Hannover: Accessible for All

Exemplary accessibility

© HMTG

Pathways without steps or tripping hazards, space for people in wheelchairs or using walkers, and assistance for the hearing- and visually impaired: all of this should make a city trip enjoyable today, even for people with disabilities and older adults. Much has already been done in Germany to improve accessibility, and Hannover serves as a successful example. “The capital of Lower Saxony is considered a model for people with disabilities,” says Beate Fuchs, travel expert at the consumer portal Ratgeberzentrale.de. For example, there are wheelchair spaces on the open-top double-decker bus for the city tour, during which you can get on and off at all the sights without any barriers—perhaps for a stroll through the famous Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen with a culinary break at the café-restaurant.

Guided Tours for Guests with Disabilities
In the Baroque Grand Garden in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, e-scooters are available for people with limited mobility, allowing them to explore this expansive work of garden art. A “VideoVisit” guided tour system is available for guests with hearing impairments. Blind visitors can better visualize the garden’s architecture during their stroll through the gardens with the help of maps in Braille.
All museums in Hannover are accessible: The Museum August Kestner, for example, with its collections ranging from ancient Egypt to modern design, offers guided tours once a month in addition to communication aids for people with hearing impairments. With its tactile and interactive tours titled “Museum Seen Differently,” it specifically caters to blind and visually impaired guests. All special offerings are inclusive, meaning they are accessible to everyone. Information and brochures on accessibility are available here.

Following the "Red Thread" through the city
The "Rote Faden" route takes visitors along wheelchair- and walker-accessible paths to the main attractions in downtown Hanover. Additional information is available in the free “Brochure for Tourists with Disabilities”: from travel information and accessible hotels in all city districts to excursion tips for visitors with disabilities. The leaflet “Tips for Tourists with Disabilities” is even more compact and features easy-to-read large print.

Special Olympics in Hannover

Under the motto "Strong Together," the Special Olympics, the National Games for people with intellectual disabilities, took place in Hannover from June 6 to 10, 2016. Approximately 4,800 athletes thrilled visitors, guests, and the general public with their performances and zest for life in 18 sports as well as in non-competitive activities. A colorful supporting program was offered to athletes and spectators alike. For the first time, some of the venues were located right in the city center. For example, the canoeing and open-water swimming competitions took place on and in Lake Maschsee, respectively; beach volleyball was played at Kröpcke; and the running events were held on a circuit right through the heart of downtown. Nearly 2,300 volunteers, along with 1,800 coaches and support staff and 500 referees and officials, contributed to the success of the 2016 Special Olympics. Further information can be found here.