French and Spanish Tourists Seek Coolness in Sweden Amid Soaring Temperatures

While Nordic tourists are accustomed to seeking warmth in Southern Europe, Sweden is now witnessing an unexpected influx of visitors from the south. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth reports a growing trend of Southern Europeans traveling to Sweden to find respite from recent record heatwaves and widespread wildfires in their home countries.

In 2025, French bookings saw a significant increase of 28%, a trend that continued into the first half of 2026 with a further 15% rise. The Swedish Tourism Association corroborates these figures, noting a 20% surge in French bookings during June and July. For Spanish travelers, the increase was even more substantial, reaching an impressive 49%.

These visitors are exploring various parts of the country. While many opt for the capital, Stockholm, a considerable number are venturing into the mountainous regions of Northern Sweden. Here, they engage in activities such as hiking and climbing, embracing the cooler climate and stunning natural landscapes.

(Image caption: Photo taken in Jämtland, Northern Sweden.)

English Translation:

While inhabitants of Southern European countries are naturally accustomed to seeing Nordic tourists come to enjoy the warmth, Sweden is now reporting a somewhat unexpected trend. Indeed, an increasing number of Southern Europeans are coming to Sweden to cool off, following record heatwaves and forest fires in recent years.

In 2025, the number of French bookings increased by 28%, and in the first half of 2026, this rise continued at a rate of 15%. The Swedish Tourism Association confirms these figures, indicating that the number of French bookings increased by 20% in June and July, while for the Spanish, the rise reached 49%.

The visitors are spread across the country, and while many are content with visiting Stockholm, numerous others are traveling to the mountainous regions of Northern Sweden to engage in activities like hiking and climbing.