Accessibility Makes Berlin, Germany, Ideal for All

Finding the right place to give the whole family an immersive experience can be a little tricky when working with different ages, interests and needs. Berlin, Germany, takes pride in hitting every note for family travelers, especially when it comes to providing an accessible experience for all. The city’s Tourism for All approach ensures the city’s top attractions, museums, parks and more are within everyone’s reach. Read on to learn which spots are a must when planning your next visit.

Reichstag Parliament Building, with its signature glass dome, is a main attraction for visitors to the city thanks to its impressive architecture and historical importance. It’s also the place where city leaders developed Berlin’s policy for comprehensive accessibility. Visitors using wheelchairs will find ramp accessibility at every entrance (the easiest entrance is on Platz der Republic) along with a shorter waiting period to tour the glass dome from a separate entrance. If you need a wheelchair for your visit, Reichstag has loaners available for visitors, and there are tours designed specifically for blind and visually impaired visitors, along with video guides for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Visiting Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of a united Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall, is also something you won’t want to skip. The square may be made of cobblestones, but they are worn smooth with time, and navigating the site in a wheelchair is not a problem. You can even access the site from the nearby underground train station (known locally as the U-Bahn), Brandenburg Tor, which has wheelchair access (as do most of the stations in the U-Bahn system) to the street.

If you want to see Berlin from the water, Star and Circle Cruise offers a one-hour wheelchair accessible cruise aboard MS Moby Dick. The boat can accommodate up to 12 manual wheelchairs (or six motorized chairs) at one time, and staff are specifically trained to assist as needed. You’ll see sites like the Reichstag from the water, along with Museum Island; Bellevue Palace; Berlin Cathedral; and Nikolai Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city.

If the family is into museums, Berlin certainly won’t disappoint. The Futurium (The House of Futures) offers accessibility for a variety of needs like wheelchairs, long canes and even canine support. While most museums capture the past, The Futurium takes a different approach by exploring possible futures in a way that is fun for both kids and adults. (Plus, it’s free!) There are educational and interactive exhibits along with regular workshops encouraging current generations to envision the future of the planet.

Berlin’s approach to accessibility for all doesn’t end with this list. Throughout the city, you will find an accommodating destination designed to welcome everyone.