How about a coolcation in the Nordics? Spending one’s Summer in Scandinavia isn’t something that many people would consider. But as the heatwaves get more and more brutal, the Northern regions start to look mighty appealing!
Also, ignoring such a big chunk of the European continent means that most travelers globally miss out! Because here’s the thing: Nordic summers are extraordinary and come with the best weather. Whaat?? I know, right! It’s true though.
As the climate crisis makes the Southern destinations unbearably hot and dry, summer in the Nordic countries offers the perfect alternative. Temperatures usually shift between 20-30°C and feel warmer in comparison to the same degrees in Italy or Greece. This is simply due to the difference in humidity.
Up north the climate is a lot drier, which makes the heat feel more potent. Also, the sun is a lot stronger up north so sunscreen and UV-protected sunglasses are paramount! It’s literally as if the Sun was closer when you’re up north versus in Southern Europe. This is not the case, though, it just feels like it.
In this article I attempt to convince you of the fact that Northern Europe is the new It destination for summer vacation. I will do this by explaining what goes on during this season in a paradise you never considered before.
Nordic Summers – The Unexpected Paradise Destination
Wait a minute, what are the Nordic countries? Right, let’s recap! The Nordic countries consist of Scandinavian countries + couple oddities, and they are:
- Finland
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Norway
- Iceland
Note that only Sweden, Denmark and Norway are called Scandinavian countries. In order to not confuse people Finns often condone to accepting the notion that their country is also part of Scandinavia. In a way it’s true because it used to be so! Modern Scandinavia was created through the Kalmar Union while Finland was under Swedish rule so historically it’s accurate.
Nowadays each country is an independent and sovereign nation with their own language and culture. Cultures which share common features and peculiarities but also include completely unique traits.
The countries are connected through railways, cruise ships and of course flights so it’s easy to visit many of them on one go. Here are 5 reasons why a coolcation in the Nordics is something you should really consider:
1. Unique summer vacation = bragging rights
Many people think that the Nordic countries must be dark and cold all year round because they are known primarily as winter destinations. But there are always two sides to every coin! While winters are brutal, the summers bring balance by being the complete opposite:
In June the Nordic countries celebrate Midsummer, aka the Summer Solstice. And what makes it special, is the fact that the Sun doesn’t set. It’s called the Midnight sun and it only exists above the Arctic Circle. This means that in Iceland and up in Lapland the Sun doesn’t set at all for a couple of days; it’s pure magic!
July, on the other hand, is the main summer vacation season in most Nordic countries. For example, it is said that Finland is closed every July because most people are out of office for almost the whole month. Fuck capitalism! It also means that July offers the most events, activities and experiences to choose from.
Longer days also mean you can enjoy outdoor activities for longer. Coolcation in the Nordics offers you a plethora of activities from festivals to amusement parks, beaches and tours. And all of this in different kinds of surroundings from fjords to archipelagos, boreal forests, and thousands of lakes.
My personal recommendation is the Turku Archipelago in Finland. There you can enjoy hikes, uncrowded beaches and island-hopping flavoured with restaurants and cafés offering fresh local delicacies.
Pro tip: When booking accommodation, check that there are proper curtains! You will need them to shut off the never-ending daylight when you go to sleep.
Check also: Extraordinary Darecations – Best Adventure Tourism Destinations
2. Healthier holidays both mentally and physically
I know, not something many of us consider when we’re thinking about Summer vacation destinations: health and safety. But the world being the shit-show that it is nowadays, I think we should consider these things as well. And Summer in the Nordic countries sure offers you healthier surroundings both physically and mentally.
Let’s start with the obvious: fewer crowds. There are plenty of general tourist sights to explore from castles to cathedrals and the rest of it, but you can explore them in peace without being pushed and shoved on all sides. Imagine the peace of mind being able to do that!
In addition, you don’t need to worry about whether you can find a spot on a beach, get a table at a popular restaurant or a place for that sightseeing tour. The Nordic countries are also very strict about their food standards: only the highest quality produce is accepted. If you’re on a special diet or allergic to many things, a coolcation in the Nordics is one of the most convenient options for you.
