Accessible Travel in Europe

Accessible Travel in Europe

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Austria Belgium Croatia Czech Republic Denmark France Germany Great Britain Greece Ireland Italy Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Portugal Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Useful Information

Welcome We firmly believe that travel should be accessible to everyone. It’s a wonderful thing to explore a place, to journey somewhere new, to instil a sense of adventure in the little ones, to discover new cultures, to learn, to experience.

But for some, travel can be challenging.

We’ve compiled a guide to accessible travel within Europe, giving each country a rating out of five. We look at the accessibility of public buildings and services, transport, street movement, attractions and rural travel, as well as government attitudes towards improvement and legal provisions that protect vulnerable people.

We’ve put together a five-point criteria to score each country based on its ability to adapt and improve in five key areas.

Together with our five areas, we combine government attitudes and legal provisions to give an accurate rating out of five for each country.

In some cases, we may not have enough information to give an accurate score.

Public Buildings & Services Government buildings, libraries, tourist offices, embassies,, national museums, travel hubs, post offices, religious buildings, police stations, hospitals etc.

Transport Buses, taxis, trains, trams and metro, boat services etc. Disabled parking spaces & on-road parking.

Street movement Pavements & pedestrianised areas. Street furniture such as benches, planters, market stalls etc. Geography of the area. Tactile paving, dropped kerbs, level access etc.

Attractions Theme parks, swimming pools & water parks, historic, natural & outdoor attractions, museums & galleries, zoos etc.

Rural Travel Access to out-of-city areas, amenities in isolated regions, travel links etc.

Government Attitudes Is local government making reasonable efforts to improve accessibility, opportunities and awareness?

Legal Provisions Does the country have equality and anti-discrimination laws in place?

2

Government Attitudes Accepting, actively working on improving accessibility.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states:

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Austria Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Generally well catered for in cities and larger towns, especially Vienna. Most, but not all, attractions and public services offer assistance.

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Public Buildings & Services Ramps into public buildings are common but not universal. There is no national organisation for the disabled but regional tourist offices offer help where they can.

Transport Good access via road, rail and air. Facilities are available and accommodations will be made where possible.

Low-floor trams and buses. Reduced rates with ID. Street movement Accommodations have been made to make sure it is easy to get around within cities. Accessible routes available. Tours are accessible.

Attractions Most attractions in cities are accessible and provide facilities.

Rural Travel Outside of the major cities, accessibility is variable.

Ski slopes and walking trails are adaptive and barrier-free.

On alanrogers.com there are 64 campsites in Austria that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/austria and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

3 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Belgium Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Most public areas and services are suitable for wheelchair users and less able individuals.

Transport is well-equipped.

Public Buildings & Services The Central Square in Brussels and tours of the area are impossible for those in wheelchairs and those who are less able. Many public buildings in cities are accessible.

Transport Rail travel accommodations are made available wherever possible but cannot be guaranteed. Booking in advance is essential. Reduced rates are available with ID. Metro stations are equipped with lifts and accessibility facilities and assistance staff will help. Buses have low-floors, wide doors and reserved spaces onboard.

Street movement Tours in major cities are mostly accessible to all. In Brussels, pavements and some roads are cobbled and can be difficult to manoeuver - this is most prevelent in the city centre. Brussels is a hilly city and some areas can be hard to reach. In more modern parts of major cities, kerb cuts and tactile paving are installed.

Attractions Many attractions in major cities have made accommodations for wheelchair users including level access, ramps, lifts and wide doors.

On alanrogers.com there are 65 campsites in Belgium that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/belgium and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Rural Travel Caves and castles in rural Wallonia are inaccessible and are unlikely to ever be able to adapt. Other parts of the country are variable. Check before visiting.

4

Government Attitudes Mostly accepting, laws passed on new building requirements but not actively engaging in improvement.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states:

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Croatia Our Accessibilty Rating Two stars

Largely unequipped for less-able travellers but improving. Public transport in larger cities is generally good.

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Public Buildings & Services Local laws mean that most new buildings are required to provide accommodations but do not require the retrofitting of facilities in old buildings so accessibility to these older buildings can be challenging or limited. Public WCs are wheelchair-friendly.

Transport Accessibility accommodations are not universal and can be limited, especially on rural routes but assistance will sometimes be offered. Bus and train stations in major cities are wheelchair-friendly but ferries are not.

Street movement The geography of the country is hilly and access to some parts of the country can be steep and difficult.

Attractions Easy access is certainly not universal and depends on the type of building or space and the geography surrounding it. Efforts are being made to improve.

On alanrogers.com there are 75 campsites in Croatia that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/croatia and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Rural Travel Outside of urban areas, accessibility worsens significantly.

5

Government Attitudes Mostly accepting, laws passed on new building requirements and improvements being made but not actively engaging in improvement.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states:

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Czech Republic Our Accessibilty Rating Two stars Behind when it comes to accessibility. Older buildings, including museums, are not well equipped. Transport in cities is improving.

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Public Buildings & Services Historic monuments provide varying accessibility options. Many old buildings including museums are not accessible. But newer buildings are better equipped. Public WCs are mostly wheelchair-friendly, as are restaurant WCs. Transport Subway accessibility has improved but gaps still remain. Some buses and trams are equipped to assist disabled travellers but it is not universal.

Street movement Although historic, the city of Prague is mostly accessible however cobbled streets and high kerbs could present difficulty.

Attractions Improvements are being made but access is not universal or widespread at present.

Rural Travel Outside of urban centres, attractions and trails are not accessible and facilities are very limited.

On alanrogers.com there are 19 campsites in the Czech Republic that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/czech-republic and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

6

Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Denmark Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Access to buildings, transport and rural areas is improving but some areas are certainly not universally accessible yet.

Public Buildings & Services Public WCs are mostly wheelchairfriendly, there are dedicated disabled WCs dotted around Copenhagen. Reduced rates are available in some museums and galleries with ID. Transport Almost all metro stations in Copenhagen are accessible and buses are ramp accessible with assistance.

Facilities in other urban areas may be slightly less reliable and rural transport may offer limited facilities.

Street movement Outdoor spaces are generally easy to navigate but some historic areas and spaces surrounding older buildings may be challenging for those with wheelchairs.

Attractions In Copenhagen, the main shopping mall is full accessible. Tourist attractions are not universally accessible so its worth checking ahead of your visit. Participating venues will allow free entry when a Copenhagen Card is presented.

Not enough information to rate accurately.

On alanrogers.com there are 56 campsites in Denmark that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/denmark and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Rural Travel Rural facilities could be limited. Check before travelling.

Other things worth mentioning Many state-managed forests and green spaces are accessible and efforts to improve access to natural environments are being made. Beaches are accessible.

7 Government Attitudes Accepting, actively working on improving accessibility.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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France Our Accessibilty Rating Three stars

Efforts to improve accessibility are being made but the Paris Metro is unusable for wheelchair users.

On alanrogers.com there are 1,828 campsites in France that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/france and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services The Paris tourist office provides excellent information for wheelchair users and those other disabilities. Many buildings are old and can be hard to navigate, although not impossible. Provisions have been made in some buildings. New buildings have to, by law, provide access to all.

Transport Whilst access to the Paris metro is impossible for wheelchair users and challenging for those who are less-abled, buses and trams in nearly all major cities are 100% wheelchairfriendly. The national train network can accommodate wheelchairs.

Street movement Cobbled streets, outdoor seating, lack of dropped kerbs and street furniture can all present problems for those with wheelchairs but improvements are actively being made. In major cities, large open squares and wide streets provide space to manoeuvre. Smaller towns and rural villages will certainly provide challenges with steep climbs, narrow streets and cobbled pavements.

Attractions As with most public buildings, many attractions are historic and do not provide accessibility options. But newer attractions in major cities and larger towns have made provisions for easy access with ramps, lifts and level flooring.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely inaccessible although some provide central parking allowing wheelchair users to access hard-to-reach areas. Facilities will almost certainly not provide accessibility facilities.

8 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Germany Our Accessibilty Rating Five stars

Access and assistance for wheelchair users and those who are less-able is widespread.

On alanrogers.com there are 210 campsites in Germany that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/germany and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services Many public buildings, including museums and entertainment complexes, are accessible with ramps, lifts and level access, some also have assistance staff.

Most local and regional tourist offices provide dedicated advice and information to wheelchair users and those with other disabilities. Berlin was awarded “European Access City of the Year” by the European Commission in 2012.

Transport Trains, trams, buses, coaches, ferries and the metro are all mostly accessible. Train stations are fully accessible. Disabled parking spaces are available in most public and private car parks.

Street movement Historic areas of cities and medieval towns and villages can prove challenging to navigate due to cobbled and cluttered streets. However improvements are actively being made.

Attractions Most city tours are fully accessible to wheelchair users, those who are less-able and those with other disabilities.

Provisions have been made to provide level access and barrierfree movement in many attractions across the country however some attractions, especially older, historic buildings or those with limited space, have yet to adapt.

Rural Travel Improvements are being made across the country but rural areas do fall behind when it comes to accessibility.

Always check ahead.

9 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Equality Act 2010 which is broadly based on the EU Equal Treatments Directive. It states: The Act protects people against discrimination, harassment or victimisation in employment, and as users of private and public services based on nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

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Great Britain Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Mostly well-equipped, nearly all public buildings in cities and towns are accessible. Efforts to adapt are actively being made in areas that are currently not accessible with help from charities and local governement funds.

On alanrogers.com there are 861 campsites in the UK that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/camping and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services Most buildings in cities provide access via ramps, lifts and/or level flooring. All national museums and galleries are accessible. Public spaces in cities and larger towns are navigable but smaller settlements may be difficult. Tourist offices can provide useful advice and in London, Team London volunteers and patrolling police officers can provide help. Disabled WCs are available in public buildings, most attractions and eateries.

Transport Buses, taxis, trams, trains and boat services are mostly accessible. The London Underground is improving - the tube map marks all step-free stations. All network operators should provide access to all. Rural transport connections usually provide wheelchair access but some very rural areas can sometimes be hard to access.

Street movement Public spaces, pavements and pedestrian areas are generally easy to navigate, street furniture thoughtfully placed, dropped kerbs, tactile paving and level access all commonplace in cities and larger towns. Smaller towns and villages may not be quite so easy for wheelchair-users.

Attractions Most attractions in cities will provide easy access.

London’s West End theatres can be tricky but in most cases, staff are accommodating. Sport venues, theme parks, historic attractions and outdoor spaces are generally well-equipped. Check before visiting.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely accessible by car and bus and most places provide disabled parking spaces. Cobbled streets, high kerbs and steps can make them challenging to explore.

10 Government Attitudes Accepting, actively working on improving accessibility.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Greece Our Accessibilty Rating Two stars

Although much improvement has been made since the 2004 Olympics and Paralympics, accessible sights are confined mostly to Athens.

Public Buildings & Services Some public buildings are accessible, mainly in Athens. Efforts have been made on some Greek Islands to improve accessibility in public spaces but it is best to check before travelling. Public WCs are rare, most cafes or restaurants, although cramped, are a better option providing you make a purchase.

Transport In Athens, all buses and taxis are wheelchair-friendly. All stations across the capital’s metro network are fully accessible via lift. Transport outside of the capital is a little more hit and miss.

Street movement Due to the country’s naturally uneven terrain, movement can be challenging. In Athens, tactile paving and ramps have been installed and illegal parking in disabled car spaces is being clamped down on. Outside cities, measures are unlikely to have been implemented. Cobbled, narrow and crowded streets make for exploring on wheels very hard.

Attractions The Acropolis can be reached via lift although the ground is uneven at the top. The Acropolis Museum is fully accessible, as is the Ancient Agora and there are disabled WCs onsite. The National Archaeological Museum is also accessible and has disabled WCs. Other attractions can vary massively.

