While much of southern Europe is basking in temperatures well above 35°C this summer, an increasing number of travellers are heading north instead.

Known as a “coolcation”, the trend is all about swapping crowded beaches and sweltering city streets for refreshing sea breezes, mountain air and comfortable sightseeing temperatures. As Europe experiences another summer of prolonged heatwaves, it’s easy to see the appeal.

Whether you’re looking for dramatic fjords, mountain scenery, sandy beaches or even the Midnight Sun, these destinations prove you don’t need scorching temperatures to enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday.

Bergen, Norway

Typical summer temperature: 18 to 24°C

If your idea of summer is fresh mountain air rather than sweltering streets, Bergen is hard to beat.

Surrounded by seven mountains and sitting on Norway’s spectacular west coast, Bergen rarely experiences the extremes of heat seen elsewhere in Europe. Instead, you’ll find colourful waterfront buildings, bustling fish markets and a gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular fjords.

It’s also the starting point for the famous Bergen Railway and Norway in a Nutshell route, making it one of Europe’s finest rail destinations.

Perfect for: Fjords, walking, seafood and mountain scenery.

Helsinki… and Beyond

Typical summer temperature: 20 to 24°C

Helsinki @ Beatrice Bucht / Visit Finland

Finland’s stylish capital offers waterfront cafés, island ferries and long summer evenings without the oppressive heat.

But the real adventure begins if you continue north.

Travelling by rail through Finland towards Rovaniemi and beyond takes you across the Arctic Circle, where during midsummer the sun barely sets. Watching the Midnight Sun bathe forests, lakes and open landscapes in golden light is one of Europe’s most unforgettable experiences, and one that’s surprisingly accessible by train.

Perfect for: Nordic cities, lakes, forests and Arctic adventures.

Stockholm, Sweden

Typical summer temperature: 20 to 24°C

Stockholm Archipelago @ Ola Ericson/ Visit Sweden

Spread across fourteen islands, Stockholm benefits from cooling Baltic breezes that make summer sightseeing a pleasure.

It’s a city made for strolling, with elegant streets, waterfront promenades and ferries weaving through the surrounding archipelago. You can spend the morning exploring Gamla Stan (the city’s old town area) before escaping to one of the nearby islands for a swim or picnic.

Perfect for: Waterside cafés, island hopping and relaxed city stays.

Tallinn, Estonia

Typical summer temperature: 19 to 23°C

Estonia’s capital on the Baltic coast deserves a place on any coolcation shortlist.

Its beautifully preserved medieval old town is compact enough to explore on foot, while leafy parks and outdoor cafés provide plenty of shady places to pause. The Baltic sea helps keep temperatures pleasantly comfortable throughout summer.

Better still, it’s easily combined with Helsinki by ferry or with the Baltic capitals by rail.

Perfect for: History, architecture and relaxed sightseeing.

San Sebastián, Spain

Typical summer temperature: 22 to 27°C

Not every coolcation has to head north.

While southern Spain often exceeds 35°C in summer, San Sebastián enjoys a much gentler Atlantic climate. The result is a city where you can spend the morning sightseeing before cooling off on the famous La Concha beach in the afternoon.

Then, as evening arrives, wander between pintxos bars sampling some of the finest food in Spain.

It offers all the atmosphere of a Spanish summer without quite so much heat.

Perfect for: Beaches, food lovers and coastal walks.

St Moritz and Alpine Switzerland

Typical summer temperature: 16 to 22°C

When the valleys begin to heat up, Switzerland’s high mountains offer the perfect escape.

St Moritz sits at around 1,800 metres above sea level, where crisp mountain air, sparkling lakes and panoramic walking trails replace the humidity of lower altitudes. Even at the height of summer, evenings are often cool enough for a light jacket.

From here, some of Switzerland’s greatest rail journeys are right on your doorstep, including the Bernina Express and Glacier Express.

Whether you’re exploring alpine villages, taking a mountain railway to a panoramic viewpoint or simply relaxing beside a crystal-clear lake, this is summer at a gentler pace.

Perfect for: Mountain railways, hiking and spectacular scenery.

Why choose a rail coolcation?

Rail travel naturally lends itself to slower, more comfortable holidays.

Instead of rushing through airports, you can sit back and watch the scenery change from rolling countryside to mountains, forests and coastlines. Many of these destinations also combine beautifully into one itinerary, whether that’s Stockholm and Helsinki, Bergen and Oslo, or Alpine Switzerland with mountain rail passes into northern Italy.

If you’d like to book your cool escape, give us a call on 020 3322 7741 or send us an email with your ideas to info@tailormaderail.com