Coolcation – the new trend
Your guide to summer destinations without the heat
By Dahn
A cool vacation
Today it's May and 20 degrees in Gothenburg and that's probably the only time we don't think about temperatures. But down in Europe the year's first heat wave is raging and we know how it is in this new world: increasingly sudden swings between cold and warm. This makes it a bit trickier to plan the trip.
Of course we can still hike and cycle in southern Europe in perfect temperatures, but increasingly often a bit earlier in spring and a bit later in autumn. During the summer months, it's advantageous to look either north or up in altitude.
In this article we tell you a bit more about coolcation – cool vacation – and how you find the right destination. There are more than you think, and in unexpected places!
Coolcation in northern Europe
Destinations like the Nordic countries, the British Isles and the Baltic coast are obvious cool destinations. But even the Atlantic coast in northern France and northern Spain are well shielded from extreme heat. This means you can have wine and tapas even during summer without hiding inside an air-conditioned bar. Don't forget the hidden gems the Channel Islands: we have several hiking trips to Jersey, Guernsey and Sark.
So it's not enough to choose the more northern parts of France, Germany and Poland. It can absolutely be super nice in Champagne and Alsace, and in Masuria a cooling lake bath is never far away, but it's near the coasts the climate becomes mildest. This actually works all the way down to Spain, where Atlantic landscapes like Galicia (see the picture) and Asturias become pleasant thanks to nature's own air conditioning: the great oceans.
It becomes safest of all in Norway, Scotland, Ireland and most of England (e.g. the popular coastal path in Cornwall).
Cool trips up north
Coolcation in the Alps
Southern Europe also has cool summer destinations – but then we have to go up in altitude. This works out well since the Alps offer some of the most beautiful environments for hiking and cycling on our entire continent. Many hikes take place at 1500-2500 meters above sea level and here there's often "Swedish summer" weather. Down in the valleys it can get hot in July and August but then the day's hike is over.
The majestic Dolomites, the great mountains around Mont Blanc and Valle d'Aosta or the untouched gems in Piedmont – and not to forget Austria and Slovenia's Julian Alps. All of them are brilliant destinations from June through September.
Epic's world doesn't end there. Cool heights are also found in Georgia (Svaneti and Kazbegi). The sun shines but the altitude makes daytime temperatures pleasant even in midsummer, preferably with pleasantly cool nights when you sleep well.
Cool trips closer to heaven
All our Coolcations
As help we have gathered all destinations on this page.
When things heat up
If you should happen to encounter unusually high temperatures on your hiking trip or cycling trip, there are ways to handle it. Some tips:
- Start earlier in the morning and finish before the afternoon heat sets in
- Lower the pace, take more breaks, and drink more water than you think
- Always wear a cap or sun hat – your own "shade tree" makes a big difference
- Bring swimwear if there's a chance to dip into water along the way
- Let a couple of days pass. The body adapts
- Ask the hotel to book a taxi to skip a stage – no shame in that when the mercury shoots up!
Good luck choosing your destination and take it easy out there!
