Residing in London, I often spend the colder months dreaming of warm rays on my skin, gentle ocean dips, and the relaxed vibe that eases even the busiest city dwellers.

Once spring arrives, I typically plan a getaway focused on abundant sunshine, scenic shores, and fine dining, usually aiming for spots along the Mediterranean such as France or Greece.

Yet after London recorded a high of 95 degrees in June, I made an unexpected choice. Rather than seeking additional warmth, I reserved a journey to Norway's third-largest city, Trondheim, marking my initial coolcation experience.

As someone who usually pursues the sun, I doubted that trading sunscreen for warmer layers would match the trips I had grown accustomed to. To my delight, the experience upended my assumptions.

Trading evening light for continuous daylight

I had explored other Scandinavian spots like Gothenburg and Helsinki during winter, when snow covered everything and darkness lingered. This marked my debut visit to the area during peak summer, arriving on June 17 just ahead of the solstice.

The white nights caught me off guard. Positioned just below the Arctic Circle, Trondheim stays light well into the evening at this season. After leaving a dimly lit restaurant around 11 p.m. on my first night, I stepped out into clear skies and full sunlight.

Over the course of my four-day stay, I never fully adapted. Each night before sleep, I would glance out expecting darkness, but it stayed absent.

Locals embrace every bit of the extended summer light. With long days stretching late and shortening again after August, the city carries an unusual lively atmosphere. Establishments remain active into the night, and heavy curtains become essential to block the persistent glow.

Exploring the area with insider guidance

Many summer trips leave me refreshed and sun-kissed but without deeper insight into the destination. Here, I could wander freely without missing key moments.

Trondheim lies roughly 300 miles north of Oslo and remains walkable, making it ideal for unhurried discovery.

A local-led tour took me to hidden spots such as the Trondheim Folkebibliotek, a library set within the remnants of a medieval church, and the cafe Sellanraa. Given that Norwegians rank high in coffee consumption, sampling the local brews felt essential.

Even under light rain, the colorful wooden buildings along the water retained their appeal. Near the historic district, my guide highlighted the sole bicycle escalator in existence, a feature that suited the city's character.

The area also boasts a vibrant arts community, including modern venues like Kunsthall Trondheim and PoMo that recently featured a Louise Bourgeois exhibition.

One standout was Nidaros Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building housing one of Northern Europe's largest organs with 9,600 pipes. Its rich stained glass and detailed carvings of saints and biblical figures held my focus throughout. A statue grasping a basket of severed heads recalled the city's Viking roots.

Experiencing warmth in a classic Norwegian sauna

Beyond one rainy day, temperatures stayed near 66 degrees, offering relief from London's intensity. The milder conditions helped me unwind. Still, I sought out the traditional Scandinavian heat before departing.

I arranged time at a self-service sauna just as a cruise vessel docked. Trondheim borders Trondheimsfjorden, Norway's third-longest fjord, attracting many ships.

While visitors passed by, I enjoyed several calm hours moving between the heated wood sauna and cool seawater dips. For a dedicated sun lover, it provided just the right measure of warmth.

Recent reports from Virtuoso noted a sharp rise in bookings for cooler European locations. Their latest Luxe Report highlights that seeking cooler spots stays popular, with Norway, Iceland, and Antarctica gaining interest.

The timing felt ideal for Trondheim and taught me fresh approaches to travel: slow down, stay inquisitive, and release expectations around perfect weather. This style of summer break was new to me, yet one I would repeat as urban summers grow warmer and less predictable.