When the mercury rises and the crowds get too busy in the usual summer hot spots, it’s a great time to turn to cool weather summer vacations. Think the kind that swap sunburn for fresh air, and the pool for waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords.
These destinations offer a different kind of summer magic; long, golden evenings in the Nordics, misty mountain mornings in Scotland, and breezy sea views in Canada.
Even hip European capitals such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam seem to breathe easier at this time of year, their streets and canals alive with the joys of summer without the extreme heat. So if your ideal vacation vibe is chilled, calm, and culturally curious, here are some cooler places to visit in summer.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavik, Iceland
When it comes to the best cool weather summer vacations, Reykjavik is right up there. The world’s northernmost capital is weird and wonderful in all the right ways and comes bursting into summer with a renewed energy thanks to the almost 24 hours of daylight that comes with the slightly warmer months.
Those long days allow for extra sightseeing, whether visiting the landmark Hallgrímskirkja church, browsing the shops of Laugavegur Street, or taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon thermal spa.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
It’s also a great time to visit the jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes outside the city on a Golden Circle tour. See geysers explode, waterfalls roar, and stand between North America and Europe in Thingvellir National Park.
Here, huge tectonic plates are slowly drifting away from each other, literally ripping the country in two. Whale watching is also at its best during summer in Iceland: prepare to see orcas, humpback, and minke whales on a tour.
Geiranger, Norway
Geiranger, Norway
Tucked deep into western Norway’s iconic Geirangerfjord, Geiranger is a UNESCO-listed stunner, surrounded by some of the most incredible fjordland scenery.
Carved by glaciers millennia ago, these deep and dramatic sea gorges are home to steep mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and the chance to get away from the rigours of everyday life. As summer hits, the landscape comes alive after a winter sleep. Melting snow means waterfalls are in full flow, mountainsides are filled with flowers, and conditions tend to be crystal-clear, making for social-media worthy snaps.
Climb the dramatic hairpins to the top of Eagle Road, or Ørnevegen, visit the Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint, or hike to the gorgeous Seven Sisters Waterfall to get the best from a visit.
Inside Passage, Alaska, USA
Inside Passage in Alaska, USA
Alaska’s Inside Passage is the American equivalent of the Norwegian fjords; a winding coastal route through islands and deep inland sea ravines, backed by rainforests and snowy peaks, with abundant wildlife.
Key stops on the route include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka—jumping off points for glacier views, towering forests, and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Whale watching is at its peak, and the late-summer salmon run makes for both excellent restaurant fare and the chance to see bears in their natural habitat as they head to the rivers to feed.
You may also be able to catch local art work at Ketchikan’s mid-summer Blueberry Arts Festival, or see a lunch-time performance at Sitka’s Summer Music Festival.
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Heavy snow, ice, extreme cold, and long nights make visiting Greenland in winter something of a stretch. Heading past spring, though, it becomes one of the best cool weather summer vacation spots out there.
Qaqortoq is the largest town in the south but still only home to 3,000 people meaning it’s gloriously unspoiled with a quiet, lived-in feel. With a background of glaciers and mountains, and fantastic whale watching, it’s a great place to get a sense of Greenlandic culture, from language to food to art.
When it comes to the latter, the Stone & Man is a must-see outdoor exhibit. It includes more than 40 sculptures carved into the rocks around town—all best seen on foot and only fully walkable in the summer months. Foodwise, adventurous travellers may want to sample whale and seal meat, plus there’s a craft beer scene at the Qajaq brewery.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada
Tucked between the Pacific and the Coast Mountains, British Columbia’s Vancouver readily earns its spot on a list of cooler places to visit in summer. The city provides a perfect urban gateway to surrounding nature, meaning visitors can be stretching in a yoga class in the morning, hiking on mountains in the afternoon, and sampling world-class sushi in the evenings.
The city itself is a gem with the oldest neighborhood, Gastown, full of indie boutiques, cobbled streets, and a historic steam clock that whistles every hour. Summer sees sunny days with cool temperatures, plus a host of festivals and events such as the Vancouver Folk Festival and Canada’s biggest fireworks show Celebration of Light.
Feeling energetic? Take on “Nature’s Stairmaster”. The Grouse Grind is a two-mile mountain hiking trail that you can time in and out of, and match your scores against others on the climb.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is an outlier when compared to other north European capitals, but it is no less cool, clean, or stylish than its Nordic siblings. Set on the southern coast and facing the Baltic Sea, it has real Goldilocks “not too hot, not too cold” weather in summer, and is bathed in golden light for most of the day thanks to the famed White Nights of summer.
One of the best things to do in Helsinki is to explore Market Square and visit its Old Market Hall for local produce. Or head to Senate Square with its neoclassical buildings and iconic 19th-century cathedral.
Esplanadi Park is the place to watch stylish locals and top-notch street performers while sipping a coffee in one of the many cafés. Make sure, too, to indulge in the country’s national passion by jumping into one of the many saunas around town.
Tallinn, Estonia
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia
Across the water from Helsinki lies Tallinn. Part of the Estonian capital’s medieval Old Town —all turrets, towers, and timbered houses—lies on a hill, the whole setting offering a fairytale feel. Like many north European destinations, it’s a great cool summer destination thanks to longer days and mild temperatures.
Tallinn also has the added benefit that there are events galore for visitors to get their teeth into. In July, 60 sailing ships arrive in the city’s harbors for Tall Ships Races. Musical theater fans will love August’s Birgitta Festival which takes place in the 15th century Pirita convent, while August and September see the city hosting the Tallinn Fringe alternative arts festival.
