Europe's heatwave spurs cooling zones and tourist warnings

Vienna is expanding its heat‑mitigation strategy by installing about 1,800 public drinking fountains, more than 120 misting devices, 12 water playgrounds and 34 "cool zones"—public indoor spaces such as libraries and community centres kept at lower temperatures. The city plans to invest up to €130 million in water infrastructure through its Wiener Wasser 2050 programme to maintain a reliable water supply during increasing summer heat.

In neighboring Austria, the WaldEntdeckerWelt project near the Czech border offers a "coolcation" in the Sauwald forest. Guests stay in tree‑top cabins that are up to 10 °C cooler than the surrounding towns, enjoy forest trails, a canopy‑level walkway, and regional cuisine, providing a natural climate‑controlled alternative to hot urban destinations.

Climate experts warn that the Mediterranean is experiencing record extreme temperatures, with forecasts of 50 °C in some areas. Heat spikes have already driven wildfires in Spain and France and forced evacuations. Specialists advise tourists, especially seniors and those with health issues, to remain in air‑conditioned accommodation, stay hydrated and monitor fire alerts, as high humidity intensifies the perceived heat and increases health risks.