Hot summer? These places in Europe stay nice and cool
A summer vacation doesn't have to be all sun, sea and sand.Photo: Unsplash
Summer in Europe means sun, terraces and ice cream. But in recent years, summer seems to be increasingly turning into a sweltering survival quest. Temperatures reach 40 degrees, cities become ovens and even at the seaside it is sometimes almost unbearable. Don't feel like sticky nights or sweating with every step?
Good news: Europe still has plenty of holiday gems where it remains pleasantly cool, even in July and August.
Metro takes you to places where you can breathe, where the nights are fresh and where you want to be outside during the day. Whether you like rugged nature, quiet villages or active outings: these are great places for a ' coolcation '.
Anyone who has ever been to Northern Norway in the summer knows that the Lofoten Islands are magical. Rugged mountains, fjords that sparkle in the low sunlight and colourful fishermen's cottages by the water. During the day it is rarely warmer than 20 degrees and thanks to the midnight sun you can be outside until late at night without getting cold.
Here you can hike to deserted viewpoints, kayak past seals or spot whales in the open sea. And all without melting away in the heat. Bring a sweater for the evenings and you're ready for the ultimate nature holiday.
In Saas-Fee, deep in the Swiss Alps, it is as if time stands still. Even in the summer. No cars, no crowds of tourists, but fresh mountain air, green alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. Even in August, temperatures here are usually between 10 and 20 degrees.
Hiking, mountain biking or even summer skiing, it's all possible here. And while Southern Europe is suffering from heat waves, you put on a fleece vest to walk to the bakery in the morning. Bonus: the view of the Matterhorn or the glacier is different every day, but always breathtaking.
Far away from the hustle and bustle and in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean lie the Faroe Islands. Think cliffs, sheep, misty mountains and silence. Lots of silence. In the summer, the temperature fluctuates between 11 and 13 degrees, perfect for long walks without overheating.
Here, it’s all about nature. You’ll spot puffins on the coast, discover abandoned villages and drive on roads that seem to cut through the clouds. And perhaps best of all, tourists are rare here. This is a real escape.
For those who want sun and sea, but not 40 degrees, Sopot is a good destination during the summer. This charming town on the Baltic Sea combines a lively promenade with fresh sea air. In August, it rarely gets warmer than 22 degrees and in the evenings it cools down pleasantly.
You will find beaches, spas, good food and the longest wooden pier in Europe. Combine Sopot with a city trip to Gdańsk and you will have a varied holiday that does not end in sweat.
Just across the border from Austria lies Berchtesgaden, a region full of forests, lakes and mountains. Here you can walk through cool valleys, take a refreshing dip in the Königssee or visit the impressive 'Eagle's Nest'.
The temperatures in the summer are usually between 15 and 20 degrees. Ideal to be active without getting overheated. And in the evening? Then you can happily throw a blanket over yourself on the balcony of your mountain hut.
Pori is located on the west coast of Finland and is home to one of Europe's oldest jazz festivals. In the summer it is lively, but never crowded. The temperatures? Around 20 degrees during the day, cool and quiet at night.
Whether you're hiking through the woods, cycling along the coast or simply clearing your head in a wooden sauna, Pori is the perfect place for those who prefer their holidays calm, green and cool.
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