National GeographicAug 10
The ‘coolcation’ is trending—here’s where you should go in Europe
For many travellers, the image of the summer holiday is shifting. Instead of chasing the sun, more people are seeking destinations where cool mornings, fresh air and comfortable conditions make it ...
Explore beaches and mountain trails on horseback.
22 things in this story
- Lofoten IslandsNeighborhoodArctic archipelago, a haven for wildlife and adventure.
- Hov GårdPlaceExplore beaches and mountain trails on horseback.
- Låven RestaurantRestaurantServes seasonal dishes in a restored 1950s barn.
- Lofoten Links Golf CoursePlaceOpen around the clock in June and July.
- Elsewhere
- Laugavegur TrailTrailLandmannalaugar, IcelandPasses through rainbow-coloured mountains and black sands.
- HerðubreiðSightIcelandCalled the ‘Queen of Icelandic Mountains’.
- EldgjáSightIcelandWorld’s largest volcanic canyon, reached by a walk.
- FremrinámurSightIcelandColourful mineral deposits surround naturally heated springs.
- Grand HotelHotelSopot, PolandAdmire belle époque villas and manicured gardens nearby.
- Gofry pod ArkadamiIce cream shopSopot, PolandPopular stop for traditional waffles with cream and fruit.
- MonciakAttractionSopot, PolandSopot’s lively pedestrian street.
- Krzywy DomekAttractionSopot, PolandFairytale-like curves make it one of Poland’s most recognisable buildings.
- Sopot LighthouseSightSopot, PolandOffers panoramic views over the town, beach and Baltic Sea.
- Barrowland BallroomTheatreGlasgow, United KingdomLive music venue where artists from David Bowie to Metallica performed.
- King Tut’s Wah Wah HutNightclubGlasgow, United KingdomFamous for discovering Oasis in 1993.
- Loaded FriesRestaurantGlasgow, United KingdomA favourite late-night stop on Sauchiehall Street.
- Ubiquitous ChipRestaurantGlasgow, United KingdomPairs Scottish classics with an atmospheric rooftop terrace.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and MuseumMuseumGlasgow, United KingdomOne of Scotland’s most visited attractions.
- Topeliuksen Polku Nature TrailTrailLake Saimaa, FinlandOffers a perspective after dark with light installations.
- Lakeland GTEPlaceLake Saimaa, FinlandOperates environmentally friendly excursions using electric boats.
- Angla Windmill MountSightSaaremaa, EstoniaPreserved windmills celebrating centuries of breadmaking traditions.
- Kaali crater fieldSightSaaremaa, EstoniaNine meteorites struck the island, creating the crater field.