Best summer travel destinations 2025: The most popular coolcation destinations for Germans
This summer, temperatures in Germany have already cracked the 30-degree mark: While outdoor pools are overcrowded, many are longing for a change of scenery and a chance to cool off. And while traditional travel destinations with summer heat remain popular with Germans, cooler regions are increasingly coming into focus.
The now well-known trend is called "coolcation" – vacations in places with a more pleasant summer climate. A recent analysis by the travel platform Opodo confirms: interest in such destinations is growing rapidly. This summer, German vacationers' searches for cooler destinations increased by up to 28 percent.
The trend is particularly evident among younger travelers – over half of German millennials (people born between the early 1980s and late 1990s) have adjusted their travel plans in the last five years due to weather conditions. Flexibility plays a crucial role for them.
77 percent would change their vacation plans to avoid heatwaves – as long as it doesn't incur additional costs. Older generations are significantly less sensitive to the weather: According to the analysis, only 12 percent of those over 65 have ever changed their trip due to extreme weather.
But which travel destinations are particularly popular? We highlight the countries and regions that are experiencing strong growth in search queries from German vacationers and reveal what else these places have to offer in the summer, besides milder temperatures.
Norway (+28 percent), Sweden (+25 percent), Finland (+23 percent) and Denmark (+18 percent) are among the most popular coolcation spots of the year.
Whether hiking through fjord landscapes, enjoying the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle, or kayaking through the archipelago – here you can experience summer without breaking a sweat. Particularly popular are the Norwegian Lofoten Islands and the Swedish lake district around Värmland.
If you don't want to miss out on some southern flair in the summer, northern Spain offers the perfect coolcation alternative. In Galicia, green hills meet the rugged Atlantic coast and picturesque fishing villages.
Idyllic: The fishing village of O Port do Barqueiro on the Rías Altas in the province of A Coruña.
Source: IMAGO/Zoonar
A Coruña is also one of the most beautiful places in Galicia: In the port city on the Atlantic, where search interest increased by 34 percent in the summer of 2025, there is always a fresh breeze - and temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees.
A Coruña: Top destination for beach holidays or city trips and starting point for excursions.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Neighboring Asturias also scores points with its rugged coastal beauty, green mountains, and relaxed pace of life. The capital, Oviedo, recorded a 30 percent increase this summer—and since 2022, search interest has even increased by 134 percent.
Oviedo is a former royal seat and is also known as the "City of Pre-Romanesque." Many buildings and monuments from this period adorn the center and surrounding area, including the Church of San Tirso el Real and the Foncalada Fountain. The cathedral, with its Gothic tower that can be climbed, and the lively Plaza del Fontán market square are a feast for the eyes.
In the heart of Oviedo lies the Plaza del Fontán.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
Bilbao, the largest city in the Spanish Basque Country , is also ideal for a pleasant summer holiday: with a 64 percent increase in search queries, it is clear how much the interest of German holidaymakers has increased since 2022.
No wonder – the city impresses with the iconic Guggenheim Museum, creative architecture and the lively Casco Viejo, the historic district with narrow streets, traditional shops and a culinary scene that makes gourmet hearts beat faster with pintxos – artfully topped snacks.
The north of France is also a popular destination for a milder summer holiday this summer: The medieval city of Rouen in Normandy is particularly popular. With its Gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, colorful half-timbered houses and narrow streets, it is a real insider tip for coolcation travelers.
Rouen is a great city break destination, even in summer. One highlight is the Gros-Horloge, an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century.
Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime
According to Opodo, Germans' search interest in Rouen has increased by 33 percent for the summer of 2025. This historic site is also known for Joan of Arc: The French national heroine and saint was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, in Rouen's Vieux-Marché market square. The Church of Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc was built as a memorial. The life and work of the Maid of Orleans are now impressively presented in the Historial Jeanne d'Arc – an immersive museum in the city's Archbishop's Palace.
Also on the rise: the cultural metropolis of Nantes. Search interest in this city has increased by 65 percent since 2022.
The city on the Loire is considered an insider tip for art fans and delights with sights such as the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, imaginative machine installations such as the famous mechanical elephant in "Les Machines de l'île" and a young, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Not only Northern Europe is in demand for Coolcation, interest in Northern France (here Nantes) is also increasing.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
According to the survey, the trend toward cooler climates also extends to the northern regions of Great Britain. Scotland, in particular, is experiencing a resurgence. With pleasant summer temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees, countless outdoor opportunities, and impressive cultural diversity, the country is an ideal destination for a summer coolcation.
The Scottish capital Edinburgh is particularly popular, with an increase of It scores 21 percent in searches. The historic Old Town with the imposing Edinburgh Castle, the summer festival season with the Fringe Festival in August, and numerous pubs and cafés make the city an ideal destination for culture lovers without suffering from the heat.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the world.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
The increase is even more pronounced in Aberdeen on the east coast: At 101 percent, the "Granite City" recorded the highest growth among Scottish destinations. Aberdeen boasts maritime charm, museums, and Victorian architecture. The city is also considered an ideal starting point for whisky or castle routes through the region.
For example, just about 30 kilometers from Aberdeen International Airport, on a rocky outcrop along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, lies Dunnottar Castle, an absolutely picturesque castle ruin.
Dunnottar Castle sits atop cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The castle ruins are one of Scotland's hidden treasures.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
Since 2022, search interest in Inverness, located to the north, has also increased slightly (+9 percent). The city is known as the gateway to the legendary Highlands and Loch Ness.
The surrounding area is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, road trip fans and anyone who prefers to wander through lush green valleys and along clear lakes in the summer rather than sweating by the pool.
Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, is also becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking a mild climate for their summer vacation. Since 2022, the city has seen a significant increase in interest – from Germany alone, the increase is 65 percent.
The Cathedral Quarter is one of the must-sees in Belfast.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
No wonder: Belfast combines history, culture, and modernity in a small space. Highlights like the Titanic Belfast Museum, the trendy Cathedral Quarter with street art and pubs, and excursions to the nearby Causeway Coastal Route or the Giant's Causeway make the city a perfect starting point for a diverse coolcation. Summer temperatures remain pleasant – rarely above 20 degrees.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter , and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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