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Where Can You Go in Europe in August Without Extreme Heat?

Where Can You Go in Europe in August Without Extreme Heat?

If you have travelled to Europe in August before, you probably already know it can be unbearably hot. In fact, the past few summers have been breaking heat records, especially in southern Europe. Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and parts of France have had extreme heatwaves, sometimes with temperatures going above 40°C. This kind of heat is not just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous.

However, August is one of the most popular times to travel because it is still the summer holiday season for many. The good news is that not all of Europe now feels like an oven. Here are some great places you can still enjoy during this time.

Image: A photo of a serene body of water with large boats floating on it, and the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background, in Paris, France.

Scotland, UK

Scotland’s summer is mild, making it a comfortable choice for August travel. You can explore historic castles such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, or take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands with its mountains, lochs, and rolling green hills.

August is also the time for the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is the world’s largest arts festival. Just remember that the weather can change quickly, and keep yourself updated on local tourism news.

Sweden

In August, Sweden is warm enough to enjoy the outdoors but cool enough to be comfortable. Stockholm, especially, is built on 14 main islands, and even more smaller islands, islets, and skerries, alongside lakes and forests, which are perfect for swimming, fishing, hiking, and enjoying the warm sand, so there is no shortage of activities and adventures.

Austria (Mountain Areas)

The Austrian Alps are a peaceful escape from the summer heat. In August, the mountain air is fresh and clean, perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing by alpine lakes like Lake Wolfgang and Lake Achensee.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and home to the famous Sound of Music filming locations, is also a great place to visit. You can use cable cars to take you up to the viewpoints where you can enjoy the incredible scenery without much effort.

Image: A photo of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a large medieval castle perched atop a hill in Salzburg, surrounded by green fields, trees, vegetation, and a calm body of water.

Denmark

Denmark has mild, pleasant weather in August, making it perfect for exploring without feeling overheated. There are so many places you can visit, including world-famous attractions like Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

If you love history, you will enjoy exploring Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Or, you can head over to Denmark's coastline, which is full of sandy beaches and fishing villages.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s mountain regions are ideal in summer. You can visit Interlaken for adventure sports, Zermatt for views of the Matterhorn, or Lucerne for its beautiful lake and medieval old town.

Scenic train journeys like the Glacier Express take you past snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and sparkling lakes. There are also charming alpine villages, hiking trails, and boat cruises that make it a perfect mix of relaxation, activity, and adventure.

Slovenia

Slovenia is a hidden gem for summer travel. Lake Bled, especially with its fairytale island church and medieval castle, is a peaceful spot for swimming, boating, and hiking. The Julian Alps offer plenty of cool mountain air and nature trails, while Triglav National Park is full of rivers, waterfalls, and scenic valleys.

You can also visit Ljubljana, the charming capital with its riverside cafés, colourful buildings, and relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing spots without the heavy crowds of more famous European destinations.

Conclusion 

If you want to visit Europe in August without dealing with extreme heat, you don’t have to cancel your summer travel plans. You just need to choose your destination wisely. Head north to countries like Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, or Denmark, or go up into the mountains in Austria, Switzerland, or Slovenia. These places give you the best of summer, without the dangerous and exhausting heatwaves that have recently hit parts of southern Europe.

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