Changing Perceptions on Sight Loss in Style
If you’re visually impaired and looking to visit Copenhagen in Denmark, I’ve got you covered.
Copenhagen has a reputation as one of the more accessible cities to visit, known for its many historic castles and for being home of the Danish Royal Family.
I visited Copenhagen back in 2024 and as part of my series where I aim to visit the world’s most accessible cities, I’ll be taking a look back over my time in Copenhagen.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Out of all the cities I’ve visited, I have to say that Copenhagen is probably one of the most accessible in terms of getting around – perhaps more than London.
We stayed across the border in the city of Malmö in Sweden, which is a lot cheaper to stay, and took the Öresundståg (Øresund train) to København H (Copenhagen Central Station), taking around 35–40 minutes and costing roughly 95–120 kr one way (prices can vary depending on time and how you book).
Once in Copenhagen, you’ll find that the city is accessible by Metro train services, giving you access to most of the city’s attractions like Christiansborg Palace and the National Museum of Denmark.
The Metro is incredibly spacious and step-free, but be aware the stations don’t have turnstiles so you’ll need to pay for a ticket in advance, either on the Rejsebillet app or at one of the Metro stations. And trust me on this one: ticket checks do happen, and travelling without a valid ticket can mean an inspection fee (it’s 750 DKK in the Metro).
You can also buy a City Pass Small (zones 1–4) which gives you access to public transport from the Airport and around the city. Prices start from DKK 100 for 24 hours (with longer options up to 120 hours).
Or, if you’re planning to do loads of sightseeing, a Copenhagen Card – DISCOVER includes public transport (zones 1–99) and entry to 80+ attractions, with prices starting from DKK 589 for 24 hours (adult).
Discounts for blind/visually impaired travellers: transport discounts for disabled travellers do exist, but they’re often linked to local Danish documentation. In Denmark, the general rule is that disabled travellers (and a companion, if needed) can travel at a reduced price—often by travelling on a child ticket instead of an adult ticket—depending on where/how you buy your ticket. If you’re travelling from abroad, it’s still worth asking staff at major stations or at a ticket desk what applies with your proof of disability.
Here’s a list of attractions and the nearest Metro stations to each:
All the attractions I visited, including Tivoli and Rosenborg Castle, offer a free companion ticket and accepted my Nimbus Card as proof of disability.
A lot of the castles also offer guided tours in multiple languages, and Rosenborg Castle was a particular favourite with the staff going into detail about the rooms, their purposes and history. If you’re visually impaired, I’d really recommend leaning into guided tours where you can — they’re one of the best ways to get those extra details you’d miss if you can’t fully take in the signage or visual displays.
Tivoli is also a must-visit if you’re a fan of old-world amusement parks, with Tivoli being the oldest dating back to 1843 when it first opened, and home to an original wooden rollercoaster operated manually.
Tivoli also offers a scheme to jump the queue and get priority access to the rides, and service dogs and guide dogs are admitted without needing to pre-inform them. If you need help once you’re inside, Tivoli also has a Service Centre by the main entrance, which is handy if you want to ask about accessibility support on the day.
On the whole, ticket prices in Copenhagen were fairly affordable with discounts for disabled people — I’d say the most expensive part of visiting the city is definitely the food.
Being that Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s biggest cities it can get very busy, especially on the weekend in certain areas like Nyhavn and Amalienborg Palace for the changing of the guard.
So bear this in mind if walking around with a cane or guide dog — and also watch out for bike lanes, because cyclists are everywhere in Copenhagen and they move fast.
If you want somewhere quiet, I’d recommend a visit to Botanical Garden which is a bit more quiet and offers some relaxing places to sit and chill out, especially during the warmer weather. It’s a really nice reset when the city feels a bit much.
Have you been to Copenhagen?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
