With summer temperatures now frequently reaching uncomfortably high and even dangerous levels in many of Europe’s best-known holiday destinations, travellers are turning northwards to the Nordic and Baltic regions for their summer adventures. The recent heatwave in the UK left us sweltering in temperatures up to +35 degrees, and there’s never been a better time to consider a “Coolcation” in this summer!
Of course, here at Nature Travels we’ve always known what great destinations these countries are for lovers of nature and the outdoors, and since 2006 more than 19,000 wonderful guests have travelled with us for their adventures! But if, like us, your idea of summer fun is not being grilled on a beach in 40-degree heat and you’re yet to discover the allure and charm of heading north for your summer holiday, read on for inspiration for your next “Coolcation” in Sweden, Finland or Lithuania.
Cool in the Air but Warm in the Water
Think the Nordic countries are cold? Think again! Yes, it can certainly drop to -30 degrees C or less in the depths of winter, but you might be surprised to learn that summer temperatures can sometimes reach +30 degrees, though are more usually comfortably in the low-mid 20s.
Sweden extends around 1500km and Finland around 1200km north to south, so their climates vary considerably along their length. Outdoor adventures are always unpredictable – isn’t that part of the magic after all? – and whenever you go, you may have warmer or cooler, drier or wetter weather than you had expected, quite possibly all in one day!
But in the far north, in Swedish and Finnish Lapland, average daytime temperatures in mid-July are around +16 degrees C. In the southern half of the countries, where the majority of our summer experiences take place, daytime temperatures average a very pleasant +22 degrees C or so.
Even better, the archipelago waters of the Baltic Sea will often be around +17-20 degrees C in summertime, absolutely perfect for a cooling dip. If you’re canoeing or kayaking in some of the vast inland lake systems, you may well find the water a few degrees warmer still compared to the coastal areas.
Wild swimming (or just “swimming”, as the locals call it!) is a national pastime and one of the great joys of any Nordic summer adventure.
Much More Than Staying Cool
And of course it’s not just about the temperature – there are so many more reasons to visit these beautiful countries for your summer adventure:
Oh, Those Summer Nights!
While temperatures may be cool and comfortable, there is plenty of summer to enjoy. Even in the relative south of Sweden and Finland, it will barely get dark at all for a few weeks either side of the Summer Solstice (Midsummer is one of the most important celebrations of the year – find out more about Swedish Midsummer traditions in our blog article here).
Further north, the Midnight Sun gives daylight 24 hours a day, dipping teasingly towards the horizon but never setting, before climbing back into the sky for another round! There’s no need for a torch and no need to worry if you’re late making camp – you can still be out and about at midnight if you like!
Escape The Crowds:
The UK has an average population density of 289 people/sq.km. In Sweden, there are 26 people/sq.km, while in Finland, there are just 18! Of course, it depends where you go – you’ll still find plenty of company while you’re roaming the beautiful Old Town streets of Stockholm, where there are 5300 people/sq.km. At the other end of the scale, up in the wilderness of Swedish Lapland, each person has more than a whole square kilometre just to themselves on average!
Many of our summer experiences, particularly our wide range of canoe and kayak tours, are self-guided and based on wild camping, which means you have the freedom to plan your days as you wish and pitch camp wherever the mood takes you (within the guidelines of the Right of Public Access of course). Even in relatively popular areas, such as on a kayak tour in the Stockholm Archipelago, you have the flexibility to visit islands, inlets and bays larger craft cannot access, so even at the very height of summer you may well feel that you have the whole archipelago practically to yourself!
The Freedom To Camp Wild:
The Nordic countries’ Rights of Public Access offer rare and precious freedoms when it comes to access to the outdoors, including wild camping. It’s not a “free-for-all” – there are guidelines which must be respected if you wish to enjoy this privilege, including how and where to pitch camp, how long to stay, sustainable and appropriate use of natural resources such as firewood, how to go to the toilet in the wild, and compliance with local guidance and regulations on campfires. For more information, see our article on Wild Camping and the Right of Public Access in Sweden.
If your only experience of camping so far has been on noisy, crowded campsites with people running about everywhere, you’re in for an eye-opening, horizon-expanding treat – wild camping is a very different kind of holiday!
Affordable Outdoor Adventures For All:
When we started Nature Travels in 2006, one of our guiding principles was to offer sustainable outdoor adventures at price levels that would be accessible to as wide a range of travellers as possible. While of course some activities, such as a multi-day dogsled tour, will inevitably come with a fairly high price tag due to the considerable costs involved, we have never believed that an “ecotourism” experience has to be an expensive one.
Nowhere is this more true than for our range of self-guided canoeing and kayaking experiences in summertime. For example, at the time of writing (summer 2026), our Canoe and Wild Camp in the Båven Lake System in Sweden is just £130/person for 4 days/3 nights, including all camping equipment! For more ideas, check out our full range of self-guided canoe tours and self-guided kayak tours and don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like our advice on choosing the best tour to suit your ability, fitness, available time and budget.
