Adoc86

Hello,

My fiance and I are planning a 10 day trip to Germany (not including travel days to/from Germany from the US - so a full 10 days) for September 2013. We are in the very early stages of planning and are very flexible and open to suggestions at this point. We are interested in the following cities/towns: Munich, Salzberg, Garmisch, Fussen, Meersburg, Rothenberg, Berchtesgaden and Lindau. We aren't planning to visit all of these, as we prefer to take our time and really enjoy each location - they're just some of the places we're looking to narrow down right now. I'm hoping those of you that are familiar with these areas could help me with an itinerary. The main concern is wheelchair accessibility. I'm in a small, manual wheelchair and more than 2-3 stairs, ridiculously steep hills or gravel are very troublesome. Cobblestones aren't too much of an obstacle - I've been to Rome and small hill towns in Tuscany without a problem. If many shops and restaurants in an area have multiple steps to enter then its a town we'd like to avoid. That being said, I'm very mobile - able to transfer easily and stand on one leg (nerve damage in the other) and we are very adventurous, so please don't hesitate to throw out other suggestions you may be somewhat unsure of regarding accessibility.

We'd like to drive as much as possible - buses are not an option (whether they claim to be accessible or not) as I've had problems with them before. We are semi-open to trains, but it really depends on the specific train we'd need to take. I have traveled easily in England and part of France on the Eurail, but other lines in the south of France and Italy were disastrous. Last year while in Italy I was told by station employees that the train was accessible, only to find four stairs to enter and 30 seconds to board!

We aren't married to going in September - I had just read that it was a very good time to visit. I would love to visit some of the Christmas Markets, but snow is a definite barrier for me and I don't want to risk getting stuck somewhere.

I have used these forums for past trips and to plan our upcoming honeymoon and I can't tell you how helpful they have been. I do a lot of research, but advice from fodorites familiar with my specific needs has topped everything else.

kkukura

I was in Meersburg this summer. It involves a lot of walking up and down steps to go from the lower town to the upper, but I bet you could park in the lower town and see that area, and then park in the upper town to see that area. We stayed at the Villa Seeschau which has a wonderful view and we really liked the place. I was huffing and puffing climbing the steps from lower to upper town and was glad for the benches along the way to rest and enjoy the view. I think it could be done though, and it is a beautiful area to see. I would recommend stopping in Birnau, if you are driving, to see the gorgeous church there. We happened upon a wedding while we were there.

All the other places are definitely accessible by wheelchair. You won't be able to walk the wall in Rothenburg, but you will be able to get around inside and outside it. If cobblestone streets are not a problem, you will be fine. I love Germany!!!!

Aramis

I am afraid that Meersburg would be too much of a challenge for your condition. Marvelous town but it spills down a steep hill to the lake. You could probably visit the promenade and lower area, but not the, arguably , more attractive upper section which wind down a very steep street. Lindau, fortunately, is almost entirely flat and would be ideal. You could give Meersburg a look, and do the upper portion if you felt you could handle it.

Rothenburg, Garmisch, Salzburg, and Fussen are all relatively flat and shouldn't pose a problem. Others with more knowledge could probably speak to the accommodations that are routinely made to allow people with limitations to access some of the more elevated sites of interest like Hohensalzburg

LSky

You are wise to take your time and enjoy Germany. Since you are willing to do that, you're in danger of falling in love with the place. It really is a country of small pleasures.

The Romantic Road is a good place to start for a 1st trip and I can't see any of the towns posing much of a problem for you. Also, you will find some very nice park and nature paths if you should want to get out in the air.

By planning this early, you'll be able to find hotels that will have some first floor rooms or even some elevators. Driving in Germany is very nice, I always suggest that people at least look at this website or something similar for good information.

http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/auto.shtml

Adoc86

Thanks everyone! I'm pleasantly surprised to hear that for the most part we won't have any problems.

L Sky, "By planning this early, you'll be able to find hotels that will have some first floor rooms or even some elevators." Exactly! I've found that in most of Europe I have to reserve accommodations 9-12 months in advance in order to find available accessible or first floor rooms.

Thanks again!

kfusto

In Salzburg, check out the Sheraton Salzburg. It is well located next to Mirabell Gardens and they have large and modern rooms, no stairs at entry and also modern elevators. The area the hotel is located in has lots of restaurant and shops and few cobblestones as it is located in new town and not old town. They do have parking.