ACCESSIBLE
travel tips

The Norwegian government's goal is for everyone to have an equal opportunity to get around freely and participate in society. Norway is known for having well-developed infrastructure and commitment to accessibility, but still have a way to go to make everything accessible for everyone.

But if you do some research in advance, everyone can have a great time in Norway! In this article, we'll try our best to guide you to some of the top experiences recommended by local people in the know and destination experts.

This article is just a small sample of what is available, so you should always also read our extensive destination guides as well when planning your trip!

The winter season can be a more challenging period to visit Norway for people with mobility challenges due to snow and ice. Be aware that this season lasts longer in the north, while the Western and Southern coast often sees mild winters and usually often shorter periods of snow and ice.

Mobility challenges

This article is intended for people with variations of mobility challenges. Everyone is special, and we do understand that you have different needs, so it 's important that you check our tips in detail so you know they fit for you.

Although more and more establishments include accessibility information on their website, sadly, many fail to do so, although they might actually be quite suitable for people with mobility impairments. So, if you see a place you really like or a thing you might love to do, don't hesitate to get in touch with the establishment. Communicate your needs to organisers or venues and ask for assistance if you need it.

Although you'll find a lot of accessible activities throughout Norway, information about them that can be hard to find. Therefore, we have gathered some of our top accessible travel tips for people with mobility challenges, for some of Norway´s most popular tourist attractions:

Traveling by train

Norway is home to some of the world's most beautiful train journeys! Riding the rails offers a combination of comfort, stability, and support, making it an good choice for individuals with mobility challenges.

Most of the trains in Norway have ramps and assistance, but you should call service at least 24 hours before the train departure. Some trains might have limited capacity, so book well in advance.

Read more about train travel and other accessible transportations.

The world famous Flåm railway is old, but there are space for two wheechairs on each trip (call ahead to secure your space) between Flåm and Myrdal (ramps).

Travel from highlight to highlight on one of these routes:

Traveling by car

...is the easiest way to travel around Norway with mobility impairments. Go for a roadtrip on one of Norway's scenic routes and stop by beautiful rest areas designed to be fully or partially accessible and to bring you closer to nature. The architecture of the scenic routes facilitate the experience of nature and are an attraction in their own right.

Along our the scenic routes you'll also find many universally designed toilets that are said to be the most beautiful toilets in the World! Visit a loo with a view.

Many of the scenic routes also include spectacular, universally designed viewing platforms, and some even feature accessible fishing platforms, for example along the wild Atlantic Road.

See more than 100 fishing spots for wheelchair users all over Norway. (In Norwegian only, but with a useful map)

There are also many roads that take you to spectacular viewing points, even at the top of the mountains in Norway, like for exampleFlydalsjuvet in the UNESCO Geirangerfjord area.

Discover these beautiful routes:

Cruising the Norwegian coast

Experience coastal Norway in an easy and accessible way on board a cruise ship. Most modern cruise ships are equipped with facilities that cater to everyone.

Hurtigruten gives access to a limited amount of people with disabilities or reduced mobility on each itinerary, to be able to better cater to the needs and expectations of each guest. You must bring your own wheelchair and call ahead to reserve your space. To ensure ease of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must be no wider than 24 inches.

Hurtigruten also offers two new cruises called The North Cape Express(Oslo-The North Cape) and The Svalbard Express(Bergen-Svalbard). See you onboard!

Havila also offers cruises along the Kystruten, The Coastal Route. Its top modern ships are very accessible, and offer six wheel chair-friendly cabins, three of them with a sea view. These must be ordered directly via Havila's customer centre.

Learn more about the Coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes:

Sightseeing by boat

The Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandfjord

Do you want to experience the beautiful UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord? Sail on a fjord cruise on board modern, quiet hybrid and electric sightseeing catamarans that sail between Flåm and Gudvangen. Their universal design is especially suitable for most kind of impairments, and their unique, stair-free design makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the top deck and its stunning 360-degree views.

If you have a foldable wheelchair and are able to move a bit, you might be able to experience the fjords with a tailor-made Norway in a Nutshell round tour in the same area. Always check in advance if the boat and tour is accessible for you.

The Geirangerfjord

Want to experience the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord? Geiranger Cruise has two vessels, one of which is fully accessible, while the other vessel is more accessible for those who can take some steps to get on board. You can also take the regular car ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt.

