Combining the most picturesque and exhilarating ways to experience the Nordic region this summer; guests can now sail through the fjords; go on a Swedish safari; hike under the midnight sun and take an ocean trip to spot whales.
Available from June to August Nordic summer holidays incorporate dramatic scenery, exploration and immersive culinary excellence for those looking for a trip of a lifetime in cooler climes.
“We have noticed a rise in people booking Nordic holidays during the summer due to the soaring temperatures reported across Europe over the last few years,” says Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
“Cooler destinations or ‘coolcations’ have started gaining in popularity for those looking to explore a country and take part in active pursuits without the heat limiting them.
“The Nordic region may seem like an unexpected choice for a summer holiday, however it offers some of the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches in the world alongside amazing hikes and captivating wildlife. It’s a place with wellbeing at its core and the bonus of the midnight sun throughout the summer months offers endless opportunities for adventure.”
Northern Norway
Don your hiking boots for a medium intensity 4 km trek to Blåisvatnet (The Blue Lake) known as the bluest lake in the world and located at the foot of the Lenangsbreen glacier on the Lyngen peninsula.
Take a dip in the invigorating, ice-cold water that never exceeds 4 degrees.
In the evening take part in a brand-new expedition to sail through the majestic fjords, passing Fugløya, or ‘Bird Island’ – a significant breeding site for seabirds including Atlantic puffins, European storm petrels and black guillemots before venturing into the vast Barents Sea to experience the awe-inspiring midnight sun glittering on the water.
Sweden
Head into Swedish Lapland for the experience of a lifetime – a Swedish safari. Meet moose, reindeer and huskies at Cape Wild – a small wildlife park where you can get up close and personal with Sweden’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat of deep forest.
Enjoy al fresco dining with two and three course menus available offering visitors a taste of authentic local cuisine cooked over an open fire.
A cosy cabin sits right next to the Lule river where you can enjoy stunning views across the water. Rent fishing gear and a boat to head out onto the water for some relaxing down time.
Finland
Finland is often overlooked as a summer destination, but the lighter, warmer months make it fantastic for outdoor adventures around the beautiful archipelagos.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Inari, the largest lake in Finnish Lapland, Wilderness Hotel Inari has luxurious and cosy log cabins overlooking the lake with their own private sauna.
Take a midnight hike to the top of Otsamo Fell; visit huskies and watch their summer training regime for the winter months ahead and enjoy a 5-star tasting menu with wine pairing at the hotel’s panoramic UKKO restaurant.
Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the wilderness, hearing stories from a local guide as you head into the forests to forage for blueberries and cloudberries.
Picnic on the shores of the lake or take a kayak to explore the archipelago of islands surrounded by crystal clear water.
Summer in Inari | Summer Holiday in Finland
Greenland
Greenland is another perfect summer location with a mixture of the great outdoors and connections to both Reykjavik and Copenhagen for those looking to incorporate a city break.
Ilulissat in western Greenland is home to the humpback whale. They can often be seen feeding near the surface of the water, making them relatively easy to spot from a boat.
Whale watching in Illulissat is typically best during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is milder and the sea is generally calmer, making it easier to spot whales and other marine life. Visitors may also be able to see minke whales, fin whales, and orcas.
From cosy accommodation, walk down to the Ilulissat ice fjord to take in the breathtaking views of the icebergs in Disko Bay – the largest on the western coast. From the shore spot a variety of birds such as gulls, terns, guillemots and cormorants and keep an eye out for Arctic foxes, hares and ptarmigan (a type of grouse) around the bay.
Iceland
Visiting Iceland during the summer months means longer daylight hours, taking the pressure off having to see everything before dark. In late summer you may even be lucky enough to catch some aurora late in the evenings just before the midnight sun.
For those looking for a relaxing summer escape, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland is an award-winning luxury resort with a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a private lagoon sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon.
Thrill seekers might want to take a helicopter ride to the Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, which sits further east. Witness volcanoes, glacial rivers, and waterfalls before arriving at The Diamond Beach – a stretch of icebergs and black sand known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