And as covered already, the air and nature up there is cleaner than anywhere else in the world. I don’t need to tell you how damaging pollution is to your physical as well as mental health, so this is a massive plus.
Hire a car for an epic road trip in the Nordics:
3. Nordic = Convenient
Since the Nordic countries are some of the most equal and happiest countries in the world, we really like convenience. Life should not be a struggle! And by ‘convenience’ I don’t mean being able to order your groceries from your couch to be delivered to your door.
Instead, true convenience on an everyday scale consists of certain societal factors, such as:
- Safety and comfort: For female solo travelers the Nordics are a paradise because these countries are extremely safe and easy to get around thanks to intact and varied infrastructure and public transport everywhere.
- High reliability: Nordics are trusting people so the societies are built around high public trust; we all need to be trustworthy because otherwise nothing works. This reflects on everything, including public transport that’s on time, excellent public facilities for families, etc.
- Climate comfort: There are no heat-related cancellations or huge storms that would lead to ruining your festival experience or planned outdoor activities. A more predictable and milder climate means better flexibility and comfort.
What’s not to like?!
4. Extraordinary cultures and traditions
Sure, the Nordic countries can’t offer ancient cultural and historic sites reaching back thousands of years. But make no mistake, these countries certainly have history and culture to offer nonetheless! After the Vikings different kingdoms have waged wars on these shores, and castles have been erected and destroyed.
Nowadays these countries have some globally known and very prominent names in architecture and design. Unfortunately modern architecture seems to have abandoned all notions of pleasing and inspiring constructions for the sake of frugality. Nordic architecture in the 21st century could be described as the blandest in existence.
But thankfully there’s so much bizarre culture on display that you needn’t bother staring at boring buildings anyway! These are only some of the cultural phenomena you can experience during your coolcation in the Nordics:
Finland:
- Music festivals: Ruisrock, which is one of the biggest music festivals in the Nordics, folk music festivals like Haapavesi Folk Music Festival, jazz festivals like Pori jazz and the most magnificent; Savonlinna Opera Festival plus hundreds more.
- History events: Finland has a varied history which includes kings, wars and multiple occupations. An interesting event that happens and gets bigger every summer is the Medieval Market in Turku, which is the biggest Medieval event in the country.
- Art and design: Fiskars Village is a must visit for Scandinavian design enthusiasts! There you can get acquainted with Fiskars scissors (which you probably have) and Iittala design. In addition there are art and design pop-ups and events in every city and town in Finland during summer, so ask around for local tips.
- Wife-carrying race (eukonkanto): A crazy tradition where men carry women on their back while sprinting, leaping and ferrying them through obstacle courses. The winner gets the wife’s weight in beer. It’s beyond bizarre and such great fun!
Sweden:
- Music festivals: In Sweden you can attend globally known festivals, like Lollabalooza in Stockholm or the music and film festival Way Out West in Göteborg for an unforgettable coolcation in the Nordics.
- History events: Midsummer is perhaps the biggest Medieval event in Sweden and it’s celebrated everywhere in the country. The country has also been a significant kingdom for centuries so there are plenty of historic summer events, museums and sights to explore.
- Art and design: If you thought that IKEA is the only design contribution that’s come out of Sweden, think again! Swedish design is versatile and often revolves around sustainability and you can explore it in museums, buildings as well as in your everyday life.
- Midsommar pole dance: You’ve seen the movie, so you know. In reality, though, Midsummer isn’t a time for murderers. Instead, villagers decorate a maypole with flowers, dance around it wearing floral crowns and enjoy pickled herring and schnapps. Cosy and entertaining day activity.
Denmark:
- Music festivals: In Denmark your go-to festival is of course the globally renown Roskilde festival. Other noteworthy festivals are Aarhus Jazz festival, folk-music focused Skagen Festival and Smukfest, which has been titled ‘the most beautiful festival’.
- History events: Danish history = Viking history so a must-visit place there is of course the Ribe Viking Center. Denmark also has a long royal history, which you could celebrate by participating in the Royal Run (try to spot the current royals).
