Autism awareness is growing each year as more adults and children are being diagnosed with the neurological and developmental disorder. The data suggests that over 5 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with autism— in addition to children from different age groups. Whether you are a child, a teenager, or an adult, travelling can be challenging with ASD.
With the growing neurodivergence disorder awareness like autism, numerous countries have taken the necessary steps to deliver a seamless experience to ASD tourists. Since Europe is a highly rated tourist destination— offering snow-kissed Alps mountain range and scenic beaches with glassy blue sea to the world’s best cosmopolitan cities with a blend of mediaeval charm— it has made sincere efforts in the past decade making its popular travel destinations more autism friendly.
As an autistic person, if the continent is on your travel wish list, these autism-friendly countries in Europe should be in your itinerary.
1) Iceland
Iceland is extremely welcoming to disabled tourists, placing it among the best European countries to explore with limited walking. It’s accessible— whether you take their public transportation or go to the most-visited tourist spots. Likewise, Iceland is dedicated to providing efficient service for autistic travelers.
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Offering natural charm and picturesque locations, it is sensory-friendly for autistic travelers. The well-known Blue Lagoon, which is a geothermal spa, is a calming therapy for people with sensory overload. In addition, the country is family-friendly and safe, helping people with autistic traits, especially if you travel with family members. When you hire a qualified travel guide, you may follow the same routine during your stay since routine disruption leads to distress for many on the spectrum.
2) Finland
According to the World Happiness Index, Finland is the happiest country in the world— in terms of quality of life, freedom, great work-life balance, and low corruption. These characteristics of Finnish society and culture make it one of the ideal places for autistic travelers. The Nordic country has taken key initiatives to grow autism awareness in recent years.
Most Finns are introverted, soft-spoken, and generous, meaning tourist places of the country, including the big cities, are quiet and peaceful. Autistic people may keep their sensory overload and overwhelming emotions in check visiting quiet places. Furthermore, Finland has a positive attitude towards disability. Whether you travel to Helsinki and Turku, or Tampere and Oulu, each Finnish city will give you a stress-free travel experience.
3) Germany
Germany is one of the autism-friendly countries in Europe for stress-free travel, offering inclusive opportunities and required infrastructure for disabled travelers. If you are an English speaking traveler, language barrier wouldn’t be a significant issue in German cities because many speak the language— or at least understand. While communication can be challenging for autistic people, it won’t be a concern in German cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, etc.
The German government has built accessible infrastructure in recent decades, which is seen in buses, trains, roads, and residential buildings. Many hotels offer noise reducing features, offering a calm and quiet stay for autistic tourists. In addition, Germany has ‘Tourism for all’ programs, providing features and tourism options that help travelers from diverse backgrounds, including autism. Several German museums— such as Deutsches Museum in Munich— offer quiet hours as well as pre-visit guidelines, making it easy for neurodivergent visitors.
4) Sweden
Sweden is another Nordic country which can deliver a pleasant travel experience for autistic travelers like Finland. The primary reason? The peaceful and respectful Swedish culture. The quiet environment in Swedish cities and towns is perfect for people with noise sensitivity— one of the leading autistic characteristics.
Sweden has a high level of autism awareness. From schools to universities, most students are educated about the spectrum, making it a mainstream disability topic. When an autistic traveler visits Sweden, most Swedes welcome neurodiversity with kindness and open arms. Due to the strong understanding of neurodivergence, the country has several autism-friendly groups and non-governmental organizations, who may offer help to autistic travelers when necessary.
5) Switzerland
Switzerland is definitely one of the scenic locations in Europe for tourists with physical or invisible disabilities like autism. It’s a perfect getaway for autistic people due to the breathtaking landscapes; from the picturesque alpine mountains to forested green hillsides, the country has mesmerizing scenery at every turn. Sitting in nature’s basket, the calm and natural Swiss environment works well for people with sensory sensitivity.
Besides the relaxing natural landscapes, Switzerland is a top tourist pick for excellent accessibility, turning the travel experience stress-free. The Swiss railway, which travels through the dreamy mountains of the European nation, offers various facilities for tourists with mobility challenges, which may positively impact autistic travelers who have difficulties in social communication. Furthermore, forest bathing is another popular activity among backpackers in Switzerland, providing sensory relief and comfort to autistic people. However, as a tourist-heavy country, Switzerland doesn’t have a high autism awareness as the Nordic countries.