On alanrogers.com there are 17 campsites in Greece that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/greece and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Rural Travel Rural areas are largely inaccessible although some provide central parking allowing wheelchair users to access hard-to-reach areas by car. Local attractions will almost certainly not provide accessibility facilities.

11 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Ireland Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

All new buildings are wheelchair-friendly. In cities, most buses have low-floor access. Trains are accessible (contact in advance).

Public Buildings & Services Most buildings in cities provide easy access through the use of ramps, lifts and/or level flooring. Public spaces in cities and larger towns are easily navigable but smaller settlements may present difficulty. Tourist offices can provide useful advice to those with disabilities. Disabled WCs are available in cities, larger towns, tourist hotspots and most public buildings.

Transport Taxis displaying the wheelchair symbol on their roof are wheelchair-friendly. Most bus services are accessible via ramps and raised pavements. Trains are accessible but only with assistance. Local authorities provide disabled parking spaces in most council-run car parks and city centres.

Street movement Outdoor spaces are generally easy to navigate but some areas and spaces around older buildings may be difficult for those with wheelchairs. Accessible green routes available.

Attractions Modern buildings always have lifts, ramps and/or level access but older buildings are variable in the facilities they offer.

Castles, abbeys and ruins are usually wheelchair-friendly but often one cannot access the whole site. Accessible Ireland provides extensive lists of attractions that are suitable for wheelchair users.

On alanrogers.com there are 41 campsites in Republic of Ireland that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/ireland and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely accessible by car and some places provide disabled parking spaces. Cobbled streets, high kerbs, hilly terrain and steps can make them challenging to explore.

12 Government Attitudes Accepting, actively working on improving accessibility.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Italy Our Accessibilty Rating Two stars

Not as well-equipped for wheelchair users as some of its European neighbours. Awareness is growing and museums/galleries offer reduced rates with ID.

Public Buildings & Services While most buildings have lifts, they are rarely wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs owing to size limits in many historic buildings. Modern buildings are better equipped. Improvements to accessibility and awareness are being carried out but slowly.

Transport Most buses in larger cities are wheelchair-friendly but some bus stops are not. Some taxis are equipped to carry wheelchair users, ask for sedia a rotelle (wheelchair).

Trains in urban areas are mostly accessible with assistance.

Disabled parking spaces can be found in most major cities. It is recommended that wheelchair-users use accessible private water taxis when visiting Venice, as to avoid crowded tourist transport.

Street movement Cobbled and cluttered streets, outside dining and steep hills make Italy a challenge for wheelchair-users. Generally older parts of cities tend to be the most challenging areas but even tarmacked areas can prove tricky due to lack of maintenance.

On alanrogers.com there are 366 campsites in Italy that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/italy and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Attractions Many museums and galleries offer reduced or free entry if you have an obvious disability or a recognised ID. Some museums, such as Florence’s Uffizi and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, include tactile models of major artworks for visitors with impaired vision.

Major attractions such as the Colosseum and the Vatican in Vatican City are also accessible via lift, ramp or level access.

Rural Travel Rural areas are largely inaccessible. Local attractions will almost certainly not provide accessibility facilities.

13 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Find out more alanrogers.com/open-to-all Further information can be found on page 21

Luxembourg Our Accessibilty Rating Five stars

Although hilly, Luxembourg is generally wheelchair-friendly. Buses and trams are fitted with ramps, check before using trains.

On alanrogers.com there are 32 campsites in Luxembourg that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/luxembourg and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services Most public buildings in Luxembourg City, whether they are modern or historic, will provide easy access to wheelchair users through the use of ramps, lifts and level flooring. Public spaces in the City are easily navigable.

Transport All public transport is free. Most buses and trams are wheelchair-friendly, trains are accessible with assistance and in the capital, disabled and less-abled people can make use of public lifts and the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg Funicular, linking the PfaffenthalKirchberg railway station with Kirchberg, Rout Bréck - Pafendall tram stop at the top of the hill.

