Forget The Heatwave, This Is The Coolest Way To Travel Europe This Summer

Forbes

4 days ago

The lakes in Finland are a great place to spend the summer holidays with the whole family.
As summer temperatures soar and overtourism gets out of hand, travelers turn to 'cool' European destinations. According to the latest booking data by Virtuoso, European destinations with a moderate climate, like Scandinavia, Finland, and Iceland, are up 263% year-over-year.
Condé Nast Traveller introduced the word "coolcation" as one of the biggest trends in travel for 2024. It is a wordplay of "cool" and "vacation," meaning travelers plan to visit locations where the temperatures remain comfortable throughout summer.
Which locations fit the bill? Unsurprisingly, Northern countries are drawing attention, but they are not the only locations with climates that match this travel trend.
European mountains are heating up for summer but not in temperature. According to data by Virtuoso, Courchevel in France has seen a 132% rise in bookings, with St. Moritz in Switzerland up 153%. But Val-d'Isère in France is skyrocketing 457% compared to last year.
"If you're looking for a cool and scenic summer escape, southwest Finland and the Stockholm Archipelago are perfect destinations," says Tom Wilkinson, product manager for Europe at Explore Worldwide, in an email interview.
The 10-day combined Finland and Sweden walking & trekking tour takes travelers across charming wooden towns to discover ancient Bronze Age sites and explore the region's rich maritime heritage.
"A cruise to the autonomous Åland Islands is a great way to take in tranquil beauty. Don't forget to treat yourself to some delicious Nordic cuisine, with fresh delicacies and craft beer to sample along the way," says Wilkinson.
Popular tourist destination in Marienhamn harbour on Aland islands.
The Åland Islands are an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region of Finland with a unique identity, legal system, flag andeven postage stamps. But what truly sets Åland apart is the traffic-free roads, red granite cliffs and pristine archipelago landscapes that stretch across 6,700 islands. Here, slow travel is not a trend; it is the default.
Summer seascape with red boathouses in Aland Islands, Finland.
Another memorable way to embrace slow travel in Finland is by water along its historic canals. In Tampere, travelers can board a vintage steamboat called S/S Tarjanne, to explore the scenic waterways that once powered Finland's industrial heartland. It is an ideal detour for those seeking a slower, more reflective Nordic summer.
Historic steamboat of S/S Tarjanne is at Tampere Harbour.
Mediterranean beaches and historic capitals are often called European summer hotspots. Skiing is usually a winter pursuit, not an activity associated with summer vacations. However, many ski areas in Switzerland, such as Zermatt or Saas Fee, think differently.
"In Zermatt, skiing is possible almost year-round on the Theodul Glacier, with around 21 km (over 13 miles) of pistes open during the summer months (typically from late spring to early autumn)," says Oli Corkhill, director at Leo Trippi, a Swiss travel company focusing on luxury alpine travel, in an email interview.
Corkhill also mentioned the over 12-mile pistes of Saas Fee's glacier ski area, which operates from around July to October.
A young girl is skiing during summer in Zermatt, Switzerland.
"However, the ski areas are much smaller than in winter, and conditions can be variable, with skiing usually limited to the morning before the snow softens," says Corkhill. He recommends combining skiing with other alpine activities like hiking, mountain biking or glacier excursions.
In Zermatt, Corkhill recommends the Five Lakes Walk. The moderate route stretches just over six miles from Blauherd to Sunnegga, passing alpine gems like Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee that reflect the iconic Matterhorn on clear days. "It's one of the best ways to experience the Swiss Alps," he says.
Woman is sitting on a bench looking at the reflection of Matterhorn in Switzerland.
In Saas-Fee, he calls a guided glacier trek across the breathtaking 'Feegletscher,' a standout experience. Outfitted with crampons and ropes, travelers can safely traverse through ice fields and rugged terrain.
For those craving more adrenaline, he recommends the Gorge Alpine route, offering a thrilling descent through the Fee Gorge, complete with suspension bridges, ziplines and cable pulleys.
Saas-Fee Gorge in Valais, Switzerland.
According to Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) data, 88% of wellness-related travel falls under "secondary wellness travel," meaning most travelers prioritize healthy food, accommodations and wellness experiences even when those are not the main reasons for their trips.
Austria's wellness industry is having a star-powered moment. Last year, high-profile figures like Nicole Kidman, Rebel Wilson, and Elizabeth Hurley turned to Austria, not for red carpets but for wellness treatments, detoxification and holistic health.
But it is not just celebrities driving the trend. According to Booking.com's report, more than half of U.S. travelers would pay for a vacation that could extend their lifespan and well-being. Is it a clear sign that longevity is becoming the next frontier in luxury travel?
High above the clouds, at 5,800 feet in the Gerlitzen Alps, Carinthia, Mountain Resort Feuerberg welcomes travelers to a quiet alpine wellness resort with a charming chalet village.
The resort is above the clouds in Gerlitzen Alps, Austria.
Over 120 acres of alpine meadows and old-growth forests surround the resort, offering a wellness experience on a grand scale. Its expansive spa complex features 11 saunas, 11 pools and 16 relaxation areas, including a striking infinity pool with panoramic views over Lake Ossiach.
"The forests surrounding Mountain Resort Feuerberg act as a source of immune strength, deep relaxation, and natural vitality," says Emanuel Berger, owner of the resort.
"The forest not only purifies the air but also clears our inner world. Rich in microorganisms and volatile organic compounds, the woodland environment strengthens the immune system, enhances brain function, and lifts our mood. One of the most remarkable benefits is its positive impact on sleep," he continues.
Guests can join guided forest bathing sessions to reconnect with nature's rhythms, explore the power of alpine herbs on curated hikes, or even sleep beneath the stars in a suspended hammock in the resort's open-air 'forest bedroom.'
The program includes yoga, meditation, Zen archery, sound journeys, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, multisensory concert saunas and mystical Sufi rituals.
Alpine resort with infinity pool, green garden area to relax and unwind in Carinthia, Austria.
So why chase the heat when you can chase alpine lakes, high-altitude wellness retreats, and endless daylight? Isn't it time your vacation left you refreshed and not overheated? Is visiting locations with cool temperatures a smarter and more sustainable way to experience Europe this summer?