Post-Norway: Helsinki vs Copenhagen for slow walker.

Posted by Greg V. (USA) on 10/03/25 09:09 PM

Hi, around September of 2026 I will probably fly with my cousin and her husband to Oslo. I would plan to be there for about 4-5 days. After this, I'd like to visit one other place for additional 4-5 days. So far, thinking of flying to Helsinki or Copenhagen alone, then fly home. I am 50+ yr old male with mobility challenges. Which city would be best for a slow walker, with few cobblestone streets? I want to visit art museum, do a castle or palace tour, boat ride on lake/river, and interact with locals at restaurants etc. I love sidewalk cafes also for a good cup of coffee. Thanks, Greg

Should I consider Amsterdam instead, after Norway?

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

10/04/25 08:08 AM

3546 posts

Copenhagen! It has everything you want— three castles and palaces, art in Christiansborg Palace, a great National Museum and boat rides on the canals.

Lots of markets and parks ( including Tivoli Gardens) with cafes to enjoy the local culture.

Copenhagen also is flat and friendly for the mobility-challenged.

Posted by Greg V. OP

USA

10/04/25 09:55 AM

22 posts

Thank you Kenko, Copenhagen sounds good. Just out of curiosity though, have you been to either Helsinki or Amsterdam?

Posted by Wanderbug

W. Washington

10/04/25 11:07 AM

73 posts

I really liked Copenhagen but it seemed to me that where I went there were lots of cobblestones. Maybe I just spent my time in sections that had a lot?

I have been to Amsterdam and I'd consider it flat as well, but it's been a few years, I don't really recall the cobblestone situation there. Seems like I remember there may be minor sloping to account for the bridges arcing over the canals in some spots, but gentle, not steep. Maybe spending some time watching youtube videos or "snooping" with Google maps would be worthwhile?

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

10/04/25 11:31 AM

3546 posts

Hi Greg V, I have been to Oslo, Amsterdam and Copenhagen; not yet been to Helsinki.

Amsterdam might be a bit more problematic than Copenhagen. which I easily walked even with spinal stenosis prior to having spinal surgery. Both cities have cobblestones but the ones in Copenhagen I experienced were tightly mortared, with little chance to trip or stumble. So, I barely even noticed them in Copenhagen while walking there. Amsterdam has more stairways over canals and often has those tight corkscrew stairwells inside old hotels and cafes. There are tons of stairs in Amsterdam as buildings were built narrow and tall.

I would pick Copenhagen in a heartbeat.

Have a great trip!