Quote from Alex bobby on July 2, 2025, 4:10 AM

 

From Italy’s Dolomites to Norway’s Fjords: Walking Routes Soar in Popularity as Europe Swelters

With much of Europe once again wilting under a relentless heatwave, summer holidays are taking a cooler turn. Temperatures have soared above 40°C in parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece, pushing travellers to rethink their traditional beach-bound getaways. Instead, many are trading sun-soaked city breaks and Mediterranean coasts for higher altitudes, shaded forests, and crisp mountain air. Welcome to the age of the coolcation — and walking routes are leading the charge.

The Rise of the 'Coolcation'

The trend isn’t just anecdotal. According to a recent study by CaixaBank, up to 14% of international travellers who typically visit Spain are now looking elsewhere, citing heat as a key concern. Last year’s record-breaking temperatures seem to have left a lasting impression, and this summer is already shaping up to be another scorcher.

Walking holiday companies, such as the co-op specialist HF Holidays, report that their northern and mountainous trips are selling out fast. It’s clear that hiking — once seen as the preserve of serious trekkers — is now becoming a mainstream alternative to traditional summer escapes. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or just looking for a scenic stroll, there’s a trail for every pace. Here are some standout routes for summer 2025 that offer beauty, adventure, and most importantly — a refreshing breeze.

1. Walk Through Breathtaking Landscapes in Italy’s Dolomites

Last year saw the launch of a new hiking trail in one of Europe’s most striking mountain ranges: the Cammino Retico in Italy’s Dolomites. This 170-kilometre circular route connects a number of small, remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions, offering a deep dive into both history and nature.

Named after the ancient Raeti people, the Cammino Retico is designed to be completed in around seven days, beginning and ending in Aune di Sovramonte, near Belluno. Walkers can expect a blend of alpine meadows, dense forests, and dramatic limestone peaks — with plenty of cultural stops and rustic mountain hospitality along the way. It’s a trip that offers both cooler temperatures and a chance to truly disconnect.

2. Island-Hop with Sweden’s Archipelago Trail

If you fancy a mix of hiking and island-hopping, the new Stockholm Archipelago Trail is tailor-made. Opened in October 2024, this 270-kilometre route spans more than 20 islands, offering a totally unique way to explore Sweden’s pristine natural beauty.

Unlike many rugged hiking routes, the Archipelago Trail is beginner-friendly, with excellent signage, frequent ferry connections, and helpful infrastructure like benches, fire pits, and shelters. From rocky coastlines to mossy pine forests, this route allows for both solitude and small-town Swedish charm. And with daily highs rarely climbing above 25°C in summer, it’s a far cry from Europe’s heatwave hotspots.

3. Hiking for Beginners in the Tatra Mountains

Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are a compact yet dramatic mountain range that’s ideal for novice hikers. Part of the larger Carpathian chain, the Tatras feature well-marked trails, panoramic views, and high-altitude lakes that make for ideal picnic spots.

One highlight is the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, which offers an easy route to the ridge line and stunning views over the High Tatras. From there, trails fan out in every direction, ranging from short, flat walks to more strenuous ascents. On the Slovakian side, you can also reach Lomnitz Peak, the second-highest summit at 2,634 metres, where alpine meadows and glacial lakes provide the perfect antidote to city heat.

4. Trek Through Fjords and Mountains on St Olav’s Way

For those looking for a deeper sense of history and spiritual reflection, Norway’s St Olav’s Way delivers in spades. This ancient pilgrimage route — a northern counterpart to the Camino de Santiago — has been walked since 1032, leading trekkers to Trondheim Cathedral, the resting place of Norway’s patron saint and former king, Saint Olav.

There are seven official trails, all of which wind through rural villages, mountain passes, and verdant fjordlands. Shelters and historical lodgings line the path, but distances between accommodations can be long, so some logistical planning is required. The best time to walk is between May and August, when daylight stretches long and the weather remains relatively stable. The reward? A peaceful, reflective journey through some of Europe’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.

Final Steps: Choosing Your Route Wisely

As Europe continues to warm, walking holidays are no longer niche — they’re becoming the new norm. Whether you’re hiking the lofty peaks of the Dolomites, island-hopping in Sweden, or retracing ancient footsteps through Norway, these routes offer more than just cooler air. They provide immersion, authenticity, and a chance to reconnect with nature at a pace the heat simply doesn’t allow elsewhere.

So if you’re looking to beat the heat this summer, lace up your boots and head north or uphill — where the air is fresh, the trails are calling, and the views are unforgettable.

Conclusion:

As Europe faces another summer of extreme heat, travellers are seeking refuge in cooler, more sustainable ways — and hiking holidays are leading the way. Whether it’s the serene fjords of Norway, the wild peaks of the Dolomites, or the island-strewn trails of Sweden, these routes offer not just relief from the heat but a deeper, more meaningful kind of travel. So this year, skip the crowded beaches and sweltering cities — and take the high road instead.