Street movement Being one of the three de facto European Union capitals means that accessibility is seen as a priority and the government has invested significantly in ease of movement around the city in particular. Even in the UNESCO-listed city centre, ramps, level and flat pavements and modern pedestrian crossings have been installed. The historic quarter is the only area which may present difficulty.

Attractions Most major attractions, including historic buildings, in Luxembourg City are accessible to all, other more rural attractions are adapting.

Rural Travel Like its European neighbours, Luxembourg’s rural areas are less accessible than its urban centre but improvements are being made.

14 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Netherlands Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Generally very good, especially in cities. Public buildings and transport are well-equipped. WCs in restaurants can be difficult for wheelchair users.

On alanrogers.com there are 250 campsites in the Netherlands that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/netherlands and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services Some public buildings are old and difficult to manoeuvre however most have been retrofitted with lifts and ramps and provide wheelchair-friendly WCs. Transport Most buses and newer trams are wheelchair-friendly however not all stops provide level entry. Assistance will usually be provided to help facilitate entry and exit. On public transport maps, wheelchair-friendly stations and stops are marked either by a closed circle or solid diamond icon. Some train stations have lifts, trains are usually wheelchair-accessible, most stations have a disabled WC. Some taxis are provide wheelchair access.

Street movement Public spaces are variable, some being cobbled and others being flat. Pavements can be cluttered and narrow in older parts, but in more modern areas, pavements and public areas have been more thoughtfully considered.

Attractions Most large museums and galleries have lifts or ramps and at least one disabled WC. The charity Museum4All offers cityby-city listings of museums indicating their suitability for wheelchair users. Outside of cities, attractions are less likely to have level access but some may provide assistance. Ground floor attractions may sometimes include a few steps so do be aware of this.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely accessible by car and some places provide disabled parking spaces. Cobbled streets, high kerbs and steps can make them challenging to explore.

15 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Equality & Anti-Discrimination Act which states: The purpose of this Act is to promote equality and prevent discrimination on the basis of gender, pregnancy, leave in connection with childbirth or adoption, care responsibilities, ethnicity, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age or other significant characteristics of a person.

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Norway Our Accessibilty Rating Four stars

Generally well-equipped for disabled visitors, especially in cities. Public transport and street crossings are good but planning ahead is always a smart idea.

On alanrogers.com there are 32 campsites in Norway that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/norway and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services Generally well set up for disabled visitors with all new building required to have wheelchair access.

Older buildings have begun to adapt. Some public buildings have disabled WCs. Planning is required to be able to make the most out of your visit.

Transport Public transport is moderately accessible but varies depending on mode and location. All buses in Oslo are step-free but trams are not. The city metro is accessible at all stations bar one. Most public ferries are wheelchair-friendly. The Flytoget high speed train service and its stations are fully accessible. Norwegian State Railway, the national train operator, offers fully accessible travel and disabled WCs at most stations.

Street movement In cities, most pedestrian crossings are equipped with either a ramp or low kerb and an audible signal.

Pavements are well maintained and generally free of clutter. While parts of the country are flat, there are some hilly areas. During the winter months, pavements can be icy.

Attractions A majority of attractions are accessible to all. Some activities within attractions may not be suitable. Many castles and other ruins are accessible but paths may be difficult to traverse.

Theatres and royal palaces provide access and will assist where needed if you book in advance.

Rural Travel Norway is open to disabled visitors and has made it easy to get around. Outside of cities, towns and villages are accessible by car and some public transport methods. Rural areas will likely not provide the same level of accessibility as urban areas.

16 Government Attitudes Mostly accepting, laws passed on new building requirements but not actively engaging in improvement.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Portugal Our Accessibilty Rating Two stars

Access is limited but improving. Newer public buidings are required by law to cater for wheelchair users. Accessible parking spaces are available but often occupied.

Public Buildings & Services Public buildings are required by law to provide access and facilities to all but private buildings are not.

There is limited awareness among the public and in government of those with disabilities.

