Known as the Old Continent, some people believe that accessibility is not the strong point of tourism around Europe. Are they wrong? Certainly!
In Europe, the concern in turn public places into accessible areas is a trend which is being followed by many cities, not only because of people with disability, but also about elderly, since the population aging brought this demand.
By the way, there is the Access City Award – a prize for Europe’s most accessible cities. All European cities with a population over 50 000 are eligible. This is also a way to find cities that are barrier-free, and which are trying to be better places for everyone to work and live in.
The 2020 Access City Award winner was the city of Warsaw, in Poland. By involving people with disabilities and accessibility needs in its endeavour to make the city more accessible, Warsaw was able to make a substantial overall improvement to the city’s ease of access in a short space of time.
Thinking about that, check out a special selection of five accessible european cities which are concerned about open their doors for all – independently of their physical conditions:
1 – Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
One of the most accessible cities in Europe is also the capital of one of smaller countries in the continent.
Luxembourg will make you breathless as soon as you see it. It is a mistake to believe that the gigantic walls that makes the look and history of the city are a barrier.
In addition to having accessible hostels, Luxembourg has panoramic elevators at different points that connect the upper part of the city to the lower part of the city, making historic buildings easily accessible.
This charming city also gained spaces in travel magazines and blogs when it became the first country in the world to offer free public transport to anyone in all national territory.
2 – Rome (Italy)
The city of seven hills is also accessible to people with disability and reduced mobility. Many of its attractions has accessibility to wheelchair. Rome is also recognized to be one of the cities with the biggest number of accessible hotels.
Futhermore, people with disability and their companion pay a half-price access to many attractions such as the Vatican, Colosseum and the main museums in the city.
3 – Vienna (Austria)
You may be surprised since you arrived at this historical, romantic and architectural city. Even in the airport you can notice that the city has accessibility plans, because to use the toilets you will see two buttons to open and close the door automatically. Inside the toilet, there are hinged handrails which also can be controled by buttons. An example about how technology can help people with disability.
Around the city, at the main tourist attractions and metro stations, it is not difficult to find access to elevators. And when planning your trip, you will see that there is a wide choice of hostels that have facilities such as elevators and ramps that give access to the rooms.
You can also check more informations here
4 – Cologne (Germany)
The charming city of Cologne was already runner-up in the Access City Award accessibility in 2011.
When leaving the central station of the city, the tourist will find the iconic cathedral: the Kölner Dom. Despite the stairs that are right in front, the access elevator to the historic city center stands out, being easy to find.
Likewise, it is easy to see that stores, restaurants and museums have floors level with the sidewalk or ramps.
The city also has a website specialized in providing information for tourists with disabilities or mobility difficulties, which can be accessed by clicking here.
5 – Interlaken (Suíça)
Because it is surrounded by the Alps, this small town in the middle of Switzerland is included on this list for a special reason. The choice is justified because Interlaken is the base to access the top of Europe: The Jungfrau mountain. And, despite many people can imagine, it is not necessary to be a climber to approach the highest mountain peak on the continent. This path can be done by train.
The Interlaken city has accessible hostel and the journey until the Jungfrau is easy to be done. However, only a short train connection does not have accessibility, but all the staff are prepared to provide the necessary assistance making the trip viable. See all information by clicking here.