Discover and Experience Accessible Hannover (August 13, 2014)

For example, many of the popular attractions, recreational and cultural offerings, and public transportation options feature accessible facilities that are well-suited to people with disabilities: ranging from accessible parking spaces, to ground-level entrances, wheelchair-accessible seating in performance venues, e-scooters, and audio systems for visitors with hearing impairments.

The city of Hanover makes it as easy as possible for people with disabilities to visit: All museums in the capital of Lower Saxony are accessible. The August Kestner Museum, for example, offers communication aids for the hard of hearing, as well as monthly guided tours for the deaf and “Museum Seen Differently…” tactile and interactive tours for blind and visually impaired guests. The impressive “Großer Garten” in the Herrenhausen Gardens provides e-scooters for people with limited mobility, allowing them to admire the landscapes and magnificent flowers. Also very helpful there is the VideoVisit guided tour system for nature lovers with hearing impairments and the special maps in Braille, which ensure an easy stroll through the gardens.

One of the most popular destinations is the Hannover Adventure Zoo. The impressive grounds are also a wonderful experience for people with disabilities: wide paths make it easy to navigate, ramps are available, and even the Zambezi boat ride through the African savanna is accessible to wheelchair users. Venues such as the famous State Opera, the Schauspielhaus, and Ballhof Eins and Ballhof Zwei not only offer wheelchair-accessible seating but also audio systems for guests with hearing impairments, ensuring a relaxing concert or theater experience.

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG) has long been committed to promoting accessibility in the city, in collaboration with Ms. Andrea Hammann, the State Capital of Hannover’s Commissioner for the Affairs of People with Disabilities. As a result, the “Roter Faden” city guide was reviewed for accessibility and completely redesigned accordingly. This includes routes suitable for wheelchairs and walkers, as well as information on benches, restrooms, and accessible restaurants. As part of this collaboration, the “Brochure for Tourists with Disabilities” was also developed. It makes it easier to plan an individual city trip to Hanover and offers valuable tips on convenient travel, accessible accommodations, and must-see attractions. This brochure is currently being reprinted and, due to its popularity, is also being translated into English.

Thanks to the wheelchair-accessible seats, people with limited mobility can also fully enjoy the unique experience of a city tour aboard the famous double-decker bus as it winds its way past Hanover’s most notable attractions. The starting and ending point of this sightseeing tour, which features the tried-and-true hop-on, hop-off system, is the Tourist Information Office on Ernst-August-Platz.

It also serves as the central point of contact for organizing and planning visits to the capital of Lower Saxony. Special audio amplifiers are provided free of charge specifically for guided tours with hearing-impaired visitors. Tours for tourists with limited mobility and blind tourists can also be organized upon request by well-trained tour guides, such as Martin Baaske and Ursula Schönemann. They have already completed professional training on “Guiding People with Disabilities” and provide blind and physically disabled people with worry-free assistance during a tour of the beautiful city on the Leine River.