Transport Buses are a mixed bag, some are accessible, others are not but there is a bus map that indicates which services and routes are wheelchair-friendly. Trams are also variable, old trams are nearly impossible to board if you are a wheelchair user and can be crowded but more modern ones offer a wheelchair space onboard. Not all stops have step-free access and there is no map of accessible routes. The metro is partially accessible, some stations have lifts and ramps but there is no universal standard.

Staff are helpful. Taxis are a good way to get around, drivers are accommodating. Most taxis have space to store folding wheelchairs but powered wheelchairs require special services - plan in advance.

Street movement Getting around in Lisbon is extremely challenging due to its hilly geography, cobbled streets and lack of maintenance. The good news is that 90% of pavements kerbs are lowered in the city. Public spaces and plazas are usually flat.

On alanrogers.com there are 45 campsites in Portugal that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/portugal and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Attractions Fully accessible attractions are almost non-existent.

Expect at least a few steps to access most attractions. That said, there are a handful of step-free attractions. Planning is essential.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely inaccessible. Local attractions will almost certainly not provide accessibility facilities.

17 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

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Slovenia Our Accessibilty Rating Five stars

Generally well-equipped with Ljubljana leading in most areas. Public transport and buildings are fully accessible and car parks have reserved spaces.

Not enough information to rate accurately.

On alanrogers.com there are 17 campsites in Slovenia that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/slovenia and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services All public buildings provide some sort of accessibility option but access is not universal. You can expect a disabled WC in most. All modern buildings are accessible with level access, ramps and lifts.

Transport Most buses and trains can accommodate wheelchairs.

Taxi firms have specially adapted vehicles that are wheelchairfriendly, both for manual and motorised. Disabled parking spaces are common and one can park for unlimited time in marked spaces, or for up to two hours in unmarked spaces. Speed3x Electric wheelchairs can be hired in Ljubljana, to make travel around the capital easier. These are free of charge, contact the toursit information office for more information.

Street movement Many cities have been adapted to make it easier for wheelchair users to get around. City bus maps have braille, public telephones are fitted with audio amplifiers, lowered ATMs have been fitted, lifts give access to underpasses and pavements are dropped. Pavements are generally clear, some may be cobbled and narrow in older parts and in more rural areas.

Attractions Accessible attractions often pride themselves on the ‘Disability Friendly’ certificate which shows that the attraction has made accommodations for those with impairments.. Many attractions offer reduced entrance fees or free entry for disabled visitors with ID or visible disability.

Rural Travel Rural facilities could be limited. Check before travelling.

18 Government Attitudes Accepting, actively working on improving accessibility.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Find out more alanrogers.com/open-to-all Further information can be found on page 21

Spain Our Accessibilty Rating Three stars

There is a push to improve accessibility with Barcelona leading the way. Buildings and transport in other major cities are adapting.

On alanrogers.com there are 269 campsites in Spain that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/spain and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services All public buildings are required by law to provide access to all but in reality, this isn’t always the case.

Transport Buses, metro, taxis and trams are mostly accessible in cities, about 70% of Madrid’s metro is accessible and that rises to about 90% of Barcelona’s metro. Valencia, Seville and Bilbao metros are modern and supposedly 100% accessible although it is worth checking beforehand. All buses are adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. Adapted taxis (Eurotaxis) can be booked using an app, calling the taxi firm directly or through the tourist information office.

Street movement While most cities are flat, they are also largely historic and therefore, streets, pavements and public squares are often cobbled and uneven. As with some other European destinations, lack of maintenance is also a problem. However, many city centres are pedestrianised and legally, all public spaces should be accessible.

Attractions Barcelona is often credited with being one of the most accessible cities in Europe and many of its attractions are wheelchair-friendly including the UNESCO-listed Sagrada Familia.

Most museums and galleries are accessible via ramps, lifts and level access and provide disabled WCs. Attractions in larger cities are more likely to be easily accessed but check before visiting. Outside of cities, access is variable.

Rural Travel Rural towns and villages are largely inaccessible. Local attractions will almost certainly not provide accessibility facilities.

Check before visiting.

19 Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Accessibility Act (2019) and article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which states: Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

Find out more alanrogers.com/open-to-all Further information can be found on page 21

Sweden Our Accessibilty Rating Five stars

One of the best-equipped European countries for disabled visitors. Most transport, public services/ buildings offer adapted facilites.

Public Buildings & Services Public buildings are required by law to be accessible to all and many are. Many will have a disabled WC and a lift. Modern buildings are best equipped with level access, ramps and lifts.

Transport Overall, public transport in Sweden is very good and is nearly completely accessible. Swedish Railways (national operator) have fitted their trains with special lifts and ramps and staff are on hand to assist with prior arrangement. Metro and tram stations provide step-free access to platform. All buses have level access with heightened kerbs at stops in urban areas. On buses, metro, trams and national train services there are audio-visual displays showing routes and service updates.

Street movement Pavements are generally smooth, with little obstructing street furniture. The only area which could be tricky to navigate is the old town of Gamla Stan with its cobbled streets.

There is extensive use of dropped kerbs and public spaces are flat and well-maintained.

Not enough information to rate accurately.

On alanrogers.com there are 64 campsites in Sweden that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/austria and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Attractions Tourist spots in Sweden have mostly been adapted so everyone can enjoy them. In the capital, museums and galleries are almost 100% wheelchair-friendly with lifts, level access, ramps, disabled WCs and automatic doors.

Rural Travel Rural facilities could be limited. Check before travelling.

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Government Attitudes Very accepting, actively working on improving accessibility and opportunities.

Legal Provisions Yes - Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Disability Equality Act (2003/2017): The purpose of the law is to prevent, reduce or eliminate discrimination suffered by persons with disabilities.

Find out more alanrogers.com/open-to-all Further information can be found on page 21

Switzerland Our Accessibilty Rating Five stars

Like Sweden, Switzerland ranks highly when it comes to ease of access for the less-abled.

Transport and public spaces offer adapted facilities and most walking trails are wheelhair-friendly.

Not enough information to rate accurately.

On alanrogers.com there are 62 campsites in Switzerland that have marked their site as accessible.

Visit alanrogers.com/switzerland and use the filters to pick your perfect site.

Public Buildings & Services The capital is well-thought out in terms of accessibility. All modern buildings are accessible, with ramps, lifts, level access and disabled WCs. Older buildings are adapting and have special dispensations for disabled visitors.

Transport Very well equipped overall. Most train stations have mobile lifts to assist with boarding, buses have ramps or level access and dedicated space onboard. More information can be obtained from the tourist information office.

Street movement A large majority of Switzerland’s urban areas are flat and easily navigable. Even Bern’s Old Town which is cobbled is accessible as the cobbles are flat, although it may be a little bumpy. Pavements tend to be clear and flat although in some areas, there may be steps.

Attractions Many historic attractions (particularly in cities) have been made accessible to wheelchair users but, perhaps understandably, areas that offer aerial views are not accessible due to steps and narrow passages. Museums and galleries are largely step-free and have disabled WCs onsite.

Rural Travel Rural facilities could be limited. Check before travelling.

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Important notes

Other useful information

Great Britain Provisions differ across the four nations although national museums, public spaces and state-operated venues tend to be uniform in their approach. Always check before travelling.

Charities & organisations

Other countries not mentioned

Disability Rights UK disabilityrightsuk.org UK-based charity set up to create a society where disabled people have equal power, rights and equality of opportunity.

Andorra Steadily improving, public spaces, shops and restaurants have wheelchair access and disabled WCs (in major cities, larger towns and some ski resorts).

Netherlands The charity Museum4All (www.museum4all.eu) offers city-by-city listings of museums indicating their suitability for wheelchair users.

Spain According to article 121 of Spain’s general road traffic regulations, a person in a wheelchair (manual or electric) is considered a pedestrian and is thus obliged to the pavement, unless there is no pavement or it is not practical to use that area. But these regulations make a special stipulation: if the pavement is not navigable, someone in a wheelchair can move on the road as long as he or she takes the proper precautions. He/she must travel carefully, as far as possible to right-hand side, and without unnecessarily impeding traffic.