Cork, Ireland
Cork, Ireland
Everyone rightly raves about Dublin, but if you want a visit to Ireland to have a touch of rebellion about it, Cork is the place to go. Sitting to the southwest of the country and straddling the River Lee at Cork Harbor, Cork called itself “the real capital of Ireland”.
That title stems from back in the days of the Anglo-Irish Civil War in the 1920s, but Cork’s rebellious and independent streak today means there’s still a real buzz to the town.
Visit in summer for events such as the Cork Midsummer Festival, the chance to stroll around the lovely English Market, or listen to street performers in Oliver Plunkett Street. The city also opens up the southwest coast for lovers of the great outdoors. Enjoy boat rides, beach walks, and the chance to do a little seal-spotting.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a city of cobbled streets, canals, and gorgeous medieval gabled houses that all combine to give it a fairytale feel.
But there are more than good looks to enjoy here—underneath the chocolate-box vibe, there’s amazing art and history, as well as some of the finest beers Belgium is known for.
In summer, it’s even more lovely than normal. Outdoor terraces buzz with life, canalboats glide by seemingly in slow motion, and the squares are filled with flowers. It’s a great time to visit markets, take in an open-air performance in one of the many courtyards, or to explore on a cycling or canal tour.
Inverness, Scotland
Inverness, Scotland
A little gem of a city, the capital of the Scottish Highlands is compact, walkable, and packed with charm, boutique shops, and some of Scotland’s best food offerings.
Climb up to brooding Inverness Castle for a workout, or use the city as a gateway to even more castles, plus rugged glens and deep lochs. The most famous of the latter is, of course, Loch Ness—a vast inland lake some 23 miles long and thought to be the second deepest in Scotland.
Of course, it needs to be that large to play host to the most enduring legend Scotland is famous for: the Loch Ness Monster, and Nessie tours are well worth doing. Even if you don’t get a personal encounter, the setting—with its rolling hills and ruined Urquhart Castle— is simply majestic.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is compact, effortlessly stylish, and with a laid back charm that makes you want to hang out here forever. In summer, the longer, brighter days conjure up a blend that includes old-world charm—palaces, castles, and cobbled streets—with cutting-edge design and world-class food.
Parks, harbours, and canals come to life, and there’s a succession of outdoor events and food markets to check out, from Copenhagen Pride to the city’s Cooking & Food Festival.
Popular things to do in Copenhagen at any time of year include visiting Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden, seeing the harborside Little Mermaid Statue, and enjoying the old-school amusement park at Tivoli Gardens.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sitting to the northwest of the country, Amsterdam is built around a vast network of canals off the IJ River and comes with a mix of Golden Age grandeur, modern mischief and a tolerant, relaxed attitude to life.
Exploring here is a joy at any time, even more so in summer when the weather is warm, but not too hot. Roam around the cobblestone streets to marvel at the beautiful 17th-century townhouses, browse quirky boutiques, and visit world-class museums.
One of the best ways to take it all in is on a canal tour, making sure to also spend some time in the incredible Museum District. Here, you will find everything from world-class art at the Rijksmuseum, to the moving and powerful Anne Frank House—dedicated to the eponymous Jewish teenager and wartime diarist.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Once at the heart of the Irish Troubles, Belfast has reinvented itself as a cultural heavyweight since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Industrial history, a thriving food scene, friendly locals, and great street art all mean there’s much to recommend a visit.
In summer, all that is backed up with a “we’ve survived the winter, now let’s get outdoors” energy that is infectious. The Titanic Quarter, where the legendary ship was designed and built, and surrounding waterfront come alive with walking tours, events, and alfresco dining. Alternatively, green spaces like the Botanic Gardens and Cave Hill are in full bloom for long, lazy strolls in the sun.
While the Troubles may be a thing of the past, they still form a strong part of the fabric here. Black Cab Tours offer moving, local-led insight into the city’s political past and the murals that commemorate it.
Read: Best Things to Do in Belfast
Holyhead, Wales
Holyhead, Wales
Holyhead sits off the coast of north Wales on Holy Island, which in turn is part of the island of Anglesey. Bearing the title of Wales’ westernmost town, it’s perched on dramatic cliffs and surrounded by some insanely wild coastline that’s best explored in summer.
Anglesey’s coastal paths are at their greenest and most dramatic during the warmer months, while Snowdonia National Park—home to Wales’ highest mountain Snowdon—is a little over an hour’s drive away.
Closer to the town itself, South Stack Lighthouse is another key sight, famed for jaw-dropping Atlantic views and its colony of puffins.
Liverpool, England
Liverpool, England
Home of The Beatles, two world-renowned soccer teams, Titanic history, and famous “Scouse” humor, Liverpool has a certain swagger quite unlike any other city in the UK.
In summer, much of the action here centers around Royal Albert Dock. A former shipyard that is now the most visited free tourist destination in the northwest of England, it’s home to galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Liverpool Cathedral, England
Take time to visit the modern art at Tate Liverpool, learn of the city’s Titanic connections at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, or pay a visit to Liverpool Cathedral. One of the largest in the world, the tower offers great city views.
Of course, many people actually come here to worship possibly the most important pop band in history, The Beatles. The fabulous Beatles Story tells the legend of the Fab Four in great detail and is one of the best things to do in Liverpool. Fans of the band could easily spend Eight Days a Week exploring here and not get bored.
Tallinn, Estonia
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