Whether you’re planning a last-minute summer escape to Europe or are thinking about a shoulder-season trip come fall, consider destinations that offer respite from the seemingly unending heatwaves. As temperatures soar across the continent, some travelers are increasingly drawn to cooler, mountainous, or coastal destinations where they can avoid the worst of the heat and crowds while still enjoying incredible culture, food, and scenery.
Fjords, mountains, and mild summer weather await in Bergen, Norway, while glacier hikes and road trips chasing waterfalls are within easy reach in Iceland. But you don’t have to head up north for cooler weather. If you time your trip correctly, in late summer or early autumn, Türkiye’s Black Sea coast offers mountain hiking and greener, less crowded spots than you’ll find on its Mediterranean coast. These are some of Europe’s best coolcation destinations to escape the heat and breathe in a restorative dose of fresh air.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como’s breathtaking setting provides a refreshing alternative to Italy’s hotter inland cities. With breezes off the water and easy access to the surrounding peaks, this trendy destination offers both active adventures and leisurely days on the water. Here, you can spend your days swimming in the lake, renting a private boat, or hiking the six-mile Greenway del Lago di Como or the trails above the nearby town of Bellagio.
For an unbeatable view of the lake, guests at the idyllically located Sheraton Lake Como Hotel can even book a hot-air balloon experience.
Bergen, Norway
Long daylight hours, cool temperatures, and spectacular fjord scenery make Bergen an obvious choice for a summer coolcation. If you have time to spare, arrive via the scenic “Norway in a Nutshell” route, which combines the iconic Flåm Railway with a cruise through the Nærøyfjord fjord.
Once there, you can kayak directly from the city and hike Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken. The waterfront Moxy Bergen is surrounded by the city’s seven mountains, making it an ideal base for hiking and a swim in a fjord.
Copenhagen, Denmark
This urban escape with some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants excels at offering opportunities to spend the summer outdoors. With mild weather encouraging travelers to explore the city on foot or by bike, Copenhagen will keep you cool while swimming in the harbor baths, kayaking through the canals, and enjoying a waterfront stroll or picnic in the King’s Garden.
Located near Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe’s most historic (and charming) amusement parks, the harbor-facing Copenhagen Marriott Hotel offers sunrise yoga from the terrace of its waterfront restaurant, Copenhagen Pier, as well as sauna sessions with brunch.
Iceland
Iceland is the quintessential coolcation destination given that summer temperatures rarely rise above light-cardigan weather. Outdoor enthusiasts can have their pick of adventures, from guided glacier hikes and volcanic landscapes to road trips along the southern coast in search of waterfalls.
April through October is prime whale watching season from Reykjavík and Húsavík, while geothermal lagoons like Sky Lagoon, located just a short drive from The Reykjavik EDITION, offer the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
Salzburg, Austria
Not only is the historic city of Salzburg the birthplace of Mozart, but it also serves as a gateway to the Alps and the Salzkammergut, a region known for its crystal-clear lakes and mountain scenery. Visitors can cool off with a swim in Alpine lakes like Wolfgangsee or Fuschlsee after hiking in the surrounding Alps or cycling lakeside routes.
Overlooking the blooms of Mirabell Gardens, Sheraton Grand Salzburg provides a convenient base for pairing the city’s cultural attractions with outdoor pursuits in the surrounding region.
San Sebastian, Spain
While Spain doesn’t immediately conjure images of a coolcation, its northern coast offers a welcome break from the scorching heat found elsewhere in the country. San Sebastian’s maritime climate averages highs of 73 F and lows of 62 F in August, with temperatures dipping slightly to highs of 71 F and lows of 59F in September.
Renowned for its pintxos, the city is a dream destination for food lovers, and guests of the opulent Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian can book culinary tours through the hotel. Beyond the dining scene, visitors can surf the Atlantic waves at Zurriola Beach, hike Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo for panoramic views, or venture to nearby Basque villages like Getaria or Hondarribia.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Travelers looking to stay active without the heat should head to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Whether hiking in Cairngorms National Park, cruising Loch Ness, spotting red deer in Glen Affric, or paddling on Loch Morlich, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the great outdoors in Scotland’s cooler climate.
When it’s time to rest your head, look no further than the charming AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness.
Black Forest, Germany
Some cities in Germany can get surprisingly hot in the summer and early fall. While Freiburg can be one of them, it serves as an excellent gateway to the cooler landscapes of the Black Forest. It’s the ideal spot to practice Waldbaden, or “forest bathing,” the practice of immersing oneself in nature.
The area’s dense forests, waterfalls, and higher elevations provide a refreshing escape with opportunities to hike scenic trails, cycle through the countryside, and swim in Black Forest lakes like Titisee and Schluchsee. Travelers can also visit waterfalls like Triberg before returning to Courtyard by Marriott Freiburg, a convenient base for exploring this picturesque region.
Samsun, Türkiye
For a late-summer or fall getaway, head to Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, where lush landscapes and outdoor adventures offer a different perspective on the country. From Samsun, travelers can plan day trips to Şahinkaya Canyon for boat rides between dramatic rock walls, head inland to Ladik Lake and Akdağ for fresh mountain air, or explore the Kizilirmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, one of the region’s richest wetland landscapes.
Back in the city, the waterfront setting of Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel makes it easy to end the day with a walk along the Black Sea.