Is the scorching heat putting a damper on your holiday spirit? Here are the coldest places in Europe you can get to by train right now.
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A scorching heatwave has hit Europe again, triggering health warnings and ruining holiday plans.
Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Italy are already experiencing sweltering heat waves, with tourists starting to flee unbearably hot destinations for cooler spots.
A new survey provided to the Guardian by the European Travel Commission (ETC) reveals that 76 percent of European travellers are changing their behaviour in response to the climate crisis.
With climate change being to blame for record high temperatures, flying may not be the wisest option.
Here are seven European destinations you can reach by train, all with temperatures in the low 20s or lower.
Relaxing in Amsterdam, Holland
The Dutch capital has always had a laid-back vibe and enjoys mild summers even when its neighbours are hit with heatwaves, meaning you can stroll along canals lined with brightly gabled buildings without breaking a sweat.
A cloudy day is a great opportunity to explore the Van Gogh Museum and the magnificent 17th-century Royal Palace.
Direct trains from Brussels to Amsterdam take 2 hours, to Paris 3.5 hours and to London 4 hours. From Berlin it takes 6.5 hours and from Milan it takes 11.5 hours.
Seeking coolness in Berchtesgaden, Germany
There’s no better place to cool off than the Bavarian alpine town of Berchtesgaden, home to Lake Hunten, a beautiful karst lake in a region known for record low temperatures.
You’ll sleep through a sweat as you brave the 8°C chill, then wake up with a refreshing swim in a sinkhole surrounded by rolling green mountains. Daytime temperatures are in the mid to high teens, so you’ll need to pack a jumper.
Berchtesgaden can be reached by train in 12 hours from London, 10.5 hours from Milan, 10 hours from Brussels and 9 hours from Paris.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France: Aim for the summit in sub-zero temperatures
Ground temperatures in Chamonix range from 10° to 20° Fahrenheit, but that’s nothing compared to the freezing temperatures at the top of Mont Blanc. It takes around three days to summit the Alps’ highest peak, but those less brave can enjoy the cooler weather by taking an aerial lift from the town of Chamonix to the 3,842-metre Aiguille du Midi in the Mont Blanc massif.
The city of Chamonix is 9.5 hours by train from London, 6.5 hours direct from Paris, and 5 hours from Milan.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Pursuing the Hygge Lifestyle
Soak up the gentle sunshine as you glide through Copenhagen’s canals and quench your thirst in a lively beer bar. If a summer shower comes, find interior inspiration at the Design Museum Denmark or follow in the footsteps of 17th-century kings at Rosenborg Castle.
Need a little extra heat? Take a dip in a floating hot tub. With temperatures in the low 20s, the Danish capital is the perfect escape from sweltering days.
Copenhagen is 15 hours by train from London, 14.5 hours from Paris via Brussels, Cologne and Hamburg, 7.5 hours from Berlin and 4.5 hours from Hamburg.
“Their Hotness is Your Coldness” in Edinburgh, England
Fairytale spires and labyrinthine cobbled streets are just some of the charms of the Scottish capital. Don’t be surprised if locals are wearing shorts and vests. The average winter temperature drops to 1°C, but it’s a scorching 15-17°C right now. Climb to the top of imposing Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views over the windswept city.
Edinburgh is 4.5 hours by train from London, 7 hours from Brussels and Paris, and 16 hours from Milan and Berlin.
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British Shower, Liverpool, England
With temperatures in the high teens and a touch of British rain most days, Liverpool makes for a refreshing break and is also renowned for its culture.
Spend the day taking photos at Penny Lane and exploring the Beatles Story museum, or take to the water on a Mersey Ferry and admire the Gothic Liverpool Cathedral from under an umbrella.
Liverpool is just over two hours by train from London, five hours from Paris and 13 hours from Barcelona.
Feel the fjord breeze in Oslo, Norway
In the Norwegian capital, temperatures can range from the mid teens to low 20s. Escape the heat and relax with a swim or picnic in the forests, beaches and monastic ruins along the Oslofjord. If it gets too windy, cool off in a city sauna, at the Oslo Opera House or at the Viking Ship Museum.
Oslo is a 14 hour train journey from Hamburg, 21 hours from Brussels and 23.5 hours from Paris via Brussels, Cologne, Hamburg, Copenhagen and Gothenburg.
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