Poland’s Lakes Hit Record Warmth, Scandinavia Tourism Booms Amid European Heat

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) reported that on 31 July the water temperature at Lake Gopło in Poland reached a record 24.4 °C, making it the warmest lake in the country. Other lakes such as Jamno (23.2 °C) and Jasień (23.0 °C) also recorded unusually high temperatures, while Baltic Sea spots like Dęby and Puck showed water above 20 °C.

At the same time, extreme summer heat and wildfire risk are reshaping travel plans across Europe. A growing number of tourists are opting for cooler northern destinations, a trend dubbed “coolcation.” Data from booking platform Booking.com and travel‑service Virtuoso indicate that reservations in Scandinavian locations – Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark – have risen sharply, with some resorts seeing increases of up to 44 %. About three‑quarters of surveyed travelers now factor weather conditions into their holiday decisions, shifting demand away from traditionally hot Mediterranean spots toward the milder climate of the north.