For travellers living with mobility issues, it’s vitally important to choose a destination that offers not only the usual culture and history you might be looking for, but also the accessibility you need to make your holiday hassle-free.
One city that offers all that (and a whole lot more) is beautiful Salzburg, in Austria.
Explore Mozart’s Birthplace, Barrier Free!
Salzburg is a perennial favourite for lovers of good cuisine, history, culture, art and music. With a rich heritage as the birthplace of Mozart and the much-loved setting for the Sound of Music, there are a huge number of attractions to get through. But the good news is that even for those using a wheelchair (or with other limitations) much of the city can still be enjoyed without any stress. While there are certainly areas where the cobblestoned streets are not the ideal surface, it’s not hard to find alternatives.
Top Accessible Attractions
There’s no reason to pass up the opportunity to visit this genuine cultural gem, and the following attractions are recommended for those with mobility and other limitations in mind.
Mirabell Palace
Dating back to 1606, this magnificent palace is a delight both inside and out. Surrounded by stunning gardens, it’s one of the city’s most visited attractions – predominantly due to its status as the site for the filming of many of the most iconic scenes in the blockbuster Sound of Music. Inside you can tour the Marble Hall and gaze up at the Angel Staircase, but where you’ll really fall under the spell of the palace is in the gardens. Fans of the aforementioned musical may recognise the Baroque Pegasus Fountain and the Rose Garden, but even aside from its celebrity status, it’s a pleasure to explore.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is wheelchair accessible.
Salzburg Museum
For those interested in the city’s past, this museum is an absolute must-visit. Located in Mozartplatz, it offers a fantastic insight into the history and culture, and even the impressive building itself is worth the trip. The displays and collections include important artworks, multi-media installations and regular changing exhibitions.
The museum has lift access to all floors and wheelchair friendly bathrooms.
DomQuartier
As well as being an absolute powerhouse of culture and history, DomQuartier is the best value attraction in the city, with one ticket providing entry to five different museums! Your best bet is to sign up for a guided tour so you won’t miss out on anything, but some of the (very many) highlights include:
- The State Rooms of the Residenze
- North Oratory
- Cathedral Organ Loft
- St. Peter’s Museum
- Chamber of Art and Wonders
- Long Gallery
The DomQuartier is entirely barrier-free for wheelchair users.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Dating back to 1077, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest preserved castle in Europe and an absolute must for anyone interested in architecture and history. Overlooking the beautiful Baroque district, it offers spectacular views and the opportunity to visit multiple museums to learn more about the city’s storied past.
Access is easy via the lift in the Bell Tower and much of the site is wheelchair accessible.
Where to Stay
Arte Hotel Salzburg: This well located hotel puts you within easy access of all the best attractions. The facilities onsite include a relaxing sauna, large rooms (some with sitting area) and a lovely terrace. A buffet breakfast is available to set you up for the day’s sightseeing.
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg: With spacious, recently renovated accessible rooms and set in a convenient central location, this family-run establishment offers gorgeous views and a very relaxed and friendly ambience. There’s free Wi-Fi and a mini-bar in the rooms, so if you need a night in you won’t miss out on anything! The two onsite restaurants have got you covered for breakfast and dinner.
Hotel Ganslhof: Just 15 minutes’ walk away from the charming Old Town, the Ganslhof enjoys a very quiet and peaceful position, with many rooms having a garden view. Close to lots of historical attractions and well-facilitated for travellers with mobility problems, it offers the best of both worlds.
How to Get There
Getting to Salzburg (SZG) is easy, even if you have mobility issues. Numerous airlines, including budget carriers like Ryanair, fly a direct route to the city. The journey is a short one, at less than two hours from the UK.
The most accessible way of getting to your accommodation is on a shuttle transfer. Shuttle Direct offers a range of services from the airport to Salzburg city centre and I can highly recommend them for both convenience and professionalism. It will take under 15 minutes and they can accommodate wheelchairs as long as they know in advance.
Overview
- UK to SZG Flight Time: 1 hours 55 minutes
- SZG to city centre distance: 3 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 12 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
No matter where you are or where you want to get to, Shuttle Direct is the right choice when it comes to choosing airport transport. With a range of affordable shared and private services and a team of friendly, knowledgeable drivers, pre-booking your airport transfer with the most trusted and respected provider in the business will ensure your holiday starts and ends on the right note!