Cruise in Oslo

In Oslo, a fjord cruise with the sleek and quiet Legacy of the Fjords is a great choice. It boasts the same design as its award-winning sister ships in the Nærøyfjord, and is a very good option. In Oslo, Tromsø, and Lofoten, Brim Explorer might be another option. These modern, electrical vessels are accessible for manual wheelchairs and offer wheelchairs you can borrow.

The Telemark and Halden canals

If you want to cruise the Telemark canal, the Henrik Ibsen is the best choice, but you have to climb a flight of get on board.

At the Halden Canal, the MS Brekke is the most suitable for wheelchairs.

Cruises in other places

For fjord cruises elsewhere in Norway, you need to check with local operators, but many have space for lighter wheelchairs (often limited, though, so call in advance).

Sail away on board one of these sightseeing vessels:

Exploring Norwegian cities

Norwegian cities tend to have quite good accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces. It is easy to find accessible hotels and restaurants, and most museums and experience centres are available for everyone. Visitors with wheelchairs can usually experience nearly all of the primary attractions in the cities.

During winter, snow and ice can be a challenge, especially in the north.

Read the accessibility guide for Oslo.

Read the accesibility guide for Bergen.

Read the accessibility guide for Tromsø.

Read the accessibility hiking guide for Trondheim (in Norwegian).

Read more about Norway's beautiful and compact cities:

Art and culture

Modern museums, cultural centres, theatres, cinemas, etc. are normally accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Some hot places to visit are the impressive National Museum, and the MUNCH museum, in Oslo, where you can take the elevator to the restaurant and bar at the top, for absolutely stunning views over Oslo! The outdoor Vigeland sculpture park is also great for wheels.

Check out some of Norway´s top art and cultural experiences:

Universally designed hotels

Most hotels have one or several accessible rooms. But some hotels and hotel chains have an extra focus on accessibility:

Scandic hotels do their utmost to ensure that their hotels are accessible to all. You can use your hearing loop at meetings, hang your walking stick on its special holder at the reception, read safety instructions in Braille and enjoy the food-for-all buffet. Guide dogs are always welcome. Some hotels even have mobility lifts.

Thon Hotels focuses on making its spaces and digital experiences accessible to everyone, following the principles of universal design.

Hotel Fritidsparken in Skien fritidspark in Telemark offers 32 rooms that meet stringent universal design standards, of which 10 have integrated hoists and 5 have height adjustable toilets and sinks. Its meeting rooms are equipped with hearing loops. The Skien Fritidspark activity park also offers a lot of accessible activities for the whole family, including zip lines!

Recommended hotels that meet stringent universal design standards:

Unique accommodation

Norway is also home to plenty of cabins and boutique hotels. Although not all of the accommodation is universally designed, they all strive to cover their guests needs.

Check out these unique places to stay:

Camping

Make wonderful summer memories close to nature with family and friends on a lovely camping vacation! The level of accessibility may vary from one campground to another, so make sure to do your homework in advance.

Here are some recommended camping sites:

Theme parks

Let's have some fun! Most of the family oriented theme parks in Norway are accessible, but at some attractions, an attendant or assistant will be required to help you into the ride.

Ready, set, GO!

Adapted skiing

When the winter has covered Norway with snow, accessibility is reduced for everyone. But the snow makes way for a lot of other activities. Try adaptive skiing at some of the biggest ski resorts in Norway, for example in Hafjell, Trysil or Hemsedal.

Hafjell has óne sitski for rent so you have to book in advance.

Beitostølen is another winter destination with a special emphasis on accessible experiences and activities. Here, you can try adapted skiing, both alpine and cross country, among other winter activities, like dog sledding. Beitostølen Helsesportsenter (BHSS) offers rehabilitation services to children, youth, and adults with various diagnoses, disabilities, and functional levels. Activity and participation with a focus on possibilities rather than limitations will always be a guiding principle for the organisation.

Ski resorts that offers adaptive skiing:

Winter activities

There are many other winter activities to explore. Some providers offer activities like accessible dogsledding or snow mobile rides, for example Sokki Adventures in Kautokeino. Some also arrange northern lights safaries, for example Tromsø Accessible Tours, that provide a wheel chair-frindly van.

Have you tried these snowy activities before?

Summer activities

Summer in Norway offers stunning fjords, waterfalls, midnight sun, beaches and a lot more. There are many providers who strive to make it all more accessible.

In Nordfjordeid in Fjord Norway, Nordfjord active is a company specializing in offering cool accessible activities, like flightboarding (sitting/lying on a motorized surf board), and theme weekends with a lot of accessible activities.

Some recommended activities for your summer holiday: