Accessible travel
Sweden is known for its commitment to accessibility, making it easier for everyone to explore the country with confidence. From 24/7 airport assistance to pedestrian crossings with audible signals, Sweden ensures a smooth journey for all travellers. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your accessible adventure in Sweden.
Sweden leads the way in initiatives for accessibility. Governed by the Discrimination Act, it requires reasonable accommodations across various sectors like public buildings, transportation, cultural venues, restaurants, hotels, and outdoor recreational areas.
Getting to and from Sweden’s main airports
If you have a disability or reduced mobility, you are entitled to assistance at the airport. Staff is available around the clock to help you. For the assistance to work in the best way possible, you'll need to make some preparations before your journey. Read more about assistance for people with a disability or reduced mobility at Sweden's main airports below:
If you travel to and from Stockholm Arlanda Airport with Arlanda Express, they offer assistance at no extra cost.
Accessible train travel
Public transport staff is usually available to help disabled travellers board and disembark if notified beforehand. SJ (national carrier) trains have special lifts and seats for passengers using wheelchairs. Special seating areas are provided for passengers suffering from allergies. Read more about how SJ accommodate passengers with disabilities here.
All stations and trains are non-smoking. On night trains, bedding is made from synthetic materials. Furred animals are not allowed in couchettes or sleeping compartments, apart from guide dogs.
Local public transportation
- Public transport in Stockholm is accessible to most people. Read more at the SL website.
- For public transportation in Gothenburg and West Sweden, read about accessible travel with Västtrafik.
Accessible public transport
The rapid transport system in Stockholm (metro, subway, tube, underground), consists of 100 stations and is one of the world’s largest underground systems in relation to population served. Buses and subways are equipped for wheelchairs as accessibility is a policy priority in Sweden.
Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
Accessibility database
The Accessibility database ('Tillgänglighetsdatabasen') provides detailed information on the physical accessibility of over 9,100 locations across Sweden. This includes public service facilities, shops, restaurants, outdoor areas, and various attractions, helping visitors plan their trips with ease.
Most street crossings have audible indications to advise visually impaired pedestrians when it is safe to cross.
Hotels in Sweden
Many hotels provide specially adapted rooms for those who might have mobility limitations or suffer from allergies. One example is Scandic, the largest hotel operator in the Nordic countries. The Strawberry hotel chain and the Swedish Tourist Board (STF) also provide accessible hotel rooms and accommodations. Some hotels also have technical aids to enable those with limited mobility to participate in activities like swimming or riding.
Nature in Sweden
The 'Naturkartan' is a web-based nature guide in Sweden. You can easily plan your trip into nature using various filter options, such as proximity to public transport, parking lots, toilets, or wheelchair-accessible facilities. While the map is only available in Swedish, it features easily recognisable buttons, as shown in the 'Tillgänglighet' section further down the page.
Sweden's national parks
In Sweden's national parks, accessibility is a priority. Many parks offer accessible trails and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Search for 'accessibility' in the top right corner of the website to get information about each national park.
Kinnekulle Grand Quarry
The popular destination Kinnekulle Grand Quarry is 40 meters deep and has its lowest layers of limestones from 400 million years ago.
Photo: Shauto/imagebank.sweden.se
Stockholm tips
Cinemas, museums, theatre
On the page stockholmmuseums.se, all of Stockholm's museums are listed, and the pictograms let you know if museums are wheelchair friendly. A guide to accessible cinemas, museums, theatres and libraries in Stockholm can also be ordered from Kultur- och Idrottsförvaltningen in Stockholm. Phone number: + 46 (0)8 508 00 000.
Cultural walks for disabled people
The book ”Kulturpromenader för personer med funktionshinder" by Elena Siré and Sten Leijonhufvud lists things worth seeing in Stockholm. The book is written in Swedish and English in the same copy.
Stockholm by Sophie arranges accessible tours of the Swedish capital.
Stockholm archipelago
For information on accessible travel in the Stockholm archipelago, please contact Waxholmsbolaget and Strömma.
Accessibility in Gothenburg
Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg, has put together a guide for travellers with disabilities. You'll find it here.
Skiing in Sweden
Many ski resorts in Sweden strive to be accessible and provide various activities.
Do you need more information about accessible offers at your destination? Or do you have any questions before you travel? Here, you'll find the websites for tourist information offices in the respective regions.
Sweden's disability policy
Sweden’s national objective of disability is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Full participation in society is our top goal. Read more at sweden.se.
