Why Coolcations Are the Future of Travel: Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland Should Top Your List!

Over the past few years, a quiet shift has been happening in travel. More and more people choose to escape the heat and head north instead of south. They’re trading sunburns for cool breezes, crowded beaches for wide-open landscapes, and theme parks for untouched nature. This new travel trend has a name: coolcation.

And we completely understand the appeal. We’ve never been about poolside lounging or tropical cocktails. Instead, we’ve always found our peace in the stillness of a fjord, the scent of moss after summer rain, or the sound of glacial meltwater carving its path through lava fields. And now, travelers from around the world are starting to seek out the same kind of experience.

If you’re dreaming of a refreshing, restorative holiday full of natural wonder, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what makes a coolcation so special. And why Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland are among the best cool-weather destinations you can explore, especially on a self-drive or custom-tailored trip with Nonni Travel.

What is a coolcation?

A coolcation is exactly what it sounds like: a vacation in a cool climate. But it’s more than just escaping the heat. Coolcations are about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and immersing yourself in places not packed with tourists. They’re perfect for travelers who value experiences over extravagance. People who’d rather walk along a black sand beach under a cloudy sky than lounge on a crowded Mediterranean coast.

This trend isn’t just about comfort, either. With rising global temperatures and heatwaves becoming the norm across southern Europe, the idea of a cooler, milder escape is becoming appealing and essential. And that’s where destinations like Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland come in.

Iceland: The ultimate coolcation destination

Let’s start at home – Iceland. Here, we don’t need to manufacture adventure or beauty. It’s already all around us. Whether you’re visiting in summer, with its endless daylight, or in winter, when the Northern Lights dance across the sky, Iceland offers a deep sense of wonder that’s hard to put into words.

For self-drive travelers, Iceland is a paradise. The Ring Road circles the island, passing glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. You can start your day soaking in a geothermal lagoon and end it hiking on a glacier. In between, turf-roofed villages, wild horses, and roadside hot springs are waiting to be discovered.

Despite what some people may think, summer weather is actually perfect for travel: cool, crisp, and rarely above 20°C (68°F). It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay outdoors all day, with no need for sunscreen or air conditioning.

At Nonni Travel, we specialize in custom self-drive tours throughout Iceland. We work with trusted local partners, hand-pick accommodations, and create flexible itineraries that match your pace and interests. Whether you want to visit the Westfjords, explore lava caves, or just relax under the stars, we ensure your coolcation in Iceland is unforgettable and stress-free.

Top Coolcation Spots in Iceland

1. Landmannalaugar (Icelandic Highlands): Located in the heart of Iceland’s interior, Landmannalaugar is a colorful geothermal valley famous for its rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and natural hot springs. It’s a paradise for hikers and photographers, offering both rugged trails and peaceful soaks. The area is only accessible in summer and requires a 4×4 vehicle, but the effort is worth it. This is one of the top places to go for those seeking a remote, awe-inspiring coolcation far from the crowds.
2. East Fjords: Remote, peaceful, and under-visited, the East Fjords are a coolcation gem. Expect winding coastal roads, sleepy fishing villages, and excellent wildlife watching (reindeer and puffins, anyone?).
3. The Westfjords: This is Iceland’s wildest region, far from the crowds and full of rugged charm. Soak in hot springs overlooking the sea, hike to dramatic cliffs like Látrabjarg, or simply drive and breathe in the silence.
4. Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley): Tucked between glaciers, Þórsmörk is a hidden paradise accessible by super jeep or on foot. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers seeking dramatic views and deep solitude.
5. Lake Mývatn Area (North Iceland): Geothermal landscapes, volcanic craters, and warm nature baths make Mývatn a great alternative to the more touristic south. Plus, it’s a great Northern Lights viewing area in autumn and winter.

The Faroe Islands: A hidden gem for cool-weather travelers

A short flight from Iceland, the Faroe Islands are another incredible coolcation destination that often flies under the radar. As someone who’s spent time there, we can honestly say they’re among the most peaceful and surreal places we’ve ever visited.

The landscape is dramatic: towering cliffs, misty mountains, narrow fjords, and tiny fishing villages perched at the world’s edge. Sheep outnumber people, and the pace of life is wonderfully slow. Even in high season, you’ll rarely find crowds. Instead, you’ll find silence, space, and the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks.

The weather is mild year-round, hovering around 10–15°C (50–59°F) in summer. It’s the perfect climate for hiking, birdwatching, photography, or simply driving through remote landscapes with a hot coffee and no set plan.

Nonni Travel offers curated self-drive tours of the Faroe Islands, with pre-planned ferry logistics, accommodations, and routes. The roads are safe and uncrowded, making it an excellent destination for those who want to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re discovering hidden turf-roof churches or watching puffins dive from sea cliffs, the Faroe Islands deliver a truly unique coolcation experience.

