A trip to Europe is a huge undertaking, and as a plus-sized traveler, comfort is at the top of the priority list. There are 50 countries on the European continent, but they aren't all practical for larger people. Some lack transport or accessibility options, and others have rolling hills that make a gentle stroll almost impossible.
As a large traveler that's spent a considerable about of time in Europe, I'm going to share my experiences and highlight the best fat-friendly European countries. These are some of the most iconic places in the world that you can explore regardless of size. If you're in a rush, here's my list of the bat fat-friendly countries in Europe:
- The Netherlands
- The United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Belgium
- Germany
Keep reading for more information about each country, what makes them so good for larger travelers, and some of my favorite things to do in each.
The Most Fat-Friendly European Country: The Netherlands
The Netherlands gets my vote as the best fat-friendly European country. It has the best of both worlds; idyllic countryside and major cities packed with sightseeing opportunities. The best part? It's all incredibly flat. The lack of steep hills makes for a much more pleasurable experience.
Amsterdam (the capital) and Rotterdam are the two most popular cities in The Netherlands. Both have a vast and reliable public transport network, including trains, buses and trams. They are modern with ample space, so you can travel around the cities (and country) comfortably. This means easy access to the landmarks with less walking.
The dutch are also well-known for their open-mindedness. Netherlands has a progressive culture and I found it to be very welcoming regardless of my size. There is a relaxed atmosphere, and I felt like I could see the major sights at my own pace. All of these things make The Netherlands the most fat-friendly European country.
Some of my favorite fat-friendly activities in The Netherlands: A canal cruise in Amsterdam, or a picnic in Vondelpark. The views from the Euromast Tower in Rotterdam are spectacular, and you can take the elevator to the observation deck.
Another Great Option: The United Kingdom
Our friends across the pond are just that; friendly. You will feel welcomed regardless of size in the UK, and there is plenty to see and do. One of the main highlights is, of course, London. Similarly to the Netherlands, London has a fantastic public transport network, including an underground network covers the entire city and runs every couple of minutes. You can take the tube to famous London landmarks like Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, and Big Ben.
There is more to the UK than London, though. You could also try a significantly smaller city like Liverpool, where most of the sights are within a comfortable walking distance. Manchester is close by and is a great spot for a soccer game, including accessible seating.
It's worth noting that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all form part of the UK. Each have fantastic coastal spots and spectacular scenery, but some areas would be considered less fat-friendly due to the landscape.
Some of my favorite fat-friendly activities in The UK: The London Sightseeing Tour Bus allows you to see all the major sights while sat down the entire time. Edinburgh Castle is a must-see if you're in Scotland – don't worry, there are mobility scooters.
Exceptionally Walkable: Denmark
Denmark is very flat, and the capital city, Copenhagen, is absolutely stunning while being easily walkable. If you are relatively active, and would rather not walk, you can also rent a rent from the side of the street for a leisurely cycle. There are wide bike lanes and it's a fantastic way to see the city like a local.
I've always found Danish people to be polite, but they also keep themselves to themselves. I never once felt judged or uncomfortable as a tourist in Denmark which reflects the progressive culture of the country as a whole.
There are so many outdoor activities in Denmark, including plenty of open spaces like parks and gardens. They can all be enjoyed without being physically demanding, and have plenty of seating areas so that you can take in the scenery and do some people watching.
Some of my favorite fat-friendly activities in Denmark: A gentle stroll around Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Eating fresh Danish pastries and drinking coffee in a cafe. A canal tour is a great way to explore the capital without walking much.
Great Food and Beer: Belgium
Belgian waffles. Need I say more? Belgium is renowned for its sweet treats and you can indulge in the local cuisine in one of hundreds of local restaurants in cities like Brussels and Bruges. You can even attend a chocolate-making workshop, or enjoy a beer tasting experience at a local brewery (be warned that brewery tours often require quite a lot of walking).
Bruges has some beautiful medieval architecture, all of which can be seen during a canal tour that requires next to no walking. If shopping is more your thing, Antwerp has a fantastic shopping district with completely flat streets. There are also plenty of coffee stops along the way for a quick break.
Some of my favorite fat-friendly activities in Belgium: The Grand Palace in Brussels is a must-visit, and can be viewed from the ground level. You absolutely have to indulge in some Belgian waffles and coffee in a local cafe.
Last But Not Least: Germany
Germany has a number of mostly flat cities, including places like Hamburg and Berlin. The latter is the capital, and is one of the quirkiest cities in the world. There is a huge culinary scene in Berlin where you can try traditional German food like Schnitzel and Currywurst, or dishes from around the world thanks to the multicultural population.
Like many of the other places on this list, you can enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Rhine to see some of Germany's landscape and sights from the comfort of a boat. Germany is also packed with history and museums for you to explore at your leisure. The public transport is some of the best in Europe, and is accessible for people of all sizes.
Some of my favorite fat-friendly activities in Germany: Drinking a German beer and eating a sausage at a restaurant in Berlin. The Deutsches Museum in Munich is a great visit but it's huge, so plan footwear accordingly.
Things to consider before traveling to Europe as a larger person
All of the places on this list are perfect fat-friendly European destinations, but there are still some things to consider, especially if you decide to visit elsewhere. Here are some tips:
- Check the climate: Always be aware of the average temperatures during your visit. Some places in Europe get very hot in summer, which can make getting around a lot harder as a larger person. On the flip side, places like Scandinavia and The Nordics (including Denmark on this list) can be very cold during winter. Large amounts of snow can be a problem for wheelchair users and so planning ahead is essential.
- Plan for transport: Each of the places listed above have tried and tested public transport, it's readily available and it's accessible. That said, if the walk to the station is too far, or you've had a long day, you might want to check the availability of Uber or the European alternatives, like Bolt. It's important to know that you can get around comfortably and conveniently.
- Scooter hire: Regardless of how flat a city is, it can still involve a lot of walking. This isn't a problem if you're fairly mobile, but can become extremely tiring if you aren't. Always research whether these fat-friendly European countries have scooter hire available, what it costs, and consider how practical it would be to get around on one.
Note: The featured image on this post belongs to Nastya Dulhiier via Unsplash.