As Europe swelters through another summer of record heat, the idea of a 'coolcation'—a holiday in a cooler destination—has gained serious traction. Searches for coolcations have jumped 74% year-on-year, and 65% of travellers now say they would rather avoid peak heat. But where should they go? A new ranking suggests the Alps are giving Scandinavia a run for its money.
SportsCover Direct, a UK-based insurer, analysed Europe's top outdoor destinations, scoring them on summer temperatures, humidity, and the density of hiking and cycling trails. The result: France's Mont Blanc region tops the list with an index score of 73.7, while four Alpine destinations make the top 10, outranking many Nordic spots traditionally associated with cooler escapes.
The Austrian Tyrol comes in fifth, followed by Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria (eighth) and Switzerland's Valais (ninth). The appeal is clear: Google searches for 'Alpine summer' are up 222% worldwide, thanks in part to excellent trail access and accessibility. Chamonix, at the base of Mont Blanc, boasts 217 hiking and cycling trails per 100km²—one of the densest networks analysed. The Tyrol is close behind with 178 trails per 100km².
Scandinavia still holds its own
It's not all bad news for the Nordics. Sweden's Åre and Jämtland Mountains take second place with a score of 65.1, and Norway's Lofoten Islands come in seventh. However, the Lofoten's dramatic scenery comes with a catch: accessibility is tricky given their location above the Arctic Circle. Humidity is also a factor—the Nordics are generally more humid than the Alps. In August, Lofoten averages 82% humidity, while Mont Blanc and Valais sit at 74%, making similar temperatures feel less comfortable in reality.
The UK and Ireland also feature strongly, with three entries in the top 10. The Scottish Highlands rank third overall, with Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in Wales fourth and Connemara in Ireland tenth. These destinations benefit from a rare combination of comfortable temperatures, dense trail networks, and excellent accessibility. In August, the Highlands average just 13.6°C and offer 211 trails per 100km². Snowdonia has even more—28 per 100km²—rivaling the Alps' best-connected hubs.
The ranking reflects a broader shift in European travel habits. As heat-weary southern Europeans head to the Black Forest, the Alps are emerging as a prime alternative. The trend is also reshaping school holidays, with some European schools reconsidering summer breaks in response to extreme heat.
For those planning an active escape, the Alps offer a compelling mix of infrastructure and climate. But Scandinavia remains a strong contender, especially for travellers willing to trade a bit of humidity for the midnight sun. The choice, it seems, is no longer obvious.
Top 10 destinations for an active coolcation:
- Mont Blanc Region, France – 73.7
- Åre & Jämtland Mountains, Sweden – 65.1
- Scottish Highlands, Scotland – 60.9
- Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales – 58.0
- Austrian Tyrol – 57.6
- French Pyrenees, France – 53.9
- Lofoten Islands, Norway – 53.1
- Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria – 51.1
- Valais, Switzerland – 49.0
- Connemara, Ireland – 47.2
