According to a report, the three warmest years on record for Europe have all occurred since 2020, and the ten warmest since 2007. With temperatures predicted to soar again this summer, tourists are seeking cooler climates for their annual holidays, inspiring travel experts at Off the Map Travel to create a new range of summer Nordic experiences. The company, recently awarded Best Luxury Bespoke Tours in the Nordic Region by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, is ready to offer travellers an unforgettable experience in cooler climates.
Combining the most picturesque and exhilarating ways to experience the Nordic region this summer; guests can now sail through the fjords; go on a Swedish safari; hike under the midnight sun and take an ocean trip to spot whales.
Available from June to August, Nordic summer holidays offer dramatic scenery, exploration, and immersive culinary excellence for those looking for a trip of a lifetime in cooler climes.
“We have noticed a rise in people booking Nordic holidays during the summer due to the soaring temperatures reported across Europe over the last few years,” says Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
“Cooler destinations or ‘coolcations’ have started gaining popularity for those looking to explore a country and take part in active pursuits without the heat limiting them.
“The Nordic region may seem like an unexpected choice for a summer holiday; however, it offers some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in the world, alongside amazing hikes and captivating wildlife. It’s a place with wellbeing at its core, and the bonus of the midnight sun throughout the summer months offers endless opportunities for adventure.”
Northern Norway
Don your hiking boots for a moderately intense 4 km trek to Blåisvatnet (The Blue Lake), known as the bluest lake in the world, located at the foot of the Lenangsbreen glacier on the Lyngen Peninsula.
Take a dip in the invigorating, ice-cold water, which never exceeds 4 degrees.
In the evening, embark on a brand-new expedition to sail through the majestic fjords, passing Fugløya, or "Bird Island" — a significant breeding site for seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, European storm petrels, and black guillemots. Continue into the vast Barents Sea to experience the awe-inspiring midnight sun glittering on the water.
Prices start from £2,500 per person (excluding flights) for a 3-night luxury Nordic summer holiday, which includes: staying at the breathtaking Lyngen Experience Lodge, hiking under the midnight sun, sailing the fjords, guided tours of Uloya Island, outdoor dining, taking a dip in 4-degree water, and a fjord sailing trip to Bird Island. Flights not included.
Sweden
Head into Swedish Lapland for the experience of a lifetime – a Swedish safari. Meet moose, reindeer, and huskies at Cape Wild, a small wildlife park where you can get up close and personal with Sweden’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat of deep forests.
Enjoy al fresco dining with two- and three-course menus available, offering visitors a taste of authentic local cuisine cooked over an open fire.
A cosy cabin sits right next to the Lule River, where you can enjoy stunning views across the water. Rent fishing gear and a boat to head out onto the water for some relaxing downtime.
Prices start from £3,399 per person (excluding flights) for a 4-night luxury Nordic summer holiday, which includes: meeting the moose, one night at The Treehotel with wildlife photography and a private guide, and two nights at the Arctic Retreat. You’ll also meet the local Sami and their reindeer, and get to know the huskies and their puppies during summer training.
Finland
Finland is often overlooked as a summer destination, but the lighter, warmer months make it fantastic for outdoor adventures around the beautiful archipelagos.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Inari, the largest lake in Finnish Lapland, Wilderness Hotel Inari offers luxurious and cosy log cabins overlooking the lake, each with its own private sauna.
Take a midnight hike to the top of Otsamo Fell, visit huskies, and watch their summer training regime for the winter months ahead. Enjoy a 5-star tasting menu with wine pairing at the hotel’s panoramic UKKO restaurant.
Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the wilderness, hearing stories from a local guide as you head into the forests to forage for blueberries and cloudberries.
Picnic on the shores of the lake or take a kayak to explore the archipelago of islands surrounded by crystal-clear water.
Prices start from £2,500 per person (excluding flights) for a 3-night luxury Nordic summer holiday, which includes: staying at Inari Wilderness Hotel, a guided midnight sun hike with dinner, tasting menus with wine pairing, meeting the huskies, a foraging experience with a picnic lunch, and husky cuddling.
Greenland
Greenland is another perfect summer destination, offering a mix of the great outdoors and easy connections to both Reykjavik and Copenhagen for those looking to incorporate a city break.
Ilulissat in western Greenland is home to the humpback whale, often seen feeding near the surface of the water, making them relatively easy to spot from a boat.
Whale watching in Ilulissat is best during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is milder and the sea is generally calmer, making it easier to spot whales and other marine life. Visitors may also catch sight of minke whales, fin whales, and orcas.
From cozy accommodations, walk down to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord to take in breathtaking views of the icebergs in Disko Bay, the largest on the western coast. From the shore, spot a variety of birds, such as gulls, terns, guillemots, and cormorants, and keep an eye out for Arctic foxes, hares, and ptarmigan (a type of grouse) around the bay.
Prices start from £2,500 per person (excluding flights) for a 5-night luxury Nordic summer holiday, which includes: one night in a luxury hotel in Copenhagen, a visit to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord with views of the icebergs in Disko Bay, whale watching, a stay at the beautiful Ilimanaq Lodge, glacier adventures by boat, and exploring under the midnight sun.
Iceland
Visiting Iceland during the summer months means longer daylight hours, taking the pressure off having to see everything before dark. In late summer, you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora late in the evening, just before the midnight sun.
For those looking for a relaxing summer escape, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland is an award-winning luxury resort with a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a private lagoon sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon.
Thrill-seekers might want to take a helicopter ride to the Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, located further east. Witness volcanoes, glacial rivers, and waterfalls before arriving at The Diamond Beach – a stretch of icebergs and black sand, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Prices start from £18,799 per person (excluding flights) for a 3-night luxury Nordic summer holiday, which includes: a stay at The Retreat, made famous by the HBO series Succession, a 5-star hotel stay, fine dining, helicopter excursions to the Glacier Lagoon, a trip to the famous Diamond Beach, and fine dining throughout.
As with any itinerary from Off the Map Travel, each can be tailor-made to fit the wishes and requirements of the guest.
For more information visit www.offthemap.travel, call +44 2037691862 or email info@offthemap.travel
About Off the Map Travel:
The team at Off the Map Travel is an award-winning travel company that works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore the hidden wonders of our planet. Specialising in Nordic Luxury Travel, we create tailor-made holiday itineraries offering authentic experiences not used by many larger travel companies.
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