Now that it’s summer, many people’s thoughts will be turning to planning a holiday. Whilst able-bodied people will be thinking about hotel choices and sight seeing destinations, those with mobility issues have a whole different host of things to consider, such as whether they will be able to navigate streets and get into buildings. However, things are improving all the time and there are many tourist destinations that can accommodate travellers in wheelchairs, including some stunning European cities. Here are five of the best.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The city of Rotterdam was tragically devastated during World War 2, but the modern city that rose from the ashes has become renowned for its contemporary architecture. These modern buildings have helped Rotterdam build a reputation as a city that is accessible as it is cool, and it also has plenty of accessible transport for getting around and exploring.
Berlin, Germany
Much of Berlin has excellent wheelchair access, including the public transport system, and the city also has broad pavements and vocal and visual signals at road crossings. Most museums and galleries are accessible, providing wheelchair ramps and lifts to ensure people with limited mobility can make the most of the city.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is famous for its incredible architecture, art and festivals, and it’s also a very wheelchair-friendly city as well. The famous Ramblas is flat and easy to navigate, 80% of metro stations and 100% of buses are wheelchair accessible and wheelchair users can queue jump for attractions such as the Sagrada Familia. Even the beach has a wheelchair accessible wooden boardwalk.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenberg is one of the most picturesque cities in Sweden, and one of the most accessible too: it won the European Union Access City Award in 2014. Gothenburg has purposely set out to create a ‘city for everyone’, which includes all public spaces being fully accessible, and the creation of a team of travel inspectors that help people facing accessibility challenges.
Chester, UK
Closer to home is the city of Chester, which is located in northwest England near the border with Wales. The city’s impressive Roman-era walls are wheelchair accessible, as is the famed shopping precinct known as The Rows, which boasts some original 13th century buildings. Chester was awarded the EU Access City Award in 2017.