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- October 13, 202617°
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Travelers Seeking Cool Holidays in Europe Are Heading North
A new European index reveals that the coolest destinations for those wanting to escape the summer heat are largely concentrated in northern countries. Iceland, Finland, and Norway top the list.
As summer temperatures rise across Europe, the search for cool holiday spots is gaining momentum. A newly released index shows that northern countries are the top destinations for travelers looking to escape the summer heat on the continent.
The "Escape the Summer Heat Index," prepared by the travel app Polarsteps, evaluated 25 European countries based on various criteria. The study did not focus solely on air temperature; it also considered daytime and nighttime temperatures in August, sea water temperature, forest cover, population density, and opportunities for wild camping.
How was the index prepared?
Polarsteps converted each criterion into a score out of 100. For air temperature data, climate averages from 1991-2020/2021 were used, while sea water temperatures were based on observations from the past decade.
This approach focused not only on whether a holiday destination is simply hot or cold but also on how comfortable it feels during the summer months. Thus, it became clear that those seeking coolness should consider not just the thermometer but also natural conditions.
Iceland tops the list
Iceland ranked first in the index. The country stood out with an average daytime temperature of 10.7 degrees Celsius and cool nights averaging 8.1 degrees in August.
Iceland’s vast open spaces, legal wild camping opportunities, and status as one of Europe’s least densely populated countries boosted its score. Around Akureyri, sea temperatures can reach an average of 9.5 degrees, offering the chance to swim in some of the continent’s coldest seas.
Finland came in second. Nearly three-quarters of the country is covered by forests, providing ample space for nature-based holidays.
With average August temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius, Finland becomes attractive for hiking and outdoor activities during the warmest period of summer.
Norway took third place. The country combines mild summer temperatures with some of Europe’s coldest sea waters.
The sea water temperature in Ny-Ålesund averages 5.3 degrees in August, drawing attention, while Norway’s vast wilderness and wild camping options increased its score.
Scandinavian countries dominate the top ranks
Sweden ranked fourth with average daytime temperatures of 17 degrees in August. The country’s extensive forests and the "Allemansrätten" right to roam freely in nature were also highlighted.
The Baltic countries made a strong showing on the list. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania’s presence in the top 10 highlighted this region as an option for those seeking a cooler summer holiday without traveling as far north as Scandinavia.
The index also pointed to Europe’s Atlantic coasts for those seeking warm seas. Locations like Portsall in France, A Guarda in Spain, and Viana do Castelo in Portugal offer cooler sea water temperatures during summer thanks to ocean currents.
Switzerland ranked eighth, Ireland ninth, and the United Kingdom tenth. The results reveal that northern and coastal routes stand out as preferred options for holidaymakers wanting to escape the summer heat in Europe this year.
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