From Stockholm to Helsinki: Accessible Nordic City Breaks

The Nordic countries of Sweden, Finland and Denmark are famous not just for their beautiful architecture and rich history, but for their progressive thinking and egalitarian attitude too. So it isn’t surprising that, while their cities may contain more than their fair share of cobblestones, they have worked hard to make sure that all major sights and cultural centres are fully accessible.

While cobblestones and hills may make these cities appear far from ideal places for holidays for disabled travellers or those with mobility issues, in fact, all you need is a specialist tour operator like us to show you the best routes and experiences to explore.

Classic Copenhagen

If photographs of cobbled streets and palaces with stepped entranceways have put you off visiting the Danish capital, it’s time to rethink. Not only is this a cool, modern urban space with a thriving nightlife ripe for exploration for those with or without mobility issues, the sights of this beautiful city can be unlocked just by taking an accessible tour.

At Can Be Done we’ve come up with the ultimate Copenhagen tour, taking in all the major sights – including the harbour’s famous Little Mermaid and the impressive City Hall Square – using only accessible, flat routes. Our tours will open up Copenhagen to you, making it one of the Nordic countries’ most accessible holidays for disabled travellers.

We can even organise a trip over the jaw-dropping Øresund bridge to Malmö, in Sweden. From the comfort of an accessible minibus (or regular vehicle, depending on your needs), you will cross the bridge with a guide who will talk you and your travel companions through what you’re seeing.

Here’s my personal recommendation for places to stay in Copenhagen; we’ve had great feedback from clients about their accessibility as well as their location and facilities:

• Anderson Boutique Hotel – Set in the heart of one of the city’s hippest districts, the hotel has accessible rooms and communal space
• Tivoli Hotel – A stylish option close to the station in Copenhagen, with good facilities for disabled guests

Stockholm Syndrome

A great place to go for a city break, Stockholm is a hub of Scandinavian culture and with our specialist tour you can see it all without worrying about accessibility issues for a change.

We will take you to see Stockholm’s major sights including the Vasa Museum with its 17th Century boat, the City Hall and, of course, the Royal Palace – all of which offer wheelchair access. While Stockholm is famous for its cobblestones, our route around Stockholm manages to avoid most of them, allowing you to take in the sights in comfort.

Can Be Done clients have loved the hotels we recommend in Stockholm, including:

• Elite Hotel Marina Tower – Drink in the history of Stockholm in the mobility-adapted rooms of this converted 19th-Century mill on the waterfront
• Clarion Hotel Sign – A stylish modern building in the heart of Stockholm with accessible rooms which feature stunning floor to ceiling windows for those much-anticipated city views

Historic Helsinki

Helsinki, in Finland, brings together the old and new in true Nordic style. Enjoy the hip, urban vibe of the city centre at night, and during the day we can organise a fully accessible tour to help you take in the sights.

Our city tour takes in the main sights including the city’s two splendid cathedrals, its bustling Market Square and the famous Esplanadi Boulevard, while once again avoiding those pesky cobble stones and challenging hills.

And if all that sightseeing has worn you out, my team and I could even add a couple of days in the spa resort of Kunnopaikke to your itinerary. Just take the train from Helsinki and you and your friends could be chilling out in true Nordic style before you know it!

There are a good number of accessible hotels in Helsinki, but having checked them out personally, my team and I recommend:

• Scandic Simonkenttä – a traditional Finnish hotel with good access in the heart of the city, which puts you close to all the major tourist sights
• GLO Kluuvi – A hip boutique hotel with great facilities

With a Can Be Done tour, you and your party can enjoy getting to know these fascinating cities on specialist holidays for disabled travellers that will thrill able-bodied visitors as much as those with mobility issues. Get in touch with us today and let us do all the hard work for you!

Philip Scott is the owner and founder of Can be Done, a fully licensed UK tour operator specialising in worldwide holidays for disabled individuals and groups. With over 31 years’ experience organising long and short breaks for disabled travellers, Philip has built a reputation for helping his clients select hotels and accommodation that offer high standards of accessibility, to ensure that those with special needs can experience truly relaxing and carefree holidays.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.