We seek refuge from the European heat every summer because the scorching hot climate on the continent can only be escaped in elevated towns or in Northern Europe.
Here are spectacular towns that are cooler in the summer months and either unknown or not that overfilled with tourists yet.
Most of these places have temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 Fahrenheit (ca. 20 to 29 degree Celsius) on sunny days, which is still great when you consider how ridiculously hot the rest of the continent can become.
Add a cool breeze to that, ice-cold mountain lakes, and perfect summer temps in the shade, and you will soon understand why the rich escape to these places as soon as the summer heat starts to burn down.
Here are 7 towns that are definitely cooler than other places. We also traveled to elevated places in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Southern French Alps, but these parts were always so much hotter. Therefore, they didn't make the tally!
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Brixen, Italy
Brixen in a medieval town in South Tyrol, which is Northern Italy. It's one of the entry points to the Dolomites region.
Besides unparalleled mountain top views, a ton of honest South Tyrolean culture, you also get to experience a historical town built in the authentic Tyrolean architecture, which is known for its thick temperature insulated limestone coated walls.
Nearby Places to add to your Itinerary
- St. Magdalena with the unparalleled Dolomite views.
- Kastelruth, a village known for its beauty and famed folk music band.
- Neustift and the 12th century monastery.
Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein is a forgotten spa town, tucked away from the world, that was once the summer retreat of royals and famed people like the father of modern Psychology, Sigmund Freud.
The town had a revival lately, with some historic buildings being renovated and tourism coming back. Most visitors now are Swedes, who love the fresh mountain air and special waters, away from Scandinavia.
Nearby Places to add to your Itinerary
- Böckstein, a former mining village turned into a spa retreat with gardens and unforgettable views.
- Sportgastein, to truely escape everyone and everything in the Gasteiner alps.
- Bad Hofgastein. We loved the thermal bath and saunas here, also in the summer.
Glencoe, UK
Glencoe is a small village on the banks of Loch Leven in the green valley of Glen coe. The area was extensively featured in several movies and shows, including Harry Potter, Highlander, Braveheart and James Bond Skyfall.
The views are untouched, and the temperatures won't disappoint you in the summer.
It's the most perfect trip that you can plan away from the heat if you are in favor of a road trip across the Scottish highlands, but the hiking trails don't disapoint either.
Places to add to your Itinerary
- Glen Etive Road, the scenic drive known for the James Bond Skyfall movie.
- Three Sisters Viewpoint, a scenic hiking trail to explore.
- Fort William, a scenic town to explore nearby.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald is technically not an out-of-the-box destination in fact, it's a pretty well-known area, which was made famous, thanks to mountain climbers and downhill skiing enthusiasts.
Yet, during the summer months it's a stunning green town and tourism is limited, just because it's a premium destination that comes with a price tag.
From Grindelwald, you can plan a trip to the Jungfraujoch glacier experience, or hike the Eiger trail if you are up for it.
Nearby Places to add to your Itinerary
- Wengen, can be accessed with the mountain train from Grindelwald, which by the way, is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland.
- Mürren, a small car-free village near Wengen, which was chosen as the filming location for one of the famed James Bond movies.
- Interlaken, the scenic city located between two turqouise lakes.
Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands offer a rare kind of summer where the sun stays up, and the temperatures remain comfortably low.
Even in July, daytime highs tend to stay around 60 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) with a cool breeze rolling in from the Norwegian Sea.
The air is fresh, the light persists late into the night and there are no heatwaves in sight, only striking peaks and peaceful coastal villages. For travelers chasing cooler air and natural beauty, Lofoten offers a calm and unforgettable escape.
Nearby Places to add to your Itinerary
- Reine, one of the most photographed villages in Norway.
- Henningsvær, a cute fishing village spread across small islands.
- Nusfjord, a traditional fishing village with iconic red houses.
Grainau, Germany
Grainau is a small village in the Southern German alps that is probably only known thanks to the highest mountain summit in Germany, the Zugspitze, and a stunning lake, the Eibsee.
Therefore, most visitors pass by the alpine village but never truly spend time there, which, I think, is a pity. The village offers the perfect mix of accessibility to interesting places and a relaxed setting.
Nearby Places to add to your Itinerary
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the colorful former Olympic city with its two town centers.
- Oberammergau, the vibrant village known for the famed Passion Play and its wood hand carving skills.
- Mittenwald, the vividly painted town of violin builders.
Triesenberg, Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is often forgotten, due to its size, but the micronation is located amidst the alps, on its own in the hills.
As we visited Vaduz, the capital, we accidentally discovered the charming town of Triesenberg, which sits secluded from everything else at an elevated altitude.
This community can only be described as peaceful, and this should be your next destination if you want to hide from the world and ridiculous summer temperatures.
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