Coastal Coolcationing: Top 10 Destinations

Relaxing on a sunny beach in 30°C heat isn’t for everyone. If you’re a traveller who prefers layering up in jumpers, finding exciting cold holiday destinations can be tricky. Dreams of long nights wrapped up in blankets, chilly winds prickling your face and group adventures in the snow can only be met by uncovering hidden coolcation gems. 

‘Coolcationing’ has become the biggest travel trend to know this year, with many tourists seeking temperate destinations for their next holiday to avoid a sweltering summer and intense tourist crowds. A recent survey by Virtuoso discovered that 82% of travellers are considering destinations with cooler temperatures in 2024, whilst at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we have seen a rising interest in Scandinavian cruises. 

To help those looking for a change to the heat of popular southern European destinations, we’ve shortlisted the best cool coastal locations across Europe. Revealing the first Coastal Coolcation Index, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have ranked destinations with a maximum cold season high of 7°C based on the cost and quality of food and drink, how safe it is for travellers and the standard of its attractions. 

So whether you’re heading abroad solo, as a family or with a group of friends, here are the leading cold-weather cruise destinations we recommend for the ultimate coolcation trip this year. 

Historically controlled by the Soviet Union, this capital city on the coast of the Baltic Sea won’t be the first-holiday destination that comes to mind for many. Despite getting a high score of 7.7 in our rankings, the beauty of Tallinn and wider Estonia cruises is largely undiscovered. This makes it one of the few true hidden gems left in the world.

One of the highest scorers in terms of safety, the group activities were also ranked highly. With 77 to choose from, you won’t be short of entertainment with your friends. The mediaeval architecture of Tallin’s churches and palaces will make all your holiday snaps postcard-worthy. Reaching a maximum of -2°C in the cold season, you might get the perfect snowy image for your Christmas cards too! 

The Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site, with the Town Hall, St Nicholas’ Church and St Olad’s Tower being must-visits for sightseers. With an average food and drink score of 8/10, sampling local delicacies should be on your list too. Indulge your sweet tooth at the city’s oldest cafe Maiasmokk, stroll around the magnificent Kadriorg Palace, or head to the Kalamaja or Telliskivi City neighbourhoods for trendy eateries and craft breweries.

The rich mix of German and Polish influences can be tasted in its beer selection. Czech and German-inspired ales and lagers can be enjoyed at Brovarnia or Labeerynt. With the average glass of a local brew costing £2.96, it’d be rude not to sample one or two. 

With an average attraction score of 4.7 on TripAdvisor and a group activities score of 10/10, Reykjavik has plenty to offer and particularly for those travelling with loved ones. There are 188 top-notch group activities you can try. 

From taking a dip in the city’s natural swimming pools to whale watching on the coast, skiing in the Blue or Skalafell mountains and hiking up Mount Úlfarsfell, it’s an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking adventurous activities. 

Reykjavik is also perfect for those looking to soak up culture and relaxation. Food halls are a growing trend, with favourites including Grandi Matholl where you can sample the seasonal tastes of the city, including tasting fresh fish by the Icelandic sea. 

For a downtown hotspot with plenty of fun, head to Laugavegur for a choice of bars and eateries. Pop into the tourist office here for the hottest tickets to concerts and events - there’s something new every weekend! 

You’ve never seen a capital quite like Portree. Scoring 6.6 overall, it's the gateway town to the Isle of Skye. Even from the water, you’ll understand why its attractions score 9/10. The stunning harbour sits at the edge of a sheltered bay and is surrounded by majestic rolling hills such as Ben Tianavaig, Suidh Fhinn and Fingal’s Seat. 

This ‘King’s Port’ is only around 200 years old and was originally a fishing village. Now, it's home to cafes, restaurants and even the Aros Centre cinema alongside picturesque scenery that can only be accessed by ship. Even though it's small and rural, it’s still lively with an average nightlife score of 5 on TripAdvisor. 

Plus, if you’re lucky enough to visit when the Portree Show or Skye Highland Games are on, be sure to check them out. 

If you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, Alta should be on your list. Scoring 6.3 overall, the town sits at the head of its own Fjord and even has a Cathedral named after the natural phenomenon. Scoring 8/10 for its attractions and rated highly for its safety, there’s probably no better destination to get a taste of arctic living. 

With the lowest cold season temperature on our list at -10°C, visiting here will be like stepping into a winter wonderland. Ice hotels, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and stays in traditional Sami tents are all on offer here. See breathtaking history up close and view the 7,000 UNESCO-protected rock art paintings at the Alta Museum. It’s the ideal place to get close to nature on a tranquil, relaxing coolcation. 

