Beat the Heat: 7 Best Coolcations In Europe

While many tourists prioritize tropical beaches when planning a cruise, experienced travelers know that the best summer vacations are actually European coolcations. Those who opt for cooler places to visit in the summer experience minimal sweating, dramatic and diverse scenery, epic wildlife, Viking sites, world-class hiking, castles, the world’s safest cities, remarkable food traditions and maximum sunlight without the scorching temperatures. It’s honestly pretty unbeatable and, as a longtime travel writer with Nordic and Celtic roots, I’m a massive proponent — I will always pick coolcations over hotter destinations, and I’ve been urging travelers to do just that throughout my entire career.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean cruises visit all kinds of spectacular coolcation spots in Europe. If you’re dreaming of a summer trip with cooler weather and low crowds, these are the best places to go in Europe.

So, whether wandering around a breezy northern capital or kayaking across a scenic fjord is more your speed, I’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the 7 best European coolcation destinations, and uncover why they’re so rightfully gaining attention.

“Seas” the Summer Without the Sweat: Coolcations Explained

Coolcations are trips to destinations that are considered cold places to visit in summer. They don’t need to be icy cold, like Antarctica, but are cooler than places closer to the equator, and tend to stay under 70 degrees even during the hottest months.

In Europe, taking a coolcation means swapping:

● Popular resort beaches in Italy for… black sand beaches in Iceland.

● Long treks in the Spanish countryside for… jade-hued hikes to Norwegian waterfalls.

● Greek ruins along arid cliffsides for… Viking ruins against lush landscapes.

These cooler places to visit in summer months are just as, if not more so, gorgeous, but don’t come with sizzling sidewalks and dripping sweat. But there’s more to it than comfort.

Why are Coolcations Becoming More Popular?

A coolcation offers a lot of perks that modern travelers are gravitating toward, whether that be for shifting priorities or a shifting climate.

Cooler places to visit in summer are easier trips for those who don’t like to be hot, have limited mobility, are traveling with children or are sensitive to migraines. The temperatures are comfortable and breezy in both coolcation cities and wilderness areas. Plus, due to these spaces being considered more off-the-beaten-track, crowds are also lower compared to hotter vacation spots.

But it’s more than comfort. Between the lower temperatures, plentiful water and land cover, coolcations provide an added level of safety in the face of climate change-related disasters. Northern European vacation spots don’t pose the same risk of wildfire, water shortages, droughts, cyclones and flooding that hotter destinations can. Paired with some of the lowest crime rates in the world, coolcation spots in Europe are ultra-safe, making them ideal for families, solo travelers, seniors, members of the LGBTQIA2+ community, disabled folks and women.

So, travelers who want a low-stress and authentic experience amongst uber cool city spaces and absolutely jaw-dropping scenery are embracing the art of taking a coolcation. As global temperatures, the prioritization of well-being and demand for ecotourism continues to rise, so too will the number of travelers who opt for European coolcations.

Where is it Cool In the Summer?: 7 Best European Coolcation Destinations

1. Bergen, Norway

With a nickname like “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen is a clear choice for cruisers who love nature. The mountains, waterways like Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, hiking trails and Midnight Sun offer optimum outdoor adventures. But, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen and museums, there’s plenty to do outside of, well, being outside.

● What to do: Hike Mt. Fløyen (and Vidden if you have all day), see one of the largest Edvard Munch collections in the world at the Rasmus Meyer (part of the KODE art museums), slow down and wander in Nygårdsparken.

● What to eat: Raspeballer (Norwegian potato balls) from Dr. Wiesener, carrot cake (and coffee) from Det Lille Kaffekompaniet, fish soup from Pingvinen.

● Travel tip: If it’s raining, duck inside the Bergen Public Library and hang out at Amalies Hage, a cozy cafe with great food and plenty of seating.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

This luxury European cruise destination is known for its fashion, food and harbor. Meanwhile, hygge seems to leave its mark on every corner. Between the royal palaces, museums, literary sites, Scandinavian design and sandwich culture, there’s something for everyone in Copenhagen.

● What to do: Take a canal tour from Nyhavn (you’ll see the Little Mermaid statue), learn about the Danes at the National Museum of Denmark, swim at Kastrup Søbad.

● What to eat: Smørrebrød from Restaurant Schønnemann, cake from Conditori La Glace, oysters from La Banchina.

● Travel tip: The Royal Library Garden, a hidden spot sandwiched between Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library, is the best place in Copenhagen for a picnic.

3. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is what every city should be: art-filled, ultra-walkable, sustainable, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and chock-full of great food. The best way to see it is to wander — there’s no better travel experience than spending an entire day walking through a Scandinavian city, cardamom latte in hand.

● What to do: Wander aimlessly, visit the Historical Museum, take a dip at Sørenga.

● What to eat: Waffles from Haralds Vaffel, hot dogs from Syverkiosken, seafood from Fiskeriet.

● Travel tip: Take in views from the roof of The Oslo Opera House.

4. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is where the old and new come together. Here, maritime history, contemporary design, canals and oodles of art come together.

● What to do: Walk the Erasmus Bridge, visit the Maritime Museum, get lost inside Rotterdam Central Library.

● What to eat: Dutch treats from stalls inside the Markthal, scallops from Gastrobar Hartig, Tom Yum from Casa Thai.

● Travel tip: Delfshaven is the Rotterdam neighborhood most travelers visit for pictures.

5. Skjolden, Norway

Skjolden is the best coolcation when it comes to anniversary trip ideas. Perched on Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, this scenic village is surrounded by towering mountains and glittering waters. It’s a paradise for outdoorsy travelers.

● What to do: Kayak Sognefjord, walk the Åsafossen trail, picnic along Eidsvatnet.

● What to eat: Pizza from Bryggjehuset, seafood from Skjolden Hotel Restaurant, waffles with berry jam at Walaker.

● Travel tip: Nearby Jotunheimen National Park is a must if you’re a hiker.

6. Cherbourg, France

With naval history and ties to the infamous Titanic voyage, this port city in Normandy is one of the cooler places to visit in summer if you like anything maritime. Cherbourg has endless museums, markets and great eats.

● What to do: Visit La Cité de la Mer, wander Parc Emmanuel Liais, marvel at the architecture of Basilique Sainte-Trinité.

● What to eat: Seafood at Le Pily, loaded baked potatoes from Apple Garden Café, carpaccio from La Musette.

● Travel tip: Bring a French dictionary if you don’t speak French.

7. Stavanger, Norway

For those who love the slow pace of little Norwegian fishing villages but still want city attractions, a cruise to Stavanger is a dream. The colorful streets, Viking history and peaceful waters offer memorable coolcations for all.

● What to do: Explore Gamle Stavanger, visit the oldest cathedral in Norway (Stavanger domkirke), walk along Gandsfjord.

● What to eat: Sandwiches from No 18 Kulturkafé, fiskesuppe from Fisketorget, seasonal vegetable plates at Restaurant SÖL.

● Travel tip: The most colorful street in the city is Fargegaten.

It’s a Thrill to Chill: Planning a Coolcation Cruise to Europe

When planning a cruise, it can be tough to narrow down where to go for a coolcation, since these destinations are all so beautiful and culturally rich. However, here are five questions to ask yourself and your travel companions that can help:

● Do we want to prioritize visiting beaches, mountains, countryside or cities?

● Do we want temperatures that max out at around 75 degrees or 50 degrees?

● Are we planning on spending most of our time in the cities and towns, or in nature?

● Is having a true Midnight Sun experience important to us?

● How remote do we want to be?

For example, if you want to visit beaches and experience temperatures that aren’t usually warmer than 50 degrees, plan on spending most of your time in nature, want to see the Midnight Sun and be in remote areas, northwestern Norway would be the best coolcation destination for you.

What to Pack for a European Coolcation Cruise

Cooler places to visit in summer require completely different packing lists than tropical destinations. So, if you’re a first-time coolcation cruiser or just want a refresher, here’s everything you need to pack for a European coolcation cruise:

● Clothing layers (sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, pants, t-shirts, etc.).

● Warm jacket (I like to bring a trench coat and a hoodie to wear under it so I can shed layers as needed).

● Warm socks (bring more than you think you’ll need — I recommend wool).

● Shoes that are good for both water and hiking (I like Chacos or waterproof hiking boots).

● Good walking shoes for cities or restaurants.

● Sunscreen.

● Sunglasses.

● Warm hat and gloves for evenings.

● Sunhat for daytime.

● Swim suit.

● Travel documents.

● Dictionary (there will likely be English speakers, but it’s polite to at least attempt to use the local language).

● Binoculars for wildlife viewing.

● Wallet.

● Rain jacket.

● Universal adapter and chargers.

● Camera and/or phone.

● Day bag.

● Waterproof bags for electronics.

● First Aid kit (optional, but key if you’re hiking).

● Medications, if you take them.

● Reusable water bottle.

Your Own Royal Caribbean Cruise Coolcation Awaits