While the northern lights may be the reason most people consider the Scandinavia region when they think of locations for traveling, it isn’t the only one. Scandinavia is much more than an astronomical phenomenon. Scandinavia is made up of numerous countries, all of which are distinctive in their own right, even though they are sometimes lumped together.
When talking about Scandinavia, people usually refer to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, sometimes also Finland and Iceland. All these countries have one thing in common: beautiful, sophisticated people who will warmly welcome you to their home country. Captivating cultures are filled with myth and mystery. The incredibly stunning landscapes and natural wonders are other reasons why so many people want to visit these places.
Most Scandinavian countries place full participation in society as the main objective in their disability policy. That makes these countries a great destination for people who require some special conditions. Here are the most wheelchair-friendly countries in Scandinavia to visit this year.
Sweden
If you are confined to a wheelchair, traveling might be misery that doesn’t bring any joy. Unfortunately, extra planning is still required, especially when traveling overseas. Fortunately, Sweden has prioritized accessibility for people with special needs. For instance, all three main tourist attractions in Stockholm – The Old Town, the Island of Djurgarden, and the Vasa Museum – are wheelchair-friendly. The main street in Old Town has created wheelchair access. The Island of Djurgarden has a hop-on and off bus that is accessible.
For persons with impairments, the ability to travel without being hindered is critical. To that aim, the Swedish government has directed municipalities to take steps to make infrastructure such as bus and tram stations more accessible, as outlined in the Public Transportation Act adopted in 2012. The trains of Swedish Railways include dedicated elevators and seats for wheelchair users. Passengers with allergies will be accommodated in special sitting sections.
If you have any particular requirements when flying to and from Sweden’s major airports, make research to learn how these airports can best assist you. From the time you arrive at the terminal until you are seated on the plane, most of them are there to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Many hotels, like Hobo and Hotel Rival in Stockholm, provide specifically modified rooms for individuals with mobility issues or allergies. Some hotels additionally provide technological assistance to allow guests with limited mobility to participate in activities such as swimming or even horseback riding.
Denmark
Denmark’s various enchantments have been increasingly evident to a worldwide audience in recent years. The “European” wing of Scandinavia has stunning fairy-tale castles, lush woods, a moderate temperature, friendly inhabitants, and an exuberant joie de vivre.
Copenhagen, Denmark, undoubtedly tops the list when it comes to vibrant Scandinavian cities that are adjusted to wheelchair users. A physical disability does not impede spending time with family or friends in Copenhagen. Over time, both the Danish government and private enterprises have taken steps to enhance physical accessibility. Many fascinating places in the city, including the Nyhavn Neighborhood, Tivoli Gardens, and Amalienborg Palace, are easily wheelchair accessible.
You can simply and quickly locate cultural institutions, tourist sites, and restaurants in Denmark using the Internet. The Accessibility Label Scheme is a website that we endorse. The Accessibility Label is a tourism labeling program in Denmark that certifies accessibility. You may use this site to look for accessible hotels, attractions, and other information on accessible facilities in Copenhagen for people with various disabilities. There you can find such restaurants as Barshu, Axelborg Bodega, and Aristo – all of them are wheelchair accessible.
Every train station has either an elevator or a step-free entrance. If you’re using the regional rail, including to and from Copenhagen Airport, you may require assistance boarding and disembarking. The DSB Handicap Service may provide for such help.
Norway
Norway is known for its beautiful fjords, towering mountains, and glaciers, but it is also quite accessible. The government has made significant efforts in the last ten years to accommodate inhabitants and tourists with all sorts of special requirements, and as a consequence, both transportation and hospitality industries are among the most accessible in Europe.
The biggest tourist attractions in Oslo, including National Gallery Museum, Frogner Park, and Oslo Opera House, are wheelchair-friendly. Though not all cafés and stores are wheelchair-friendly, the locals are always willing to help if you need it, and most attractions are either constructed to be accessible or would gladly accommodate you in any manner.
If you’re traveling in Norway, the airline can assist you in reserving seats with sufficient legroom, and ground employees can assist you in getting on and off flights. Most airports in Norway can be reached by bus or cab, and some even have train links. Almost all airport buses have lifts or ramps and are handicap accessible.
Nobel Peace Center, Royal Palace, Palace Park, and the Norwegian Olympic Museum – all these legendary places are among the ones that are fully wheelchair friendly. Do little research and experience this beautiful country to the full extent. Visit the Edvard Munch Museum without being worried about your special conditions.
Conclusion
When it comes to wheelchair accessible travel, not every location is the same. However, in recent years, certain cities throughout the world have taken steps to become more accessible, from sliced cobbles to smoother roadways to aided bathing services on public beaches. Travel is one of the newest frontiers in the accessibility movement, with more places becoming wheelchair accessible each year! The Scandinavian region is one of the top destinations when it comes to traveling with special needs. Explore the options and start planning your journey now!
Nicole Garrison is a professional author working in a few writing agencies. She has been an academic writer at TrustMyPaper for a few years. Nicole has worked on a variety of projects around the country. She likes to travel, read, and take business training classes. Now she is focused on her job at Supreme Dissertations, as it is her main field at the moment.
