accessible travel in Germany

All of the long distance trains (bullet trains etc.) require a step or two to enter. But there are lift devices for handicapped available on every platform at every station. Regional trains can be accessed without such help. Generally speaking Germany is not as wheelchair friendly as the US but it's ok and there almost always is a work around. Handicapped parking, however, is widely available so you may prefer a rental car. Check out the VW Touran. That kind of car is available at the price of a mid-sized car at most German car rental companies.

"But there are lift devices for handicapped available on every platform at every station." Andreas, are you sure. I have been to small stations that I do not remember having lifts. There is a look-up website for German stations: http://www.bahnhof.de/site/bahnhoefe/en/bahnhofssuche__deutschland/bahnhofssuche/bahnhofsdaten__filter__en.html As an example, I looked-up "Steinach (b Rothenburg o.d. Tauber)", a popular tourist transfer point. It says the station is only partially handicap accessible and has no assistance for handicap passengers. You might be able to query Die Bahn directly on the issue once you have determined your likely route. I emailed them once on a different issue and got a quick, useful response. I love traveling by train but I think I might go with Andreas's suggestion to rent a van if you want to visit small rural places.

I agree a car might be the best. Some trains were really crowded and did not stop long, which might make getting on and off easily hard. Have fun though!

Tim - I agree with the OP, I would consider renting a car. Two years ago we (4 of us) rented the VW Touran and loved it. It is very easy and comfortable to drive and the interior room is amazing for the size car it is. I believe the rear cargo space would accomodate a wheelchair. We rented one with a GPS device and that was a life saver in several situations. I think a rental car would do you well as you would never have to worry about which train station has lifts for the train. Another tip would be to book your rooms in small pensions or guest houses that have parking on site which is what we did and it was great. Have a wonderful trip with your son.

Our child was just in a wheelchair for 2 months and is still on crutches due to a sports injury. You don't realize how really inaccessible Europe is until you're pushing the wheelchair over cobble stones and over curbs. There are so many times when there may be an elevator or even escalator for the train platforms but they're out of service. It seems only half ever are working. The car is your best bet. Depending on the wheelchairs needs, you can rent a handicapped accessible vehicle as well. It is possible to get a European handicapped permit. You may need a different one for each country you visit. Check with the Department of State equivalent for the country you are a resident of to see if they can point you in the right direction with that. That said, most tourist places are very good at making their venues accessible. Call the hotels you are looking at and make sure their elevators are big enough for a wheelchair or even have ground floor rooms. With the right planning, a wheelchair shouldn't be problem at all.

This may help?
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