Summer Holidays 2026: The Best Travel Destinations in Europe (Part 2)

Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to explore some of Europe's best travel destinations. In the first part of this blog series, we covered Germany and Southern Europe. This time, we're turning our attention north. With its breath-taking landscapes, charming cities, and exciting outdoor activities, Northern Europe has become an increasingly popular choice for a summertime holiday.

To help inspire your next holiday, we've put together a guide to some of the best places to visit across the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

Contents

• Overview
• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Finland
• Norway

Overview: Planning Your Summer Vacation in Europe for 2026

Whether you're weighing up vacation packages or simply looking for holidays in summer that suit your schedule, timing matters. School vacation dates vary widely by country, so it pays to plan ahead. From coastal towns to island escapes, Northern Europe has no shortage of places to go this summer, and here's a quick look at when the holidays start across some of Europe's most popular destinations.

The Netherlands: City Breaks and Seaside Getaways

With its long sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, and tranquil atmosphere, the Netherlands is one of the best travel destinations for a summer vacation. It's also easy to reach from the UK, with regular ferry service to both Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Traveling by ferry also gives you the flexibility to bring your car, pet, bicycle, and all the luggage you need for the trip.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are popular choices for a city break, known for their historic canals, world-class museums, and vibrant culture. Along the North Sea coast, well-known beach towns such as Zandvoort, Noordwijk, and Scheveningen draw visitors with their beach clubs and water sports.

The West Frisian Islands, including Texel, Terschelling, and Ameland, are also among the top places to go. With their striking dune landscapes, nature reserves, and peaceful atmosphere, they're ideal for cyclists, hikers, and families looking to leave everyday life behind.

Denmark: Family Vacations by the Sea

With its miles of coastline, charming seaside towns, and relaxed atmosphere, Denmark is a popular choice for family vacation packages. The Jutland Peninsula is home to some of Denmark's best-known vacation spots. Along the North Sea coast, you'll find picturesque resort towns and dramatic dune landscapes, while the Baltic coast offers quieter beaches and plenty of recreational activities. The island of Bornholm is also one of the country's most beautiful vacation regions, known for its picturesque fishing villages, sandy beaches, and excellent biking trails.

The islands of Funen and Zealand are also well worth exploring. Here you'll find historic castles, charming coastal towns, and Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, known for its colorful waterfront, outstanding food scene, and hygge culture.

Denmark is easy to combine with a ferry-based trip from the UK. Many travelers choose to sail to the Netherlands and then continue on to Denmark by road. Once you're in Denmark, ferries also make it simple to explore the region further, with service connecting the mainland to islands such as Bornholm and Samsø.

Sweden: Outdoor Adventures and Scandinavian Charm

Sweden combines natural beauty with modern cities and a relaxed Scandinavian lifestyle, making it one of the best travel destinations for outdoor lovers. During the summer months, long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures make it an especially appealing choice for both outdoor adventures and city breaks.

One of the most popular vacation regions is the area surrounding the capital, Stockholm. The city blends historic architecture with contemporary Scandinavian design, all set against a striking waterfront backdrop. The Stockholm archipelago is made up of thousands of islands that are perfect for boating, hiking, and swimming.

On the west coast, the region around Gothenburg is another favorite, with picturesque fishing villages, rugged coastlines, and some of the country's best seafood. Farther inland, large lakes are ideal for water sports, and forests and parks offer opportunities for hiking, canoeing, camping, and other outdoor activities.

While there's no direct ferry from the UK to Sweden, once you've arrived, ferry travel is a great way to explore the country's islands and beyond. Regular ferries run between the mainland and destinations such as Gotland, while local services connect the islands of the Stockholm archipelago, offering a scenic way to sightsee.

Finland: Lakes, Islands, and City Breaks

Finland is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, though in reality it has many more. This is what makes the Finnish Lakeland region especially popular with visitors planning a summer vacation. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking, all surrounded by beautiful scenery. For a classic Finnish vacation experience, we recommend booking a holiday home right on the water.

Made up of thousands of islands, the Turku archipelago is also among the most popular summer destinations in Finland. The numerous islands offer spectacular scenery and are partially connected by ferry. From Turku, ferry service also runs to the Åland Islands and Stockholm, making it easy to combine more than one destination in a single trip.

Of course, the Finnish capital Helsinki is also a major draw. With its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and appealing seaside location, the city is not only ideal for a city break but also an excellent base for further adventures, with regular ferry crossings from Helsinki to Tallinn.

Norway: Fjords, Mountains, and Coastal Towns

When you picture Norway, dramatic fjords, majestic mountains, and picturesque coastal towns likely come to mind — and these are exactly the features that make the country a dream destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer months, long daylight hours give travelers even more time to explore the country's stunning landscapes.

Among Norway's most popular destinations are the world-famous fjords of western Norway. The Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord offer spectacular scenery and are considered some of Europe's most impressive natural attractions.

In the south of the country, regions such as Kristiansand and Stavanger draw visitors with a pleasant summer climate, coastal scenery, and family-friendly attractions. Norway is also easy to combine with a broader Scandinavian ferry trip, with many travelers sailing from Denmark to southern Norway via the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry route.

Looking for More Vacation Ideas?

On our blog, you'll find plenty of vacation ideas for your trip to Northern Europe, including:

• From Haaland to the Highlands
• Helsinki to Tallinn Travel Guide
• Scandinavian Mini Cruise
• Norway's West Coast with Fjord Line

Northern Europe also boasts some of Europe's best travel destinations for a summer holiday. Each destination has its own unique character — from sandy beaches to beautiful archipelagos, vibrant cities, and dramatic fjords. 

Adding a ferry crossing to your itinerary makes the trip even more exciting, letting you easily combine multiple places to visit in a single vacation. And if you're planning further ahead, many of these destinations are just as rewarding once the summer crowds thin out, making them a great option for holidays in September too.

Compare ferry routes and book your next holiday for 2026 today. Also, don't forget to visit our blog and Instagram for more travel inspiration and vacation ideas.