Top Coolcation Spots in the Faroe Islands

1. Vágar Island: Home to the famous Múlafossur waterfall and easy airport access, Vágar is an ideal starting point. Don’t miss the hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn, where the lake floats above the ocean.
2. Gásadalur: This tiny village, once accessible only on foot, feels like stepping back in time. Surrounded by mountains and cliffs, it offers one of the most iconic photo spots in the Faroes.
3. Tjørnuvík & Saksun (Streymoy Island): These north-coast villages offer views of sea stacks and black beaches, and their peaceful surroundings are perfect for photography, beach walks, and reflection.
4. Gjógv (Eysturoy Island): A scenic village set by a natural sea gorge, Gjógv is a top pick for cool-weather coastal walking, puffin spotting (in summer), and soaking in the island’s rhythm.
5. Kalsoy Island: Known for its winding roads and the dramatic Kallur Lighthouse hike, Kalsoy is perfect for a quiet day trip. The ferry ride there is part of the fun.

Greenland: Adventure and solitude in the Arctic

If you’re ready to take your coolcation to the next level, Greenland is the place to go. This is not a destination for mass tourism. It’s a place for explorers, those who want to experience something rare and raw.

Greenland is vast, wild, and absolutely unforgettable. Icebergs float silently in the fjords, sled dogs howl in remote villages, and local Inuit culture gives depth to every moment. It’s the place that forces you to slow down and reconnect with the world.

While self-driving isn’t possible in Greenland (there are no connecting roads between towns), Nonni Travel offers tailored vacation packages that combine flights, accommodations, guided excursions, and cultural experiences. From kayaking among icebergs in Ilulissat to walking on the ice sheet or flying over glaciers, Greenland offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers seeking the cooler side of adventure.

Top Coolcation Spots in Greenland

1. Ilulissat (West Greenland): One of Greenland’s most stunning destinations, Ilulissat offers views of the massive Icefjord, boat tours among icebergs, and guided hikes near the calving glacier. It’s one of the best places to witness the raw Arctic landscape.
2. Nuuk: Greenland’s capital is small but culturally rich. A few days here will allow you to explore Inuit heritage, art galleries, and fjord-side trails, and the summer temperatures will be mild, with long daylight hours.
3. Disko Island: Off the coast of Ilulissat, Disko Island feels untouched. With basalt cliffs, hot springs, and no roads between towns, it’s a coolcation dream for the adventurous and curious.
4. Kangerlussuaq: Home to one of Greenland’s few airports with road access to the Ice Cap, Kangerlussuaq is an excellent base for wildlife tours and guided glacier excursions.
5. South Greenland: This greener, more temperate part of the country is dotted with sheep farms, Norse ruins, and quiet fjords. It’s ideal for a slower-paced coolcation focused on nature and culture.

Other coolcation-worthy destinations

While our focus is on the North Atlantic, a few other destinations that align with the coolcation mindset are worth mentioning.

• Scotland and the Scottish Highlands offer rugged beauty, deep history, and mild summer temperatures.
• Norway, especially the Lofoten Islands and northern fjords, is a fantastic self-drive destination with world-class scenery.
• Sweden’s Lapland and Finnish national parks are great alternatives for summer hiking and winter aurora hunting.
• The Canadian Maritimes or Alaska provide vast coastlines, charming towns, and wildlife experiences in cooler climates.

These regions share many of the characteristics that make Iceland, the Faroes, and Greenland so appealing: cool weather, rich culture, and breathing space.

Why coolcations matter more than ever

A coolcation isn’t just about cooler temperatures. It’s about a different way of experiencing the world. It’s about travel that’s more intentional, more connected to nature, and less about checking off tourist boxes.

Icelanders have always understood this. Living here, we learned early to respect the landscape, to embrace the weather, and to find joy in simple pleasures, like a walk by the sea, or hot coffee after a windblown hike. This mindset is at the heart of coolcation travel.

As more travelers begin to seek relief from rising temperatures, crowded cities, and over-tourism, coolcations will only become more relevant. And we’re proud to help lead the way by offering meaningful, locally-informed travel experiences in some of the most untouched places on Earth.

Plan your coolcation with Nonni Travel

With decades of experience and a passionate team based in Iceland, we know these destinations inside and out, and we love sharing them with travelers who value authenticity, adventure, and the incredible comfort of the north.

Whether you’re ready to plan a summer road trip around Iceland, an autumn escape to the Faroe Islands, or a life-changing journey to Greenland, we’ll help you craft a coolcation you’ll never forget.

Ready to feel the fresh air and freedom? Reach out to us today!