Coolcation Trend Boosts Cooler Summer Travel to Northern Europe and the Austrian Alps

The "Coolcation" trend encourages travelers to avoid the extreme heat of Southern Europe by vacationing in cooler regions. Promoted destinations include the Nordic countries—Sweden, Norway and Denmark—where summer temperatures linger between 20 °C and 25 °C, as well as alpine areas such as Bad Kleinkirchheim in Austria. The concept emphasizes slow tourism, fresh air, and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, while highlighting health benefits such as reduced strain on the heart and circulation.

German textile maker Medima recommends natural‑fiber thermoshirts as essential base layers for these cooler vacations. The hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets, a family‑run estate dating back to 1642, offers guests mountain air, lake access, free Kärnten Card lifts, wellness facilities and even a natural‑pond ice‑bath. Free entry to the public beach at Millstätter See and a focus on regional cuisine round out the experience.

Together these promotions portray the Coolcation as a way to enjoy summer without heat stress, appealing especially to families with children who are more vulnerable to high temperatures.