Scoring highly for its safety and nightlife, Turku is great for travellers who love hitting the town. Rated 6.2 overall, there are quality bars and pubs galore in this beautiful city. Plus, there are regular music festivals and events, so you won’t be short of choices when deciding what to do for the evening. 

If you’re a history fan, the oldest city in Finland will also tick lots of boxes. Known as the ‘Paris of Finland’, it’s packed with mediaeval architecture and cultural charm. Turku Castle and Cathedral sit on either side of the Aurajoki riverbank and are essential destinations for any visitor who wants to know more about the city’s story. 

Art is also a big passion in this former capital. See the best of the country’s creatives by visiting the Turku Art Museum and Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art. Or, if you prefer a mixture of history and culture, head to Kakolanmäki. Previously the site of Finland’s most notorious prison, it now has a museum, restaurant, bakery, coffee roastery and a taproom. 

With an average attraction score of 4.6 on TripAdvisor, this Arctic city has 66 activities for groups to choose from. Though its overall score dips just below 6, it’s a great destination for cold holidays with family and friends. From the Polar Museum to the wonderland of Magic Ice and Norway’s largest Planetarium, there’s plenty to enchant and explore. 

Nature itself is the biggest attraction here, with many tourists visiting to witness the midnight sun. Extra daylight hours also lend themselves to a vibrant nightlife. With wine bars, pubs and cafes to spare, you can enjoy everything from morning coffee to an evening wind-down wine all on the waterfront. Be sure to wrap up warm though, as temperatures only get as high as -1 in the cold season. 

This capital city scores 5.7 overall and is the most populated in Finland for a reason. Its unique culture, minimalistic Nordic architecture, and relaxed way of life give this destination a widespread appeal. Its nightlife and group activities score 7/10, with its cosmopolitan culture, friendly locals, and much of the city reachable by foot, bike or public transport. 

The Kaivopuisto route is particularly recommended for seeing the best of Helsinki, with lots of cafes and restaurants serving fresh, local dishes of herring and reindeer. For more delicious food and drink, head to a market hall like the one in Hakaniemi. Or, to get an insight into the city’s social scene, why not take a dip and enjoy a drink at one of the city’s saunas? 

Located off the coast of southern Argentina, visiting the Falkland Islands is one of the few opportunities visitors get to discover Antarctic living. With cold season temperatures in the capital ranging between 4°C and 2°C, Stanley is one of the milder destinations on our list, but it’s also one of the most unique. 

The Jetty Centre is a good place to start exploring this destination, which scores 5.6 overall. From here, you might head to the Whalebone Arch, Victory Green or the Historic Dockyard Museum to discover more about island history and life. Taking a trip to Cape Pembroke or the beaches at Gypsy Cove will give you a chance to spot the unique wildlife. 

With both food and drink scoring 9/10 and beer costing just £3.30 a glass, checking out the local eateries is a must. Why not enjoy one of the city’s seafront pubs, such as the Globe Tavern or Groovy’s? Brits will feel right at home on the other side of the world! 

Closer to Norway than Edinburgh, Lerwick scores 5.3 overall and is also Shetland’s only town and the main port. Home to around 7,000 people, there are more quality attractions than you might expect, with the highest average TripAdvisor score on our list at 4.8. Must-visit locations include the Shetland and Crot House Museums, where you can uncover the unique history of this part of the world.

Clickimin Broch and Mousa are also key points of interest that will give you a sense of the island’s ancient history. As unique as Lerwick’s culture is its wildlife, with otters, seals, and a range of seabirds all regularly spotted from the shoreline. 

Once you’ve had your fill of the cold, head into one of the town’s cosy hostelries for some 8/10 food and drink. Sip a pint of Tennents and tuck into some hearty pub grub. What a way to end your UK cruise! 

Located on the eastern coast of Zealand, Denmark's largest island, Copenhagen scores 5.3 overall. The Capital city of Denmark plays host to around 1.4 million people in its urban area alone making it the most populous city in Denmark. 

Scoring second highest with a rating of 9/10 for group activities there is plenty to do in this cultural hub. Whether you are exploring the city by boat on a canal tour or taking a stroll around Rosenborg Castle, home of the Danish crown jewels, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

Once you have suitably explored the sights you can settle down in one of the many restaurants and sample traditional Danish dishes, including smørrebrød, frikadeller, flæskesteg, and forloren hare.

From Finland to the Falkland Islands, you can experience the best of cold weather coastal culture with the added warmth of a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship. 

With routes designed to showcase the best these destinations have to offer, you can head out and explore them all in their winter glory. Then, once you’ve had enough of the Arctic temperatures, you can head back to the ship for a delicious meal, fantastic entertainment and a comfy bed. So why not check out the places we sail to and see where your next coolcation may take you?