Accessible travel in Finland

Finland’s cities are known for their clean design, calm pace, and reliable infrastructure, all of which make them especially welcoming for travellers with different access needs. Whether you’re navigating with a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or simply looking for an easier way to explore, you’ll find cities here that prioritise comfort and independence. 

Finland’s "design for all" approach, mandated often by law, is visible in more than just architecture. You’ll find:

• Tactile guidance paths for visually impaired pedestrians
• Smooth sidewalks and wide crossings
• Widely available wheelchair-accessible toilets
• Family-friendly facilities, like rooms for nursing, in public spaces, such as shopping malls

In cities like Helsinki, Tampere and Turku, public transport is largely accessible, with:

• Low-floor trams and buses
• Visual and audio announcements
• Accessible metro and train stations with elevators
• Real-time journey planning apps, often with accessibility filters

In Helsinki, many taxis and airport shuttles can be booked with accessible features if requested in advance.

For more information about accessibility in the Helsinki public transport system, please visit www.hsl.fi/en/travelling/accessibility. 

For more information about Tampere, you can go to www.nysse.fi/en/instructions/accessibility. 

If you're visiting Turku, you'll find more information here: www.foli.fi/en/tickets/travel-cards/disabled-people.

Museums, concert halls, restaurants, libraries, and shopping centres are often located in modern or thoughtfully renovated buildings. This means step-free access, elevators, and accessible toilets are increasingly common.

Many public venues offer:

• Free entry for personal assistants
• Induction loops or assistive listening devices
• Clearly marked entrances, signage, and quiet spaces

And with English widely spoken, staff are generally happy to help with directions or practical requests.

Finland’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets and it is made available to all travellers, regardless of physical ability or specific access needs. From forests and lakes to fells and archipelagos, many national parks and outdoor destinations across the country offer barrier-free access and inclusive design solutions that allow visitors to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

Several parks now feature:

• Accessible nature trails with wide, level paths suitable for wheelchairs
• Rest areas and fire pits designed for ease of use
• Viewing platforms and lookout towers built with ramps or step-free access
• Tactile signage, maps and information boards, with select sites also offering Braille features

For more information about accessibility and nature in Finland, please visit www.luontoon.fi managed by Metsähallitus.

Outdooractive also provides maps and content for travellers looking for accessible outdoor destinations at www.outdooractive.fi/en.

Across the country hotels, lodges, cabins, and resorts increasingly offer facilities that meet a wide range of accessibility needs.

Many accommodation providers feature:

• Step-free entrances, lifts, and wide corridors
• Accessible bathrooms with support bars, roll-in showers, and emergency alarms
• Quiet rooms or sensory-friendly environments for guests seeking calm

Please contact your accommodation provider to check for details in their specific facility.

Travellers who require additional assistance can often find:

• Rental services, like Inclusive mobility, for mobility aids such as wheelchairs
• Assistance for travellers with hearing or visual impairments
• Professional personal care services, available in major cities and tourist hubs
• Welcoming policies for service dogs, including in most public venues and accommodations

Finland is known for its well-functioning public healthcare system and high safety standards. Pharmacies are well-distributed and staff are generally able to assist in English. In the event of an emergency, help is quickly accessible via the nationwide emergency number 112, and hospitals are modern and efficient. These services, combined with Finland’s stable infrastructure, clean environment, and strong sense of public trust, make it a destination where all travellers can feel secure, supported, and welcome.

Visit Finland showcases travel services provides from around the country in our Activities and experiences section. Please visit the link below to discover the service providers who offer accessible services to international visitors:

www.visitfinland.com/en/things-to-do/all/accessible

Helsinki for All. A detailed page of accessible services and facilities in the capital region, link: helsinkikaikille.hel.fi/en/

Palmuasema. A comprehensive look at accessible travel in Finland by Sanna Kalmari. The page offers tips about places to visit and where to stay. The content is only available in Finnish but can be translated via your browser.
www.palmuasema.fi/suomi

Metsähallitus, National Parks Finland. Accessibility info for nature trails, facilities, and visitor centres.
www.metsa.fi/en/outdoors

Travellers with disabilities are protected under Finnish and EU law. These regulations ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination in areas such as:

• Air and train travel (including pre-boarding assistance)
• Public accommodation and transport
• Access to services and events

More information is available through the European Disability Card and local tourism authorities.

Are you a Finnish travel provider looking for more information about inclusive and accessible travel? 

You can read more about this topic in Visit Finland's comprehensive Inclusive Travel Guide, last updated in 2024. The guide is available in Finnish.