Sweden The city is aiming to become cash-free, so always carry a debit or credit card, even to pay for smaller items such as a coffee or bus ticket.

Mobility motability.org.uk National charity with the purpose of enhancing the lives of disabled people with transportation solutions and charitable grant programmes.

NewLife newlifecharity.co.uk Charity providing help and support to disabled children and their families.

NHS nhs.uk UK National Health Service providing healthcare, information, advice and other health-related services.

Scope scope.org.uk Disability equality charity providing practical information and emotional support and campaign for a fairer society.

Bulgaria Unfortunately, Bulgaria isn’t an easy country to visit for wheelchair-users and those who are less-abled. Facilities are few and far between and uneven terrain makes movement hard.

Finland By law, most public bodies have to provide access to all meaning most public buildings will have ramps, lifts, level access and adapted WCs. Public transport is well equipped.

Hungary Huge improvements have been made in Hungary and now most public areas and facilities in cities and larger towns are accessible.

Liechtenstein All bus routes are operated with low-floor buses, and some attractions have facilities for disabled travellers.

Poland Generally speaking, accessibility in Poland is difficult but possible. Cobbled streets, stairs and high kerbs present a challenge, and many older buildings are not wheelchair friendly. All new buildings are accessible, and some older buildings are being retrofitted with ramps, lifts and wider doors.

Slovakia Certainly not great, accessibility is by no means universal throughout the country. Some transport is accessible. Most buildings are not.

Contact us Since 1968, Alan Rogers Travel has specialised in camping and caravanning throughout the UK and Europe. alanrogers.com enquiries@alanrogers.com alanrogerstravel @alanrogers © 2021 Alan Rogers Travel Ltd. Registered in England 3676532. East Grinstead House, RH19 1UA

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Best experience

Tips & advice

Our favourite type of caravan trip is one that is full of adventure, whether that’s driving up a mountain road in Scotland, looking down over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or camping on the banks of the River Rhine in Germany.

We find that keeping the caravan pre-packed with as much as safely possible really helps when setting off on a trip. Having things like toiletries, bedding and kitchen utensils in there already, means there is less to pack - and less to forget! But for the items that need to be packed each time, keeping a list will help things go much smoother.

“ Say hello to Karla Karla has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition characterised by weak muscles and problems with movement. She lives on the south coast of England with her partner, Stephen. They both have a passion for travel and being outdoors, so when they got their first caravan in 2017, it was one of the best decisions they ever made!

It’s virtually impossible to pinpoint just one experience that has been the best, but our month-long tour of the Outer Hebrides is definitely up there! During our time there we experienced a culture unlike any other, saw wild otters, seals and eagles, and camped off-grid on the edge of a paper-white sandy beach. Saying “It was a memorable trip” would be an understatement!

Since getting (and adapting) our caravan, we’ve seen hundreds of new places, done so many new things and met some really interesting people along the way - and having a caravan that is modified to suit my needs means that we can do all of this stress-free!

Another useful list to keep is “things to do” in the area you’re visiting. We like our trips to be spontaneous, but doing a little research beforehand is never a bad idea.

Try to avoid...

No matter how well you’ve organised a trip, there’s always the possibility for something to go wrong. So far on our travels we’ve encountered a broken caravan water pump, a severe fault with my wheelchair, and becoming unwell 700 miles from home (not all at the same time, thankfully!). Although these situations are less than ideal, we managed to muddle through them, which is the case for most issues that can arise. It’s easy for your first response to be one of panic, but in these situations it’s important to stay calm and find a sensible solution, because, more often than not, there is one!

Keep up with Karla Karla is very active on social media and regularly posts blogs on her website. Stay up to date by visiting or following her at: adventurewheels.co.uk hello@adventurewheels.co.uk AdventureWheelsUK @adventurewheelsuk

Accessible Travel in Europe alanrogers.com/open-to-all Compiled by Alan Rogers Travel First Edition. Correct at time of publication