Sweden is one of the most accessible countries to travel around in the world. We believe visitors will agree with this statement when they return home and tell everyone about their trip.
Aside incoming agents, tour operators or DMCs, who will be well versed in tourism products’ accessibility policies, an excellent resource to start with when creating an itinerary for a client with a disability or allergy is Sweden’s Accessibility database. Here, you can find information about the physical accessibility of public areas, shops, bars and restaurants all over Sweden. It’s also worth consulting the globally recognised Wheelmap, which also highlights the places in Sweden that have been recommended as wheelchair friendly either by other users or their owners.
Accommodation and transportation are the backbone to any trip and it is in these areas that Swedish businesses excel particularly, though it is always worth telling your local partners to expect a guest with allergies, access or mobility issues to ensure all components are fully informed and the trip goes without any hitches.
Accessible Travel
Getting to and from Sweden’s main airports
If visitors need additional assistance arriving or leaving Sweden, particularly at any of our main airports, you can read how they are able to assist them in the best way possible in the links provided in the list to the right.
Taking the train
Taking trains is the most sustainable and easiest way to get around Sweden and we want this to be the case for everyone. If notified in advance, Public transport staff are usually available and happy to help disabled travellers to board and disembark. Swedish Railways’ (SJ) trains have special lifts and seats for passengers using wheelchairs. Special seating areas are provided for passengers suffering from allergies. All railway stations and trains in Sweden are non-smoking. On night trains, all bedding is made from synthetic materials. Furred animals are not allowed in couchettes or sleeping compartments, apart from guide dogs.
Coach Operators
Most coach operators in Sweden have options for travellers with special needs. Please make sure to inform the operator with as many details as possible to ensure you will receive the service needed for your guest.
Public Transport
Sweden’s public transport system is well adapted to meet the needs for accessible travel and allow visitors with disabilities the opportunity to explore Sweden without hindrance.
If your guests are arriving in Stockholm and you plan for them to take the Arlanda Express to and from Stockholm city, you can also read how they can assist you and your guests by clicking here and find out more about accessible public transport in Stockholm and surrounding areas here.
Gothenburg’s, and West Swedens, public transport system of trams, boats and buses is largely accessible and easy to follow via the Vasttrafik app. You can learn more here.
The public transport system of Malmö and the region Skåne and surrounding area is well adapted for accessible travel and they also provide a number of services to facilitate disabled travellers. Read more here
Further information on public transport can be provided by a local DMO or your local partner.
In and around town and city centers; crossing the road
Most towns and cities in Sweden are modern and maintain flat areas for anyone wishing to use the sidewalk. However, in older districts in city centres such as the Haga district in Gothenburg and Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town you may come across cobbled streets which are harder for wheelchairs to cross. It’s worth considering this as you plan itineraries. Most street crossings in bigger towns and cities have audible indications to advise visually impaired pedestrians when it is safe to cross.