European heatwaves drive summer tourists to cooler north

The concept of ‘coolcations’ – holidays in a cooler clime – has been gathering pace in recent years and appears to have exploded in 2026

European holidaymakers worn down by recurrent heatwaves are currently snubbing Mediterranean destinations for northern climes in hopes of cooler temperatures, but it remains to be seen whether it is just a fad or a durable shift in the tourism market.

With temperatures in the European summer regularly climbing up towards 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), cool has become cool.

“They are just amazed” by the daytime high temperatures under 30 degrees and sea breezes, as well as the lack of crowds compared to tourist hotspots in southern Europe.

Two French tourists, Daniel and Florence Gastaldi, joined Pedersen for a tour of Stockholm’s Old Town.

“It’s good to have escaped the heatwave,” said the recently retired couple from the southern French city of Marseille. “We’re happy to have found cooler temperatures.”