- Art and design: Few people realise that the Sidney Opera House is actually Danish design: the architect was Danish! The Danes are also very gifted in designing beautiful as well as functional interior design and products. You may already have some.
- Sankt Hans Aften bonfires: This is another Midsummer Eve activity you can experience during your coolcation in the Nordics. Danes gather on beaches to burn a witch effigy, sing songs and picnic by the fire. It reminds me of a certain day in early November in the UK that includes fireworks and bonfires… But with better weather!
Norway:
- Music festivals: Summer is the time to be outside and celebrate life so just like the aforementioned countries, Norway also hosts multiple exciting festivals to choose from. Check out the festival selection in Norway here.
- History events: Norway is also very well known for its Viking history, so make sure you don’t miss out on the real-life Viking Village Njardarhjeimr in Gudvangen, the Museum of the Viking Age in Oslo or Trondheim Viking Market and many more.
- Art and design: Not surprisingly, some of the best known Norwegian designers are behind the best winter-wear available, they would be the experts! Norway has also brought us brilliant everyday designs like the cheese slicer and the tripp-trapp chair for small children.
- Russ summer celebrations: involve graduating teens driving around in decorated vans, wearing coloured overalls, performing pranks and attending outdoor parties across June. It’s like a festival that includes the whole town.
Iceland:
- Music festivals: Iceland hosts music festivals all year round but for your coolcation in the Nordics you could attend the Reykjavik Jazz Festival, the Midsummer-focused Bergmal Music Festival or a more original option, the Satan Metal Festival.
- History events: Iceland is one more haven for Viking fans! There you can find the Viking Festival Hafnarfjörður. Another historic feature of Iceland are the Icelandic horses! I very much recommend a safari on these half-pony-half-horse cuties that are very easy to ride ♥
- Art and design: Not surprisingly, Iceland is known on the design-front for highest quality winter-wear and wool products! Icelandic patterned wool clothing enjoys a legendary position in the fashion world and 66°North has created weather-proof clothing for that can handle the toughest conditions.
- Whale watching and volcano hikes: Summer is the best time to go whale watching in Iceland! The warmer sea brings along more marine life, including whales. Another extraordinary experience for your coolcation in the Nordics in Iceland is hiking up to an active volcano.
5. Experience the Nordic magic
Did you think that the northern lights were the only magical thing you could experience up North? Well, not quite! We’ve got magic to spare for every season of the year. Including Summer in the Nordics, of course!
In the Autumn we have ruska, which describes the Nordic forests turning from green to burning shades of red, orange and yellow. You think you’ve seen red and yellow before but in fact you haven’t until you experience a Nordic ruska!
And as covered before, in the summer you can experience something even more extraordinary: an endless day! Oh yes, in late June the Nordic countries go through a period of about 1 week when the Sun doesn’t set at all or only sets for a couple of hours. This depends on which end of the Nordics you are, south or north.
Up north the Sun stays up all night but you’ll have to deal with mosquitos. Down south the Sun sets for a couple of hours but is back up again around 3am. You can literally feel the magic in the air during this unique period ♥
And then there’s the obvious magic season: Christmas in Lapland! Meet Santa Clause (he lives in Rovaniemi), go for a husky ride, meet reindeer and get acquainted with the local Sami culture and their traditions. After New Year you can experience proper winter all around the Nordics including all the winter sports. Make sure you dress appropriately!
Final Thoughts on Coolcations in the Nordics
The climate crisis will change the way we live our lives and view the world. As such, it will also change the way we want to spend our vacations. The popular tourist destinations are no longer attractive due to dangerous weather conditions whereas so far less considered options, like a coolcation in the Nordics, start to look like paradises.
That’s the way life works: nothing is constant except change. But the changes in our climate are actually such that they could have been avoided. We’ve known where the road we’ve stayed on leads since the 60’s. But nothing was done, except that pollution and degradation of our planet accelerated. So here we are…
Our daily life choices will look very different by the time we hit 2030 to how things were in 2020. Better or worse? That remains to be seen.
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