And you might be surprised to learn that many costs in the Nordic and Baltic countries are comparable to or even lower than those in the UK, particularly when it comes to things like equipment hire and public transport. For more information on relative costs, see our blog article Think Sweden is Expensive? Think Again!
Coolcation Ideas in Sweden:
With east and west-coast archipelagos consisting of tens of thousands of islands, more than 100,000 lakes and forest covering almost 70% of the country, Sweden is a natural outdoor playground, with options for adventures to suit all ages and levels.
1. Log Cabin Escape in Varmland and Lakeside Cabin Retreat in Varmland:
Ideal for couples, families, or small groups of friends, these lakeside log cabins in the west of Sweden are perfect for a classic Swedish summer holiday that can be as active or as relaxing as you choose.
Current price for stays June-August is £1232/cabin/week, sleeping up to 4 adults or a family of 5 + £28/person bedding and towels (low season price of £898/week applies for all dates outside June-August or Christmas/New Year). Rowing boat is included at no extra charge with each cabin for fishing or picnic expeditions, and canoes and mountain bikes available to hire.
If you have more time available for your trip, a cabin stay can easily be combined with one of our many self-guided canoe tours or timber rafting tours in the area.
Average daytime temperature in the area in mid-July is around +22 degrees C (source: Weatherspark).
2. Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän
Sweden’s west coast archipelago offers world-class sea kayaking with beautiful scenery and wild camping, quite possibly on your own private island, with the sea breeze to cool you as you watch the sun go down.
Choose single or double kayaks for a paddling adventure of 3-7 days, with route options suitable for both novice and experienced kayakers. From £255/person for 3 days/2 nights.
Average daytime temperature in mid-July: +20 degrees C.
3. Self-guided Hiking on the High Coast
Sweden’s High Coast borders the Baltic Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Area noted for its unique geological history.
This experience is ideal for couples, families or small groups who enjoy moderately challenging hiking in a varied and beautiful coastal landscape, with accommodation in simple but cosy apartment at the hiking centre, transports to and from each day’s hike, and all meals included.
With a choice of itineraries from 4-7 days from £595/adult and average daytime temperatures in mid-July around +19 degrees C, this is an ideal choice for hikers who want to escape the summer heat (source: Weatherspark).
Coolcation Ideas in Finland:
Finland has lakes. Lots and lots of lakes. Over 187,000 in fact! So you’re never far from the opportunity for a cooling dip. It also has beautiful coastal archipelagos which are just perfect for kayaking. If you’re a lover of nature and tranquility and want to escape the oppressive heat this summer, Finland could just be your dream holiday destination!
1. Self-guided Kayaking in the Archipelago Sea National Park
If you have some previous sea kayaking experience and are looking for an extended expedition in a stunning archipelago landscape, the Archipelago Sea tour may be a perfect choice. Starting from the island of Korppoo, there are so many different areas of this beautiful island world to explore, and tours of 10-14 days or so are easily possible.
But this experience is also equally suitable for shorter tours of just 2-3 days and for those new to the wonderful world of sea kayaking. Instruction is available as an optional extra and there are many options to vary the duration, distance and level of challenge to suit your preferences and ability.
Prices from just £167/person including camping equipment and flexible start days between May and October. Daytime temperatures in mid-July average around +22 degrees C (source: Weatherspark).
2. Explore the National Parks of Eastern Finland
The region of North Karelia in the east of Finland is a beautiful area with a rich and proud culture and heritage. On this guided hiking experience, ideal for solo travellers, couples or those travelling with friends, you’ll set out each day from your base at a traditional Karelian guest house to explore some of the gems of the area, from Koli National Park to the cultural village of Bomba.
Local hospitality and delicious home-made meals made from mushrooms and berries picked from the forests, fish caught in the lakes and game from the forests are a key focus of this experience and, in combination with the nightly sauna and dip in the lake – an experience close to the heart of any Finn – are likely to be as much a memorable part of your trip as the hiking!
Average temperature in mid-July around +21 degrees C (source: Weatherspark).
Coolcation Ideas in Lithuania:
The small Baltic state of Lithuania may not yet be on your radar as a holiday destination, but this beautiful country, rich in cultural and natural heritage, is a wonderful spot for nature activities and the location for a very special kayak adventure.
1. Self-guided Kayaking in Aukštaitija National Park
The great majority of our canoe and kayak tours are based on wild camping on all nights, but this experience features accommodation in small, locally owned guesthouses along the route, with your main luggage transferred each day to your new overnight accommodation.
Beginning and ending with a night in the historic capital, Vilnius, this is a wonderful option for a coolcation paddle tour for those who prefer a roof over their heads at night! 7 days/6 nights from £639/person and average daytime temperatures in mid-July around +23 degrees C (source: Weatherspark).
The suggestions above are just a tiny selection of the possibilities for your next Coolcation in the Nordic countries – there are so many more to choose from, whether you’d like to go canoeing, kayaking, packrafting, timber rafting, hiking, cycling, stay in a log cabin, or combine a number of activities for a summer multi-activity adventure.
We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have to help you choose the best Coolcation for you, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, family or with friends – feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
In the meantime, STAY COOL!