Chill out with a Coolcation in the Nordics

The past few years have seen large portions of Europe scorched by heat waves, and this has sparked new travel trends. Many are eager to beat the heat in the sweltering summer months, by seeking refuge in the cooler summer climates in the Nordic region.

This year, the trend has completely taken off, so why not get in on the trend and get to know your Nordic neighbours a bit better?

Here are seven Nordic destinations you should check out this summer:

If you want to experience the Norwegian landscape at its absolute best, Ålesund is the perfect place to start. In this charming coastal city on Norway's western coast, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, mountainous beauty meets the Norwegian Sea in a completely unique city. Explore the vibrant city centre with cafes, restaurants, and shopping, or swing by the city park and take the 418-step path up to the top of Askla mountain, for panorama views over the island-dotted coast.

With Ålesund as your base, you are perfectly situated for discovering all the entire region has to offer - from city life to mountain hikes in the spectacular Sunnmøre region's mountain range. Make sure to check out Geiranger Fjord, just a couple of hours away, with breathtaking views to be experienced by both land and sea. Lifelong memories await!

Where to stay:

• Hotel Brosundet is a remarkable hotel in the heart of Ålesund, picturesquely situated along the harbour. You'll be staying in one of the city's most exciting buildings, and enjoy phenomenal views of Brosundet Harbour.
• Quality Hotel™ Ålesund is a modern, family-friendly hotel situated along the sea in city centre, and offers comfortable rooms, cosy common areas, and a central location for both city and sightseeing excursions.
• Quality Hotel™ Waterfront is right in the sunny south-side of Ålesund, right along the fjord and just 200 metres from the lively Brosundet Harbour. This family--friendly hotel has views of the Sunnmøre mountain peaks as well as Borgund Fjord.

Curious about the Sunnmøre region ? Read more about Ålesund here.

Welcome to Umeå - a city in Northeast Sweden rich in culture, art, and music, where adventures await! This little city is bursting with its own energy and charm, and you'll discover everything from fascinating museums and lively festivals to a vibrant nightlife. With four centrally located hotels, you're never more than a stone's throw away from something amazing.

Whether you want to explore the universally accessible Comfort Hotel Winn, the affordable rooms at Comfort Hotel Umeå City, or the cosy vibes of Umeå River at Home Hotel Uman, Umeå is the perfect place to begin your next adventure.

Where to stay:

• Comfort Hotel™ Winn is in the heart of Umeå, where you can get a great night's sleep in the middle of the city's rhythm - without paying more than you have to. You can enjoy Umeå's best views from the hotel rooms, enjoy delicious dinners, and even check out Umeå's nightlife when the mood strikes.
• Make yourself at home in the yellow, wooden building of Home Hotel Uman and enjoy a wonderful night's rest in the modern and comfortable rooms. Here, you can relax in their spa area, or socialize in the lobby's common areas, and enjoy the free breakfast, afternoon coffee (with snack!), and dinner.
• Clarion Hotel® Umeå is a great choice for a comfortable stay in Umeoå, just a short distance from both the city's bustling energy and the peace and quiet of the river Umeå. Here, you can sleep in beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy a dinner at the NÒR Restaurant, grab a cocktail in the sky bar, or relax in Elements Spa.

Discover beautiful fjords, vibrant cultural life, and a trip to the magnificent Preikestolen outlook point. Situated along Norway's southwestern coast, Stavanger boasts a coastline of an impressive 11 kilometres, idyllic ocean views, and adorable streets with pastel and white wooden houses. Stavanger is the very definition of a Nordic summer city.

You'll find the region's natural beauty at its best along the white sands of the beautiful Jæren Beaches in Sola, perfect for swimming, surfing, and picnics on the beach. Lyse Fjord and the world-famous Preikestolen scenic vista offer beautiful and inspiring natural encounters for people of all ages.

Where to stay:

• Clarion Hotel® Stavanger is situated in the heart of Stavanger's bustling city centre. Here, you'll be right by everything Stavanger has to offer, and the city's pulse extends to the hotel's own sky bar, restaurant, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Comfort Hotel™ Square is just a 7-minute walk from the train station and a 25-minute drive away from Stavanger Airport. Enjoy good food and drink at the hotel's Barception, or settle down in the popular rooftop terrace to really unwind.
• Home Hotel Skagen Brygge is locatd on the beautiful dockside in Stavanger. You'll stay in traditional dockside bu8ildings with views of the ocean and Old Town. Breakfast, afternoon coffee (along with a snack!), and dinner are included at no extra cost.

