Summer heat isn’t for everyone. If you’re tired of sweaty city sidewalks, scorching beaches, and overworked air conditioners, it’s time to rethink your travel game. Enter the Coolcation — a summer vacation where the temperatures stay mild, the crowds are thinner, and the views are unbeatable.
These six destinations — Norway, Iceland, Scotland, Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland — are tailor-made for travelers looking to escape the heat without sacrificing adventure or culture. We’ve also included standout hotels that will elevate your stay in each place.
1. Norway: Scenic Fjords and Summer Serenity
Why It’s Cool:
Norway’s summer highs rarely break 70°F (21°C), making it ideal for hiking, boating, and exploring its jaw-dropping fjords without overheating. Long days (and even midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle) give you extra time to soak in the natural beauty — from towering cliffs to quiet fishing villages.
Top Experiences:
- Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) or Trolltunga for sweeping views.
- Take a cruise through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
- Explore Oslo’s vibrant waterfront and Munch Museum.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ Hotel Union Øye – Nestled in the Norangsfjord valley, this historic hotel feels like a fairytale lodge straight out of a Nordic saga. Think antique-filled rooms, candlelit dinners, and epic mountain views.
2. Iceland: Fire, Ice, and Pure Adventure
Why It’s Cool:
Iceland’s weather stays comfortably between 45–55°F (7–13°C) in summer. This is the land of extremes — geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes — all within driving distance of one another. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, it’s a paradise for road trips and outdoor photography.
Top Experiences:
- Drive the Golden Circle to see Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir.
- Bathe in geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
- Catch puffins and whales along the southern coast.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ ION Adventure Hotel – Located near Thingvellir National Park, this sleek, sustainable hotel offers access to nature with modern design. Floor-to-ceiling windows let you watch the dramatic landscape without stepping outside.
3. Scotland: Highland Breezes and Historic Charm
Why It’s Cool:
Scotland averages in the 60s°F (15–19°C) during summer — perfect for exploring its dramatic coastlines, misty glens, and medieval cities. Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, hiking Ben Nevis, or sipping whisky by the fire, Scotland serves atmosphere in every form.
Top Experiences:
- Tour Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
- Hike in Cairngorms National Park or visit the Isle of Skye.
- Discover centuries-old distilleries on the Speyside Whisky Trail.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ The Fife Arms – A restored Victorian hunting lodge in Braemar, this boutique hotel fuses art, history, and Highlands elegance. It’s cozy, quirky, and totally unforgettable.
4. Denmark: Cool Culture and Coastal Calm
Why It’s Cool:
With temps hovering around 68–72°F (20–22°C), Denmark offers perfect biking weather and laid-back coastal towns. Copenhagen delivers clean design, world-class food, and a relaxed rhythm that’s pure summer bliss — minus the heat.
Top Experiences:
- Bike across Copenhagen to see Nyhavn, Tivoli, and Freetown Christiania.
- Take a seaside day trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
- Explore the beaches and sand dunes of Skagen or Bornholm Island.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Right on Copenhagen’s iconic harbor, this hotel pairs historic charm with Scandinavian minimalism. Bonus: You’re steps from some of the city’s best restaurants.
5. Ireland: Misty Views and Endless Green
Why It’s Cool:
Ireland’s summer temperatures rarely exceed 66°F (19°C), creating ideal conditions for road-tripping, hiking, and pub crawling without wilting. From dramatic coastlines to storybook villages, the Emerald Isle delivers peace, poetry, and a pint — all under soft, shifting skies.
Top Experiences:
- Drive the Ring of Kerry or Wild Atlantic Way.
- Hike the Cliffs of Moher or Wicklow Mountains.
- Dive into Irish culture in Dublin, Galway, or Dingle.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ Ballynahinch Castle Hotel – A 700-acre estate in Connemara, this castle-turned-hotel is perfect for fishing, hiking, or just curling up with a view of the lake and mountains.
6. Switzerland: High Altitude, Low Temps, Maximum Beauty
Why It’s Cool:
With crisp mountain air and highs in the mid-60s°F (18°C), Switzerland offers picture-perfect landscapes and ideal hiking conditions. Summer is when alpine villages bloom, lakes warm just enough for a swim, and the scenery goes full postcard.
Top Experiences:
- Take the Glacier Express train through the Alps.
- Swim in Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne.
- Hike in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn.
Where to Stay:
🛎️ Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – Overlooking Lake St. Moritz, this legendary hotel delivers old-world luxury with access to trails, spas, and some of Europe’s cleanest mountain air.
Final Word: Summer Doesn’t Have to Be Sweltering
A Coolcation offers everything that makes summer great — long days, outdoor adventures, vibrant cities — but without the sweat and sunburn. Whether you’re kayaking a fjord, biking along a canal, or sipping whisky in a stone lodge, these cool-weather destinations prove that the best summer vacations don’t need scorching temperatures.
Book smart. Pack layers. Stay cool. Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours in many incredible destinations where summer means moderate weather and fresh air among beautiful landscapes.
