– Travel Stories –
Traveling with a handicap
Copenhagen & Malmö
Getting There
My travel buddy on this journey was Hermann, who was 90 years old at the time. At that age, he could walk only a few meters on his own and relied on a wheelchair for longer distances.
I picked Hermann up from his home in Germany, and together we drove north to the ferry port of Puttgarden on the island of Fehmarn. From there, it’s a relaxed 45-minute ferry crossing to Rødby in Denmark. The weather was beautiful, allowing us to enjoy wide-open sea views during the short cruise.
Another two hours on the road brought us to our final destination: Copenhagen.
I had chosen a hotel right in the heart of the city so that most sights were easily accessible — either on foot or comfortably by wheelchair. Accessibility and short distances were key, and Copenhagen turned out to be an excellent choice.
Copenhagen – Compact, Charming, and Surprisingly Fun
Denmark’s capital Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most livable cities and regularly ranks among the happiest cities in the world. It’s compact, flat, and wonderfully easy to explore — perfect for travelers with limited mobility.
During our stay, we visited highlights such as Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament, Rosenborg Castle with the Danish crown jewels, the colorful harbor of Nyhavn, and of course The Little Mermaid, probably the city’s most famous (and smallest) landmark.
Fun fact: Copenhagen has more bicycles than inhabitants — and even traffic lights just for bikes.
No visit to Denmark would be complete without indulging in local treats. We made sure to enjoy Danish soft ice cream and sampled the famous red hot dogs known as Pølser — strange in color, surprisingly tasty, and absolutely iconic.
Nyhavn – perfect for a stroll on a sunny day
Christiania – A City Within a City
Another must-see in Copenhagen is Christiania, the famous alternative neighborhood founded in 1971. According to the local community, you even “leave the EU” when entering.
Christiania operates under its own set of rules and is known for its colorful houses, street art, and strong sense of community. Cars are discouraged, many buildings are self-built, and the atmosphere feels like stepping into a different world altogether.
Fun fact: Christiania refers to itself as a “free town” and even has its own flag — three yellow dots on a red background.
Malmö – Sweden Just Around the Corner
One of Copenhagen’s great advantages is its proximity to Malmö, Sweden. Via the impressive Øresund Bridge — almost 8 kilometers long — you can reach another country in less than an hour.
We spent a lovely day in Malmö, strolling through Gamla Staden (the old town) and relaxing in Kungsparken, one of Scandinavia’s oldest public parks. Our coffee break near Malmöhus Castle was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Fun fact: Malmö is one of the most international cities in Scandinavia, with residents from over 180 different nationalities.
A nice coffe break at Malmöhus
Recap
Both Copenhagen and Malmö are not only incredibly charming but also wonderfully compact. Almost everything is within easy reach, making them excellent destinations for travelers with limited mobility.
The cobblestone streets can be a challenge when pushing a wheelchair all day — but seeing the smile on Hermann’s face made every effort worthwhile.
Smiles, memories, and the joy of traveling together
“I never expected that I could travel again at my age. My previous journey was more than ten years ago. I had a wonderful time with Gerald, and ever since our trip, I relive those memories by watching the videos he took every day.”
— Hermann, 90