Prefer big cities? Stockholm is a Scandinavian treasure, combining historic charm with an energetic city life. Enjoy sun-filled days with boat rides in the beautiful archipelago, wander down to the charming Old Town (Gamla Stand), or explore the cool, green oasis of Djurgården Island with its captivating museums.

Whether you want to discover hip boutique shopping and cafes in the Södermalm district, bicycle along the water, check out cultural gems, or experience the city's modern nightlife - Stockholm is a destination that has something for everyone.

Where to stay:

• Clarion Hotel® Amaranten located in the Kungsholmen area, just a stone's throw from the main station, and has a charmin gpersonality with a 1960s-design. The hotel's location is unbeatable for discoveringg Stockholm's bars and restaurants.
• Home Hotel Wellington is cosy and warm, just walking-distance to many of Stockholm's best eateries and pubs. The hotel includes breakfast, afternoon coffee (and snack!), and dinner - so you always feel at home.
• Comfort Hotel™ Xpress Stockholm Central situated right in Stockholm city centre with both train and bus stations nearby. The hotel is a perfectly practical location, and here you never pay more than you have to - perfect for anyone wanting to explore Sweden's capital.

Craving a big-city getawa? Read more about Stockholm here!

In the summers, Helsinki, Finland's capital, transforms into a living paradise for visitors, offering much more than saunas. It's easy to explore the city's vibrant design district, wanter along the water by attractions like the SkyWheel and amusement parks, or take the charming tram line on an adventure. With a range of events and compact city centre perfect for cyclists and pedestrians, Helsinki is the perfect destination during the summer months.

Where to stay:

• Hotel St. George is located in a peaceful part of Helsinki city centre and radiates luxury with its unique, classic design and an art gallery of nearly 400 pieces. Relax in the spa area, enjoy a meal in the restaurant and experience this exciting city.
• Clarion Hotel® Helsinki towers 16 stories tall and is a landmark in the cityscape of the Finnish capital. With a rooftop pool and a bar on the top floor, the hotel is a lively gathering place for both locals and visitors, all with Helsinki's beautiful ocean and vibrant city life right outside the door.
• Hobo Helsinki is a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Helsinki with an exciting ambiance, inspired by the local urban surroundings. It's also a gathering place, inspiring curious minds with its creative design and sustainable dining options.

Curious about Helsinki? Read more about exploring the city here.

Tromsø is often called "The Paris of the North" - and not without reason! You'll encounter a combination of wild nature, magical moments, and warm people, and you can of course experience the fantastic fjords, idyllic beaches, and mountaintops with panorama views of the Lyngen mountain range.

The city also offers unforgettable experiences like the midnight sun, whale safaris, the Fjellheisen Cable Car ride up the local mountains, and the famous Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen). Go for a RIB-boat ride or a fjord cruise - or maybe you'd rather kayak or go on a glacier safari? In Tromsø, you're also never short on options for delicious places to eat, along with the city's rich cultural life.

Where to stay:

• Check in to the beautiful Clarion Hotel® The Edge which is picturesquely situated on the water's edge in city centre, with views of both the fjords and the mountains.
• Experience Quality Hotel™ Saga, a modern, urban hotel just a short walking distance to the Hurtigrute Cruise Ship terminal as well as the airport shuttle stop, along with beautiful views of many of the city's most well-known attractions.

Planning a trip to Northern Norway? Here are 18 activities that need to be on your bucket list!

Luleå is a hidden gem in the North of Sweden. This welcoming city invites travellers to a summer holiday where you can explore the area's unique charms at your own pace. This "metropolis in minature" offers a relaxing atmosphere, with inspiring architecture and cosy cafes.

Enjoy long, sunlit days under the midnight sun, unwind on the beach, and check out the wonders of the island-dotted coast, while the city's pulse with its art galleries, shopping, and cultural attractions await you. Here, you can dive into Luleå's history and creative charms, and be inspired by the city's distinctive character, or just lean back and enjoy your holiday.

Where to stay:

• Stay in Luleå city centre at Quality Hotel™ Luleå – a familyk-friendly hotel with a restaurants and social spaces. You'll be staying near Norra Harbour and Storgatan street with shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions right around the corner.
• Clarion Hotel® Sense is a lively hotel in Luleå city centre that combines Northern Swedish elegance with modern dessign, and offers a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel is right near the ciyt's pedestrian street and Norra Harbour, right nearby everything the city has to offer.
• Comfort Hotel™ Arctic is a modern hotel in the heart of Luleå, just 50 metres from Luelå main station. You'll stay in peaceful surroundings, in spite of the hotel's central location with shopping, cultural attractions and nightlife right outside your door.

Curious about Luleå? Here you can read more about this hidden gem of Nordic summers.