Out and About in Mannheim, Germany
4
4
Date of visit: September 2016
Overall Rating
Good
I travelled to Mannheim from Dusseldorf by train. I knew from my online ticket and timetable, that not all areas of the train would be accessible to wheelchair users, but I was given this info well in advance and there was a number to call to arrange assistance. I arrived in Mannheim in the middle of the night, the platforms and station were well lit with a lift to take me from the platform to the exit. The main station was closed and the night exit was via a long wide pathway that was quite steep. Mannheim Hauptbahnhof has everything on it's doorstep; shops, restaurants and tram-links to all parts of the city and beautiful tourist destinations such as Heidelberg and Bad Durkheim. The tram-stops are wheelchair accessible and the trams all have a blue stop button for people who may need to alert the driver that they need extra time to ascend. My favourite part of Mannheim is the Wasserturm, sadly the large stone steps make access to most of it very difficult.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Most of the city is accessible and wheelchair friendly. The streets and pavements are flat and wide. There are a number of hotels, parks, cafes and restaurants within the city that are wheelchair friendly. Tourist information has provided a pdf of places to stay and things to do in Mannheim that are accessible for wheelchair users: http://www.tourist-mannheim.de/media/pdfs/Mit_dem_Rollstuhl_unterwegs_in_Mannheim.pdf
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The nearest tram links are just opposite the train station. Tram stops and platforms have recently been modified to ensure disabled access is provided at the majority of stops on each line. Access the city-map online and check-out parking locations: https://www.gis-mannheim.de/mannheim/# Deutsche Bahn also have a dedicated webpage and contact numbers for people who may require assistance: https://www.bahn.de/p/view/service/barrierefrei/barrierefreies_reisen_handicap.shtml
Accessible Toilets
Average
There are accessible toilets around the city centre, and in the train station, that are accessible with a 'EuroKey'. Many shops also provide accessible toilets but of course these are only available during open hours and nearly all shops in Mannheim are closed on Sundays! Not all toilets were as clean as expected, and some shops still employ staff that expect a tip before you enter the toilet.
Staff
Average
Staff in the train station were reasonably friendly - but not particularly helpful. Our train was more than 45 minutes late and staff didn't mention this to us when we made enquiries at the desk. Conductors within the train were much more friendly and informative.
Additional Information
I can't wait to go back to Mannheim, there is so much to see and do and the weather is always amazing throughout the summer. Most people speak English and love the opportunity to practice, however transport systems can become a bit complex and if you don't speak a bit of German it would be easy to get lost. Mannheim is about 1 hour south of Frankfurt by car; trains directly from the airport run frequently and the high speed train takes only 30 mins. The scenery from the train is beautiful and makes a good start to any trip.
