Coolcation in the mountains – when the world heads north

More and more travellers are looking for cooler alternatives to hot summer destinations. In Scandinavia, the mountains offer fresh air, bright evenings, swimming, activities and a summer holiday with more room to breathe.

When summer travel looks for cooler places

Summer holidays have long been associated with sun, heat and travelling south. But more people are also looking for something different: milder temperatures, fresh air, more nature and a holiday with room to breathe.

As travellers from warmer parts of Europe discover Scandinavia as a cooler summer alternative, the mountains stand out as a refreshing way to experience summer differently.

What is a coolcation?

Coolcation is a name for a cooler type of summer holiday, often focused on nature, fresh air and more space. It is not about missing out on summer, but about experiencing it in another way.

In the mountains, you get bright evenings, green trails, swimming, activities and a holiday where the pace does not have to be shaped by heat, crowds or fully booked beach days.

The Scandinavian mountains are a cooler alternative

A coolcation does not have to mean travelling to the other side of the world. Summer in the mountains offers nature right outside the door, comfortable accommodation and activities for both children and adults.

That makes the Scandinavian mountains a great alternative when you want something different from a classic beach holiday, but still want swimming, good food, days off and the feeling of getting away.

One day can hold more than you think

A summer holiday in the mountains can be calm, active or a little of both. The day can start with a short walk, continue with swimming or lunch in the sun and end with an activity, dinner or a bright evening at your accommodation.

If you want to do more, there is plenty close by. At several destinations, you can combine hiking, biking, climbing park, swimming and other summer activities in the same day, without the holiday having to feel stressful.

For families who want variety

For families with children, the mountains can be a strong alternative to beach and pool. There is space to move, nature close by and plenty of experiences that can be adapted to age, energy and mood.

A day can be calm, playful or full of speed. It might include swimming, biking, climbing park, easy walks or an activity the whole family does together. Variety becomes a natural part of the holiday.

Stay comfortably close to nature

A coolcation in the mountains does not mean compromising on comfort. You can stay in a hotel, lodge, apartment or cabin and still have nature, activities and restaurants close by.

For an easy stay, choose accommodation with service and restaurants nearby. For more flexibility, an apartment or cabin with your own kitchen works well. Either way, it is easy to switch between active days and relaxed evenings.

More experiences, less research

A mountain holiday can be easier to plan than many people think. Choose a destination, find accommodation close to the activities and add what suits your trip, such as bike rental, a guide, swimming, climbing park or a SummerPass.

Then you do not have to plan every minute. Let the days shift between speed and rest, between planned activities and spontaneous breaks. That is often when a mountain holiday is at its best.

Ready for a cooler summer holiday?

A coolcation in the mountains is for those who want fresh air, nature, activities and time to unwind. An alternative to sun and beach, but with the same feeling of being on holiday.

Start by exploring summer in the mountains and find the destination, accommodation and activities that suit your holiday.