While southern Europe bakes under another summer of record-breaking heatwaves, a new travel trend is rewriting the map: the coolcation. As thermometers in Spain, Italy and Greece regularly push past 40°C, more and more travellers are deliberately heading north in search of comfortable, sleepable summers. A new Summer Heat Index has now ranked the best places in Europe to escape the heat – and the results are dominated by the Nordic and Baltic countries.

According to research by the travel platform Polarsteps, around 35% of travellers have deliberately chosen cooler destinations this summer, and more than one in five are doing so for the very first time. Here is the full Top 10 – and how the index was built.

What exactly is a “coolcation”?

A coolcation (a blend of cool and vacation) is exactly what it sounds like: a holiday planned around mild, comfortable temperatures instead of punishing heat. Driven by climate change, traditional Mediterranean resorts have become an endurance test for many travellers in peak summer. Instead of 40-degree beaches, coolcationers seek out forests, fjords, lakes and breezy northern coastlines where you can actually sleep at night.

How the Summer Heat Index was created

To help travellers find the most comfortable summer escapes, the first Summer Heat Index analysed 25 European countries against six key criteria that define an ideal summer climate:

• Average daytime temperature in August – pleasant warmth rather than extreme heat.
• Average night-time temperature in August – crucial for good-quality sleep.
• Average sea temperature – cool enough to be genuinely refreshing.
• Forest cover (% of territory) – natural shade and cleaner air.
• Population density – fewer crowds and more personal space.
• Availability of free and wild camping – the freedom to enjoy nature.

The Top 10 coolcation countries in Europe

The index is dominated by Northern Europe and the Baltic region. Here is the full ranking, from the coolest Arctic escapes to the green hills and nature trails of the British Isles.

1. Iceland – Arctic cool and otherworldly nature

Iceland takes the crown. With summer days that rarely climb out of the mid-teens, glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal pools, it is the ultimate antidote to a Mediterranean heatwave. The trade-off is distance and cost, but budget routes keep popping up – we regularly spot cheap flights to Iceland that make it more accessible than you would think.

2. Finland – Land of a thousand lakes and endless forests

Finland is almost entirely covered by boreal forest and dotted with nearly 188,000 lakes – a natural air-conditioning system. Long, bright evenings and cool nights make it perfect for hiking, swimming and sauna culture.

3. Norway – Majestic fjords and crisp mountain air

Few places feel as refreshing as a Norwegian fjord in August. Towering cliffs, glacier-fed water and cool mountain air make Norway a coolcation classic.

4. Sweden – Archipelagos and wide-open space

Sweden combines the Stockholm archipelago’s thousands of islands with vast forests and the famous allemansrätten (right to roam), which allows free wild camping almost anywhere.

5. Estonia – Islands and well-equipped campsites

Estonia punches above its weight thanks to its laid-back islands (Saaremaa and Hiiumaa), mysterious bogs and excellent free camping infrastructure. Cool Baltic breezes and low crowds make it ideal for a slow summer.

6. Latvia – Forests, untouched beaches and quiet

Landing at number six, Latvia is the strong-value alternative to the pricier far north. More than 50% of the country is forest, guaranteeing natural shade even on the hottest August days, while 500 km of white-sand Baltic coastline offers genuinely refreshing water from Jurmala to Cape Kolka. Hundreds of free, well-equipped campfire sites add to the appeal.

7. Lithuania – The Curonian Spit and living heritage

Lithuania’s star attraction is the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, a slender ribbon of towering sand dunes and pine forest along the Baltic Sea. Add a low population density and a rich cultural heritage, and you have a relaxed, cool-climate escape.

8. Switzerland – Alpine peaks and high-altitude cool

The only Alpine entry in the top tier, Switzerland uses altitude to its advantage: even in midsummer, the mountains, glaciers and high lakes stay comfortably cool. It is pricier than the Baltics, but unbeatable for hikers chasing crisp mountain air.

9. Ireland – Atlantic breezes and emerald hills

Ireland’s mild, Atlantic-tempered climate means summer heat is rarely an issue. Green hills, dramatic coastlines and the Wild Atlantic Way make it a refreshing, scenic choice for travellers who prefer a sweater to a sunburn.

10. United Kingdom – Scotland and Wales nature trails

Rounding out the top ten, the UK earns its place on the strength of the Scottish Highlands and the nature trails of Wales. Cool, changeable summers and endless hiking make the British Isles a reliable coolcation base.

Why Northern Europe wins the summer

The same factors come up again and again across the leading destinations:

• Warm days, cool nights. Unlike southern Europe’s “tropical nights” that never drop below 25°C, the north cools down after dark – so you sleep well without air conditioning.
• Genuinely refreshing seas. While the Mediterranean can feel like a warm bath by August, the Baltic, North Sea and Atlantic stay invigorating.
• Forest shade. High forest cover provides natural shelter from the sun and cleaner air.
• Space, not crowds. Low population density is the perfect antidote to overtourism.
• Free camping. Right-to-roam laws and public campsite networks make nature trips cheap and easy.

Should you book a coolcation?

If summer heat ruins your holidays, the index makes a strong case for heading north. A few tips:

• Book early. Northern routes – especially from the Baltics and Scandinavia – are cheapest well in advance.
• Pack layers. Cool nights and changeable weather reward a good jacket over a suitcase full of shorts.
• Embrace the outdoors. Camping, hiking and lake swimming are where these destinations shine – and they keep costs down.

Frequently asked questions

What is a coolcation?

A coolcation is a holiday planned around mild, comfortable temperatures – typically in northern or higher-altitude regions – instead of intense summer heat.

Which is the best coolcation country in Europe?

Iceland tops the Summer Heat Index, with the Nordic countries and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) filling most of the Top 10.

Who created the Summer Heat Index?

It is based on research by the travel platform Polarsteps, reported by Euronews Travel, which scored 25 European countries across six climate and nature criteria.

When is the best time for a coolcation?

August is the sweet spot – exactly when southern Europe is at its hottest and the northern destinations are at their most pleasant.

Source: based on Euronews Travel reporting on the Polarsteps Summer Heat Index.