Coolcation: Why Scandinavia is the perfect summer escape
When the summer months turn hot and crowded across southern Europe, more travellers are looking for something new. Instead of crowded beach resorts and scorching temperatures, they head north to the Nordic countries. To places with moderate summer temperatures, crisp air, and long daylight hours. The average summer temperatures in Scandinavia typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This new way of travelling has a name: the coolcation.
It’s a summer escape into cooler destinations, where the promise is not just relief from the relentless heat, but also unforgettable experiences in landscapes full of natural wonders and pristine nature. Nordic destinations are increasingly sought after for their space, serenity, and sustainability.
What is a coolcation?
A coolcation is a summer holiday in a cooler destination. It’s the opposite of following the crowd to the Mediterranean. Instead of battling extreme heat and crowded beaches, travellers are choosing places with mild summer weather, pleasant temperatures, and clean air. Scandinavian cities remain comfortable to explore in July and August, even on foot or by bike.
The coolcation trend is rising fast, because soaring temperatures and global temperatures make people realise they want to stay cool and stay active during their summer vacations. There has been a significant increase in travel to cooler destinations like Canada, Finland, and Iceland.
Why Scandinavia is the perfect escape
The Nordic coolcations offer exactly that: comfort, space, and authenticity. Coolcations offer not only breathtaking scenery but also sustainable tourism practices.
Escape the heat: In Sweden, Norway, and Finland, summer temperatures are usually 15–25°C: pleasant temperatures that let you hike, sleep well, and explore without stress.
Enjoy space and silence: Walk forest trails, cycle through lush forests, or visit national parks where the only sound is wind and water.
Discover unique natural wonders: The midnight sun stretches the daylight hours, offering long summer days that feel endless. In the arctic regions you may even glimpse the aurora near the Arctic Circle.
Travel easily: Good public transport links and accessible European destinations make Nordic countries simple to explore. Public transport in the Nordic countries is clean and efficient.
Here, more travellers find the perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventures with a perfect backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
What a coolcation looks like in Swedish Lapland
In the far north, beyond the cities and noise, lies Swedish Lapland: a region where Sweden offers a perfect escape into nature.
Watch the midnight sun shine through the summer months, when the sky never fully darkens.
Explore forest trails and go hiking in vast national parks filled with pristine nature.
Discover Gammelstad, the UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Luleå.
Visit the Stockholm archipelago, or take panoramic journeys into Lapland’s arctic regions.
And with Go To Sápmi, your coolcation goes beyond sightseeing: Scandinavia excels in sustainability and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Meet reindeer with Sámi herders and discover culture rooted in the arctic circle.
Sit by the fire, sharing stories carried through generations.
Take part in a northern lights photography workshop.
How to get there
Reaching the north is easier than ever.
Flights: Luleå Airport in northern Sweden is well connected, with seasonal direct routes from central
Public transport: From Luleå Airport, travellers find buses, trains, and car parks close to the main building, easy access for onward trips into Lapland or south to Stockholm.
Travel trends: With more people choosing cooler temperatures, airlines are adding destinations across the world to follow this new kind of summer escape. Nordic countries have well-developed networks of green travel infrastructure, including electric public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a coolcation?
A coolcation is a summer holiday in a cooler destination, chosen to escape soaring temperatures and crowded beaches in southern Europe.
2. Why Scandinavia?
Because Nordic countries combine mild summer weather, moderate summer temperatures, fresh air, and natural wonders like the midnight sun and the Arctic Circle.
3. Isn’t Scandinavia too cold in summer?
No. Summer temperatures are usually 15–25°C—pleasant temperatures that allow for outdoor adventures, hiking, and exploring nature without scorching temperatures.
4. What can I do on a coolcation in Lapland?
Enjoy long daylight hours under the midnight sun, visit national parks, walk forest trails, discover cities like Luleå, and join authentic Sámi experiences with Go To Sápmi.
5. How do I reach Swedish Lapland?
Fly to Luleå Airport (direct from Zürich from Dec 2025) or via Stockholm. Public transport; trains, buses and ferries makes it easy to continue your trip north.
6. Why are coolcations becoming popular?
Because more travellers want to stay cool, avoid relentless heat and crowded beach resorts, and instead enjoy unforgettable experiences in pristine nature.
A quiet invitation
Can’t wait for summer? Winters here are also cool.
At Go To Sápmi, we welcome travellers in every season. Summer offers long days and mild adventures; winter surrounds you with snow, silence, and the colours of the aurora. Both are unforgettable experiences—just different ways to feel the north.
