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Generally, in the summer season people always think of beach and sun. However, in recent times people living in countries where it is very hot at this time opt for a cooler destination. Europe has many cities that offer a temperate and even cold climate, to spend these summer months in a more pleasant way.
The famous climate change is showing us that changes are really happening; and in the case of summer, heat waves are increasingly intense, affecting areas that were alien to so much heat. So, now is the exact moment to enjoy European cities that, during the winter, perhaps would be too cold to get to know them.
We can then consider these destinations that, in addition to offering pleasant temperatures, also have beautiful landscapes and everything to do on vacation. Some examples are in Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, but also in the United Kingdom as Scotland, Northern Ireland, among others; all with great appeal and places to discover.
But we cannot forget the countries of the European Alps, in the heart of the continent, where the most important mountain ranges of the planet are located. During the summer you can enjoy temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. In this article we will only focus on some of the cities already mentioned.
Towards the North of Europe, the Nordic countries:
The Scandinavian country of Norway:
Norway in the summer season is a paradise of glaciers, mountains and deep fjords along the coast. You can visit different towns, such as Bergen, Stavanger and the beautiful fjords between them and their surroundings; a landscape full of nature, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. Some examples are:
- The Sognefjorden, also called the Fjord of Dreams. You can travel a good part of it on the Flâm train.
- There is also Geiranger Fjord.
- Likewise, the Briksdal glacier
- National Parks around Lillehammer
- The famous Troll Tongue or Trolltunga and its spectacular cliffs.
But if you want to know something more distant and original there are the Lofoten Islands, ideal to travel by car. In general, in Norway there are many activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, sport fishing, rafting or rafting down the rivers with rough waters, in a boat of shock resistance and pneumatic type.
The Nordic island country of Iceland:
During the summer months Iceland is a place with a very pleasant climate that does not exceed 20 degrees Celsius, and where the sun rises very little. Most of the population is based in Reykjavik, its capital. It also houses the Saga and National museums, where you can learn about the history of the Vikings in the country.
Iceland is characterized by its spectacular dream landscapes, geysers, volcanoes, lava fields and hot springs. Among the glaciers there are those protected at the level of the National Parks of Snæfellsjökull and Vatnajökull, as well as Strokkur. There are also black sand beaches; or the labyrinth of floating icebergs in the lagoon of Jökulsárlón.
Also, 50 km from Reykjavik is the famous blue lagoon or healing hot springs. We can not forget the whale watching, towards the bay of the town Húsavik; and the rides on the beautiful Icelandic horses, among other places to visit.
The Scandinavian Nation of Sweden:
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is built on 14 islands and more than 50 bridges that serve as a link between them, in an archipelago located in the Baltic Sea. Its oldest city is called Gamla Stan, of medieval style, where palaces and open-air museums such as the Skansen, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of the thirteenth century remain. The islands can be reached by tourist boats or ferries.
In summer the best place to visit is the Vármland region, bordering Norway and towards the southwestern part of the country. We find the Brattforsheden Nature Reserve covered with forests and lakes, which were once under ice and today can be crossed by canoe, kayak or by biking or walking trails.
However, some campsites in the area make large log rafts down the Klära River; a fun way to share in the making of them through team cooperation. There are also safaris to meet the beautiful moose that live in the open air.
Another Scandinavian country, Denmark:
Denmark is a country formed by the Jutland peninsula, but also by several islands. In summer time, its capital, Copenhagen, has a temperature around 20 degrees Celsius; in this summer time many of its activities and tourist attractions operate; among them the music festivals.
It is connected to Sweden by a bridge, the Öresund Bridge. The city of Copenhagen has several royal palaces to visit, in addition to the amusement park called Tivoli, the Little Mermaid statue and the port of Nyhavn. In Billund is located the Legoland theme park, for the enjoyment of the whole family and in general for all ages, young and old.
On the island of Bornholm you can take a nice dip in the Baltic. In addition, the area has fishing villages, mills, pottery and glass workshops, smokehouses, among others. In Skagen is located a 19th century school of painters and a beautiful museum; ideal for art lovers.
Other places to enjoy this summer in the country of Denmark are the islands of Helsingor and Friesland, the white limestone cliffs of Mons Klint or the city of Odense, to visit the house of the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, among other aspects of interest.
At the level of the United Kingdom, Scotland and Northern Ireland:
On the island of Great Britain, Scotland:
Another recommended destination to have a good time in the summer is Edinburgh, capital of Scotland; with a medieval style at the level of its historic center, neoclassical buildings and impressive gardens. It is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom and has a climate with stable and temperate temperatures, with a maximum of 18ºC, constant rainfall and high humidity.
The Highlands of Scotland, called The Highlands, towards the northern part of the United Kingdom, have perhaps the wildest vegetation and wildlife in this area; very interesting to know and explore.
You can also take a tour to the Isle of Skye, which contains history, Norse mythology, castles, landscapes, quiet villages, crafts, seafood, as well as distilleries and breweries; it is an island with easy access for tourists.
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom:
It doesn’t really matter which part of Ireland you would like to visit, since the best time to visit this country is precisely in summer, with temperatures that don’t go above 25º C. Its capital, Belfast, has places of great interest, such as the Giant’s Causeway, which is formed by 40,000 basalt-based columns that originated from the rapid cooling of lava.
Also, there is the famous Carrick-a-Rede suspension bridge, near Ballintoy, 20 m long, which is located about 100 feet above the sea and rocks, connecting the small island Carrick-a-Rede with the mainland. There is also Kylemore Abbey, next to the lake of the same name.
The Republic of Ireland, in the South:
This Republic or modern Irish state achieved its independence from the United Kingdom in 1922, unlike Northern Ireland, which preferred to continue to belong, according to the Anglo-English treaty, thus initiating the conflict that still persists in Northern Ireland.
In this area there are many places to discover, including the Cliffs of Moher, with its stunning scenery. Also Blarney Castle or the green landscapes of Glen Gesh Pass, the best road in County Donegal, to the northwest and has small towns and villages with deep Celtic roots.
But this trip would be incomplete if we do not know the capital of this Republic, Dublin. Stroll through its streets and visit Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Christ Church. Likewise, the Bar Temple, the Guinness Factory or Kilmainham Jail.
Near Dublin, exactly 40 minutes away, is located the Wicklow National Park; with many miles for hiking through lakes, mountains and beautiful streams; in addition, in this summer time the heather blooms, to admire those purple colors in contrast with the brown of the hills.
