Planning a European holiday can be daunting, especially for travellers with accessibility needs. A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Responsible Travel found that after cost, a lack of confidence is the main barrier preventing people from booking the trips they want. Yet across the continent, destinations are proving that inclusive travel is not only possible but rewarding.
Here, disabled travellers and accessibility experts share their favourite European spots for building confidence and enjoying memorable adventures.
Scotland's Cairngorms: Wild Nature Made Accessible
For Paralympic gold medallist Karen Darke, who was paralysed in a climbing accident at 21, the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is a prime example of how outdoor adventure can be inclusive. “The Cairngorms show that outdoor adventure and accessibility can really go together,” she says.
Darke recommends starting at the Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre, a hub with accessible trails through the Caledonian Pine Forest. Nearby lochs—Morlich, Insh, and an Eilean—offer varying levels of accessibility while retaining a wild, scenic feel. At Cairngorm Mountain, a funicular railway provides access to high-altitude views, while in winter, Disability Snowsport UK runs adaptive skiing programmes.
For accommodation, Darke suggests Badaguish Outdoor Centre, which has large accessible lodges, or Glenmore Lodge, which offers tailored activities through its Accessible Adventures programme. For more active pursuits, Able2Adventure provides adaptive mountain biking, handbiking, and paddleboarding.
Gothenburg, Sweden: A City That Feels Safe and Open
Rachel Nafzger, who is blind, has travelled extensively across Europe and praises Gothenburg for its welcoming atmosphere. Named the EU Access City in 2014, the Swedish city impressed her with its laid-back, open vibe. “Everywhere just felt so laid back, open and safe,” she says. “I had no hesitation asking questions of random passersby and found they were always willing to help—usually with embarrassingly amazing English.”
Nafzger highlights Gothenburg’s tram network as “fabulous,” keeping her oriented and moving smoothly. She recommends travelling with a specialist company or a trusted friend but also encourages spontaneous interactions with locals. “Interacting with people when you’re out and about can also help give you a true feel for a place, as well as leading to some of the best travel stories!”
Berlin, Germany: A Standard-Setter for Urban Accessibility
Paul Mahoney, a wheelchair user, has visited Berlin three times and even raced its half-marathon, which he found flat and well-set-up for wheelchair users. “Berlin really sets the standard for accessibility as a city,” he says. He recommends the Reichstag, with clear ramp access, the Berlin Wall memorial, and the Brandenburg Gate. While some paths in the Holocaust Memorial’s Field of Stelae can be tricky, the rest of the site is fully accessible.
Mahoney praises Berlin’s transport, noting that the HoHo (hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus) is fully accessible with a lowered ramp. A train trip to a concentration camp museum outside the city posed few challenges, which he calls “remarkable given the historic nature of the buildings.” He advises checking visitberlin.de for up-to-date accessibility info.
Rachel Nafzger also praises Berlin as the “king of the tactile model.” Tactile models are scattered across the city, and the Stadtmodelle museum features a huge 3D tactile map of Berlin, plus smaller exhibitions of landmarks with Braille info boards.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Effortless Accessibility
Carrie-Ann Lightley, an award-winning travel writer and accessibility advocate, returns to Amsterdam repeatedly because “accessibility doesn’t feel like an afterthought.” She finds the city flat, compact, and easy to navigate independently, unlike many historic European cities. “The accessible public transport makes a huge difference too, particularly the trams and trains, and travelling there by Eurostar removes a lot of the stress and unpredictability that can come with flying.”
Lightley recommends staying near Amsterdam Centraal for flexibility and taking an accessible canal cruise with the Blue Boat Company. For those looking to explore further, the EU's cross-border rail plan is making train travel across the continent more seamless, benefiting all passengers.
These destinations show that Europe is increasingly embracing inclusive tourism, from mountain trails to urban museums. For travellers with accessibility needs, the continent offers a growing network of welcoming places to explore with confidence.
