Most countries in Europe are hot in summer, so there are not many coolcation spots to explore. But you can still find a perfect summer destination to beat the heat and enjoy your vacation without high temperatures. 

The Best Coolcation Destinations in Europe 

Europe is known for hot summers, but some places remain cool even during warm months. Coolcation destinations are real gems for those seeking an escape from the summer heat. So what are these places?

Norway 

Norway is one of the greatest spots for a summer vacation in Scandinavia. The country is renowned for its pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes, contemporary infrastructure, and authentic culture. Norway’s charming fjords and coastal towns make it truly unforgettable. 

This place remains mild even during the most intense summer days, with an average temperature between 13–25°C (55–77°F). In the inland areas, the temperature may reach 25–30°C (77–86°F); however, northern Norway remains chilly — 10–18°C (50–64°F). 

Norway has plenty of options for everyone to enjoy their vacations — from hiking trails to kayaking. There are many beautiful cities and towns to visit: 

  ? Oslo: A perfect blend of modern life with cultural and historical heritage. There are many museums, cafes, restaurants, and cultural sites. Among the best places are Oslo Cathedral, the Oslo Opera House, the Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, and the Royal Palace. 

  ? Bergen: This coastal city attracts tourists with scenic sea views and wonderful attractions. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, a harbour area in Bergen with authentic wooden buildings. Besides, make sure to visit Bergenhus Fortress, the National Aquarium, Fantoft Stave Church, and Mount Ulriken. 

  ? Stavanger: Established in the 12th century, Stavanger is a lovely city in southwest Norway, offering a glimpse into history and the Viking Age. The city is home to Stavanger Cathedral, the Norwegian Canning Museum, Stavanger Art Museum, and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.

  ? Tromsø: Located within the Arctic Circle, the city is a real gateway to the Norwegian Arctic wonderland. It has the sea on one side, complemented by mountains on the other. Tromsø offers such attractions as The Polar Museum, The Arctic Cathedral, Polaria aquarium, and Tromsø Fjords. 

Wondering what to do in Norway in summer? In addition to cultural tours and city-break vacations, you can consider several options: 

  ? Beaches: While not as warm as tropical destinations, beaches in Norway are picturesque and clean. Enjoy the crystal-clear water at Sjøsanden, Orrestranda, Kvalvika, and Borestranden beaches. 

  ? Hiking in Valleys: Pristine valleys, outstanding views, and lush greenery — everything to reset your mind and connect with nature. Hike in Utladalen, Husedalen, Aurlandsdalen, and Døråldalen.

  ? Bø Sommarland: One of the biggest waterparks in Europe, Bø Sommarland offers an abundance of slides, pools, and rides for children and adults. Have fun and make sure to try Europe’s biggest water rollercoaster.

  ? Cycling: Norway provides everything to ensure travelers take a break from the digital routine and reconnect with nature. There are many biking trails, including Hallingdal, Hafjell, Lyngefjord, and Trysil. 

  ? Glacier Exploration: Norway is home to hundreds of giant glaciers, and you can explore some of them. The most popular glaciers are: Briksdalsbreen, Nigardsbreen, Svartisen, and Hardangerjøkulen. 

Doesn’t Norway look amazing to you? It’s truly a pearl of Europe — full of iconic destinations, breathtaking nature, and unforgettable attractions. 

Scotland

Scotland is the next coolcation destination on the list. The country is vibrant and brimming with historic charm. It offers everything tourists like — from medieval castles to green forests. 

Summer weather in Scotland is pleasantly refreshing — perfect for those seeking cool places for summer vacations. With an average temperature of 18°C (64°F), it remains comfortable even during intensive heat waves in Europe. Summer is Scotland’s wettest season, but sunny days still make for a rewarding trip.

Scotland is known for numerous cultural sites, picturesque views, and plenty of exciting summer activities for every type of traveler. Among the best cities in Scotland are: 

  ? Edinburgh: The cultural and financial center of Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. It’s the capital of Scotland since the 15th century and contains plenty of popular sites, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Real Mary King's Close, and Arthur's Seat. 

  ? Glasgow: The most populous city in Scotland, Glasgow is considered one of the most modern hubs in the UK. The city is renowned for art and vibrant nightlife. Highlights include the Glasgow Necropolis, the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, the Gallery of Modern Art, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. 

  ? Inverness: Inverness is considered the capital of the Scottish Highlands and dates back to the 6th century. The place is popular for its excellent nature and iconic places, such as Inverness Castle, The Victorian Market, Ness Islands, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St. Andrew. 

  ? Aberdeen: Also known as “The Granite City” for its numerous granite buildings, Aberdeen is the third most populated city in Scotland. Consider visiting Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Beach, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Old Aberdeen, and St. Machar's Cathedral.

