3 Stroller-Friendly Cities in Germany

Not all European cities are convenient for pushing a stroller. However charming medieval stone paved streets may be, they are a rough ride for a toddler. Curbs, flights of stairs, narrow sidewalks, steep streets and uneven pavements make hard work out of a day’s sightseeing for families with young children. But these three German cities make traveling with a stroller easy.

Berlin
With wide sidewalks and generally smooth paving, most of Berlin is easy to navigate with a stroller. Crossings are generally ramped and even walking paths are smooth and well-maintained. Most public transport is stroller-friendly, with spaces for strollers on most trams and buses.

Most U-bahn and S-bahn stations have elevators or escalators, and although these are sometimes out of order, you can check the BVG website for up-to-date information on lifts at any station. A lightweight or folding stroller will be easier to get on and off buses.

Berlin is a city of parks and green spaces, among the most popular for families are Tiergarten and Volkspark Friedrichshain. Both have playgrounds and spaces for picnics, and Volkspark has a small zoo where kids can interact with animals.

Munich
Its largely flat terrain and well-maintained streets make Munich a walkable city and a pleasure for parents traveling with young children. Sidewalks in the main tourist areas are wide and curbs are ramped, even in older neighborhoods.

Many major attractions are within a short distance of Marienplatz, the main square where you’ll find the Glockenspiel. Be there at 11 a.m. to watch this animated clock; it’s like a puppet show in a tower and kids love it.

Most public transport has reserved spaces for strollers, making it easy to get to the more distant attractions of Nymphenburg Palace gardens and Munich Zoo, both with stroller-friendly walking paths. Closer to the center, the vast English Garden has lots of open space with level paths and a Chinese pavilion with a café.

Cologne
Although older parts of the city have stone-paved streets, most of the city center and tourist areas have smooth pavement and ramps. Attractions, including Cologne Zoo and most museums, are accessible for strollers, as are trams and buses. You can rent strollers to be delivered to you at your hotel or at the airport.

The city has infant-friendly public transportation with elevators and escalators in many stations, but be prepared to carry strollers upstairs at some. A handy map of barrier-free stations is easy to read: Stops marked in green are fully accessible, with platforms that can be reached directly, by elevator and/or a short ramp.