Copenhagen With Autistic Children

Visiting Copenhagen with autistic children is a real treat. Copenhagen is one of the easier cities to navigate and there are a lot of fun sensory-friendly things to do in the city. This guide will help you plan a trip to Copenhagen with your autistic children.

Getting To Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport (Copenhagen Kastrup Airport) is well-connected to the city centre and surrounding areas, offering several transportation options to reach Copenhagen. Here are the main ways to get from the airport to the city centre:

• Train: The train station is located in Terminal 3. Regular trains run from the airport to Copenhagen Central Station (København H) and other stations in the city. The trains are operated by DSB, and tickets can be purchased from machines at the station or online. It takes approximately 15 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station.
• Metro: The Metro station is also located in Terminal 3. Line M2 (the yellow line) runs directly from the airport to central Copenhagen, including stops at popular locations like Nørreport, Kongens Nytorv, and Christianshavn. The Metro operates 24/7, making it a convenient option at any time of day. Tickets can be bought at machines in the airport or via the DOT app. Approximately 15 minutes to Nørreport Station.
• Bus: Several buses serve the airport. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at machines, via the DOT app, or directly from the driver (exact change may be required). Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific bus route.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside Terminal 3. The ride to the city centre typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis in Copenhagen are metered, and credit cards are generally accepted. Taxis are a more expensive option but provide door-to-door service. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Car Rental: Several car rental agencies operate from Copenhagen Airport, with desks located in Terminal 3. Renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore areas outside the city or if you prefer the flexibility of driving yourself. However, parking in Copenhagen can be expensive and challenging in some areas. Approximately 20-30 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic.
• Bicycle: For those who enjoy cycling, Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Some services offer bike rentals directly from the airport, or you can bring your own bike. The ride to the city centre takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on your pace. There are dedicated bike lanes, and the route is relatively straightforward. Approximately 45-60 minutes.
• Private Shuttle or Ride-Sharing Services: Private shuttles can be arranged in advance through various companies, providing a more personalized service. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Denmark, but you can use local ride-hailing apps like Taxa 4×35 or Dantaxi. Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Airport Transfer Services: Many hotels offer airport transfer services. These can be booked in advance and provide a convenient way to reach your accommodation without needing to navigate public transport. The duration and cost will vary depending on the service and distance to your hotel.

Where To Stay

We have not yet stayed in Copenhagen. During one of our visits to the city we actually took the train to Malmo and stayed there to spend time with a friend of mine. I have no personal recommendation on where to stay in Copenhagen.

Family-Friendly Activities in Copenhagen

Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is a relaxing and scenic way to explore a city from the water. For autistic children, it offers a quieter, more contained environment where they can enjoy the sights at a slower pace. The boat provides plenty of visual stimulation—seeing historical buildings, bridges, and local life without needing to navigate crowded streets. You can prepare in advance and book your canal cruise with GetYourGuide.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

A Hop On Hop Off bus tour allows flexibility when traveling with an autistic child. You can customize your itinerary, staying on the bus when they feel overwhelmed or hopping off to explore at their own pace. Many buses have open-air seating, which can help with fresh air and avoiding crowded spaces. You can also pre-plan stops to give your child a sense of control, which can help reduce anxiety during the journey. You can book the Hop On Hop Off bus via GetYourGuide and it includes a boat ride too!

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is a magical and vibrant amusement park, but it can also be overwhelming due to its crowds, lights, and sounds. Plan your visit during less busy times (weekday mornings) to avoid overstimulation. There are quieter areas like the garden spaces, where your child can take a break from the excitement. Unfortunately, we turned up and Tivoli Gardens was closed. If you want to plan ahead you can book your tickets to Tivoli Gardens online.

The TUBE

The TUBE, located in the train station in central Copenhagen, is a maze of different experiences and sensory-style rooms. Each room offers a different challenge or opportunity and some of them may be too hard for smaller children.

Copenhagen Zoo

A visit to Copenhagen Zoo can be an engaging experience for an autistic child who enjoys animals. The zoo offers plenty of open space, allowing them to explore at their own pace. However, the crowds, smells, and animal noises might be overwhelming. To be prepared, you can purchase your tickets in advance via GetYourGuide.

The Six Forgotten Giants Hunt

The Six Forgotten Giants Hunt involves searching for giant wooden sculptures hidden in nature around Copenhagen. This outdoor activity is perfect for children who enjoy exploration and time in nature. The hunt encourages physical activity but in a peaceful, uncrowded environment. Buy your tickets online via GetYourGuide.

Visit Malmo

Visiting Malmö, a short trip from Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge, offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to its larger Scandinavian neighbor. The city has several open green spaces, such as Kungsparken and Folkets Park, where an autistic child can take a break from city noise and movement. Malmö’s attractions, like Malmö Castle or the Moderna Museet, can be explored at a relaxed pace. You can book a tour to Malmo and Lund online via GetYourGuide.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience In Copenhagen

Museum of Illusions

As always, the Museum of Illusions was one of our favourite things to do! We visited the Museum of Illusions are our second stop, after getting something safe to eat. We did not want to miss out on this amazing experience because the kids love it so much!

Getting Around Copenhagen With Autistic Children

On our most recent trip to Copenhagen we had booked a hop on hop off bus. This was a really great idea to see as much of the city as we could in a short time, but unfortunately the bus didn’t stop where it was meant to and drove right past us. We were starting to get in pain (well, myself and Travis were at least) so after attempting to catch it at the next stop and failing, we gave up on the idea and just walked around. Besides that, we took the train from the airport to the city, and did the same to get back to the airport.

Is Copenhagen Autism-Friendly?

Copenhagen is considered autism-friendly, thanks to its inclusive approach, accessible public transportation, and numerous services designed to support individuals with autism. The city’s emphasis on public awareness and inclusivity, combined with its calm and organized environment, makes it a comfortable and accommodating destination for those on the autism spectrum. However, as with any destination, it’s important to plan ahead based on individual needs, such as visiting attractions during quieter times or making use of the many peaceful parks and green spaces available.

Things That Make Copenhagen Stand Out

• Copenhagen is a compact, bike-friendly city with well-planned streets, making it easier to navigate. The city is designed with accessibility in mind, which can be helpful for individuals who prefer clear and organized environments.
• Many museums in Copenhagen, such as the National Museum of Denmark and the Experimentarium (a hands-on science museum), offer sensory-friendly sessions or have quiet spaces available. These institutions are increasingly aware of the needs of visitors with autism and often provide resources or staff training to accommodate them.
• Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, is located in the heart of Copenhagen. While it can get busy, the park offers quieter areas and can be visited during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience. Additionally, Tivoli staff are generally helpful and can assist with any special needs.
• Copenhagen is home to numerous parks, such as King’s Garden (Kongens Have) and Frederiksberg Gardens, offering peaceful environments that can provide a sensory break from the city’s busier areas.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

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