‘Coolcation’ Trend Draws Record-Breaking Crowds to Copenhagen

The so-called ‘coolcation’ trend — favoring cooler, northern destinations over traditional hot Mediterranean resorts — has officially hit the mainstream in 2026. Copenhagen Airport reported one of its busiest months ever, welcoming a whopping 3.453 million passengers in July 2026. This marks a 3.6% increase compared to the same month the previous year, as travelers increasingly seek refuge from the extreme heat in Southern Europe.

The airport noted a significant increase in inbound tourism from Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Overnight stays from these four southern European markets have already seen a further 3% rise in the first five months of 2026. On France’s Hotels.com platform alone, searches for Copenhagen hotel rooms reportedly skyrocketed by 246% following the first major heatwave to hit France in May. Meanwhile, Denmark recorded 67.7 million tourist overnight stays in 2025, a 2% increase from 2024, with growth expected to continue into 2026.

This trend is not limited to Denmark. Research by Mabrian and Data Appeal has identified increasing demand across northern destinations. These include southern Finland, Vestland in Norway, Galicia in Spain, and Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy. Northern Norway’s cruise bookings have seen a dramatic increase of up to 50% this summer, driven by travelers seeking spaciousness, extended daylight hours, and milder temperatures.

“Strong air connectivity makes it easier to travel the world, but it also makes Denmark more accessible to tourists and international businesses,” said Peter Krogsgaard, Chief Commercial Officer of Copenhagen Airport.

Source: Aviation24.be – Copenhagen Airport welcomes 3.45 million passengers in July