7 Northern European Beaches to Escape the Heat This Summer

While Southern Europe boasts some of the world’s most famous beaches, from the French Riviera to the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Isles, the rising temperatures due to climate change are driving us north. The beaches of Northern Europe, spanning Scandinavia to the British Isles, offer some of the most picturesque sands, ideal for what travel experts call “coolcations.” Each destination provides a unique glimpse into coastal life: Some have been popular with sunbathers for over a century, featuring classic resort hotels, while others are hidden gems perfect for adventurous souls looking to kayak, spot seals, watch puffins, or search for fossilized shark teeth. Depending on your chosen destination, you might pack hiking boots and binoculars instead of swimsuits and sunscreen—but they’re sure to redefine your beach vacation in a changing world.

Kynance Cove, United Kingdom

With its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and endless blue skies, this Cornwall beach seems as though it’s been transported from Bermuda. A beloved holiday destination since the Victorian era, Kynance Cove—located about a six-hour drive southwest of London—has attracted notable visitors, including royalty and poet Alfred Tennyson, and is now preserved by the National Trust. During low tide, children explore nearby caves to find periwinkles, barnacles, and small fish in the lively rock pools, while adults may opt for an invigorating swim in the natural Mermaid Pool. (The water is deep enough for diving from the surrounding rocks, but be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, as there are no lifeguards present.) To discover more beaches like this, take a short hike or embark on a multi-week journey along the South West Coast Path, which traces the stunning outline of the Lizard peninsula, the southernmost point of mainland Britain.

Where to stay: The historic Housel Bay Hotel, established 130 years ago, is just a 15-minute drive down the coast. Among its notable past guests is radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, who transmitted his first transatlantic signal nearby. The on-site bar, named in his honor, offers a selection of Cornish wines and West Country gins.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

A staple of the Iceland tourist circuit, this stunning black-sand beach is situated two and a half hours from Reykjavík, just outside the picturesque town of Vík in South Iceland. While you might encounter tourists snapping selfies, it doesn’t take away from the beach's otherworldly charm. Its expansive fields of jet-black volcanic sand, the striking hexagonal basalt columns, and the towering sea stacks (which rise 216 feet from the Atlantic) make Reynisfjara feel like a fantastical realm. Less ominous are the puffins that nest in the cliffs during summer. Reynisfjara has been a backdrop for numerous stories, from ancient legends (those sea stacks are said to be frozen trolls) to contemporary crime dramas like the TV series Black Sands. However, caution is advised as the unpredictable elements here have caused sneaker waves to be deadly; always be careful near the shore.

Where to stay: Perched along the Ring Road with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, Hotel Kría in Vík derives its name from the Icelandic term for the arctic terns that return to the area each summer. The hotel can also assist in arranging tours to nearby attractions such as ice caves, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Rågeleje Beach, Denmark

Did you know that Denmark boasts its own riviera? Along the northern shore of Zealand (the island that hosts Copenhagen), 11 coastal towns line 40 miles of dune-kissed coastline. Rågeleje is arguably the most picturesque, featuring a boardwalk and candy-striped huts that evoke a charming Victorian ambiance. Out in the water, windsurfers and kitesurfers ride the waves, while the nearby Heatherhill nature reserve resembles a wildflower-strewn section of the Scottish Highlands, complete with grazing sheep and prime butterfly-watching spots. Be sure to enjoy a meal of fresh seafood at Restaurant Søstjernen, a historic gathering place for the Danish resistance during the Nazi occupation.

Where to stay: The 120-year-old Helenekilde Badehotel is located about 10 minutes down the coast in Tisvildeleje. It exudes a breezy elegance reminiscent of a Scandinavian Nantucket; expect plenty of seafoam green decor and wicker furnishings, along with a bakery offering delightful cardamom buns.

Keem Strand, Ireland

Located on Achill Island in County Mayo, Keem Strand is frequently hailed as the most stunning beach in the Emerald Isle. Even if you haven’t visited, you might recognize its horseshoe-shaped expanse of golden sand from its prominent appearance in the film The Banshees of Inisherin, where a quaint cottage served as the home of Colm Doherty (played by Brendan Gleeson). For breathtaking views, embark on a challenging hike along the clifftops. However, to fully immerse yourself in the bay, consider joining a guided sea kayaking tour with Achill Surf Education & Adventure Centre. You may spot dolphins, seabirds, and, if you’re fortunate, basking sharks. Despite their impressive size (averaging 26 feet!), there’s no need to worry; they are gentle giants, feeding on plankton like whale sharks.

Where to stay: One of the nearest accommodations to the beach is Bridget’s View B&B, which offers ocean-view suites and hearty breakfasts featuring pancakes, porridge, and scones to energize your coastal adventures.

Haukland Beach, Norway

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are famed for their dramatic fjords and quaint fishing villages, but they also boast an unexpectedly beautiful range of sandy beaches. Haukland Beach, perhaps the most popular due to its close proximity to Leknes—just a 15-minute drive away—sits on the western shore of Vestvågøy island. In the summer, the crystal-clear waters resemble a tropical paradise, but the beach transforms into a magical landscape under a layer of snow or the shimmering auroras. While locals consider this a swimming beach, the water temperature hovers between 37º and 59º Fahrenheit, so be ready for a chilly dip! (Always bring a towel and warm clothes for after your swim.) You might also spot kayakers, surfers, or stand-up paddleboarders here; a new visitor center is set to open in early 2025.

Where to stay: The brick-red cabins at Lofoten BaseCamp were originally built for construction workers during the tunnel's construction to the neighboring island and were transformed into a hotel in 2017, featuring a sauna with views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Sandhammaren, Sweden

Located at the southern edge of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sandhammaren beach is nestled in the Österlen region, often referred to as the 'Tuscany of Sweden' due to its picturesque rolling hills. While many Nordic beaches are famous for their dramatic landscapes, this beach is cherished by locals for its serene expanse of soft, white sand, bordered by grassy dunes and overseen by a charming red lighthouse dating back to 1862. (You can reserve a lighthouse tour during the summer for about $4 for adults.) The beach is situated within a nature reserve where pine forests provide habitat for rabbits, squirrels, deer, and elk. Although it appears idyllic today, this coastline has a storied past filled with tales of piracy and shipwrecks.

Where to stay: The four-suite Kåseberga Hideout serves as an adventure hub, blending Scandinavian design with surf shack vibes; there's also a shop offering Pendleton blankets and high-end camping gear.

Cadzand-Bad, Netherlands

The expansive Dutch coastline features a variety of beaches, ranging from untouched natural beauty to vibrant family resorts like Scheveningen, complete with a lively pier and Ferris wheel. For a more tranquil experience, visit Cadzand, the southernmost town near the Belgian border, just a half-hour drive from Bruges. This area is renowned in Europe for fossilized shark teeth; simply grab a sieve, bucket, and shovel from local shops, then head to the public beach or the nature reserves of Het Zwin or Verdonken Zwarte Polder. The waters offshore are also home to seals, which can be spotted from the beach or during a guided boat tour.

Where to stay: With its sleek, modern design and surfer-themed photographs, the Strandhotel feels reminiscent of Malibu. Offering rooms, suites, and apartments, the hotel also features two quirky houseboats named Stranded 001 and Stranded 002, moored in the marina, along with the Beach Boy restaurant, where you can indulge in fresh local oysters, shrimp, langoustines, and smoked eel.