Besides popular cities, there are many things to do in Scotland in summer to make your trip unforgettable. Among the best options are: 

  ? Jacobite Steam Train: The famous Harry Potter train, the Jacobite steam train, offers a great opportunity for anyone to dive into scenic views on a round-trip between Fort William and Mallaig. The train operates from April to October, making summer the perfect time for a scenic ride.

  ? Watersports: Scotland offers a wide variety of watersports. You can try windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more. Popular locations for watersports are Loch Tay, Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, and Glencoe. 

  ? Day Trips: Take day trips to local isles and explore popular destinations — a perfect way to escape urban routine. There are several popular isles, including the Isle of Arran, the Isle of Mull, and the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. 

  ? Camping: Wild camping is a popular way to connect with nature and reset your mind. Scotland has numerous wonderful spots for camping away from crowds and urban noise, for example, Glen Sannox, Barrisdale, Luss Campsite, Red Squirrel Campsite, and more. 

  ? Festivals: The country is rich in festivals in the summertime. There are many amazing events that help explore Scottish culture and enjoy art. Some of the best festivals include the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Cowal Highland Gathering, and the World Pipe Band Championships. 

Scotland is truly one of the best coolcation destinations in Europe, and now you can plan your trip easily. Spend your trip discovering fantastic Scottish sites. 

Estonia 

Estonia is popular for its affordability and an abundance of cultural gems. The country offers a wide range of things to do in summer, including island trips, cultural tours, and outdoor activities. It is renowned for its Baltic coastline, historic towns, and stunning natural landscapes.

The weather in Estonia in summer is pleasantly cool. The average temperature in the country ranges between 17–22°C (62–71°F), which is ideal for traveling. While summers can be rainy, sunny days are still common. The weather can range from chilly to warm, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. 

Many cities are great for a weekend trip or even a longer cultural escape. Consider visiting: 

  ? Tallinn: The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is a medieval city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rich history. The city is full of cultural landmarks, so make sure to explore its cobbled streets. Among the best places are Tallinn Old Town, Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, the Estonian Open Air Museum, the Tallinn TV Tower, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 

  ? Tartu: It’s the second-largest city in Estonia and is renowned as the intellectual and cultural capital of the country. This ancient city houses many iconic places, including the University of Tartu, the Estonian National Museum, the AHHAA Science Centre, the Tartu Toy Museum, and the Ruins of Tartu Cathedral.

  ? Pärnu: This lovely city in Estonia is popular for its sandy Pärnu beach and vibrant atmosphere. The city has plenty of bars, restaurants, and hotels. Established in 1251, Pärnu offers many fascinating sites, for example, Pärnu Museum, Tallinn Gate, St. Elizabeth's Church, Town Hall, and the Uue Kunsti Muuseum. 

  ? Narva: Narva was first mentioned in 1172 and is one of the biggest cities in Estonia. It houses many iconic places, most of which were reconstructed after severe damage from World War II. Consider visiting Narva Art Gallery, Narva Town Hall, the Swedish Lion statue, Victoria Bastion Casemates, and Ivangorod Fortress.  

The country is popular for weekend trips, but if you visit Estonia in summer, there is much more to do. Among the best things to do in Estonia in summer are: 

  ? Explore National Parks: Estonia is renowned for its preserved national parks, where you can find unique flora and fauna. Tourists like to explore national parks to escape the urban rush. Some of the popular places include Matsalu National Park, Lahemaa National Park, Soomaa National Park, and Alutaguse National Park. 

  ? Visit Islands: Island trips are popular for camping, hiking, and cycling — ideal for nature lovers. A ferry ride can take you to easily accessible islands, including such popular destinations as Saaremaa, Muhu, Hiiumaa, and Vilsandi. 

  ? Hiking: Estonia is home to picturesque trails that let you explore its unique nature and peaceful bogs. In summer, it’s common to take a day or half-day hike on Estonia’s scenic trails. Take a closer look at Mukri Nature Trail, Kakerdaja Bog Hiking Trail, Tuhu Bog and Hiking Trail, and Hüpassaare Study Trail. 

  ? Camping: Summer is just ideal for camping in Estonia. There are various campsites to ensure you can dive into the atmosphere of wildlife. Among famous campsites are Cape Purekkari, Matsimäe-Pühajärv, Tudu campfire site, and Tuhkana Beach. 

  ? Visiting Events: Many events take place in summer, so you can add some festivals to your trip plan. There are multiple festivals, including Seto Kingdom Day, Augustibluus Blues Festival, and Tartu Food and Wine Festival. 

Estonia in summer is lively, diverse, and affordable — all you need for a smooth trip. Save this coolcation destination for your summer vacation. 

Travel to Coolcation Destinations with INFOBUS

Enjoy cool places? Ready to plan your perfect coolcation? INFOBUS has you covered. We offer a wide selection of bus, train, and ferry routes to Europe’s coolest summer spots. Verified carriers, transparent terms, and simple booking — get your tickets in just a few steps. 

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