Slovenia is making a name for accessible tourism around the European Union. There has been an intense collaboration between governments, NGOs and local businesses to make the city disabled-friendly. In 2018, the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, became the second most accessible tourist destination. Keep reading and find out what else is on the Sunny Side of the Alps.
Ljubljana, A City for Everyone
Ljubljana isn’t only one of the most accessible cities in Europe, and it’s also one of the greenest capitals. The city earned this title in 2016. The recipe? Reducing its carbon footprint and improving accessibility for all kinds of disabilities.
The city applied several measures to own the title, like creating an “ecozone” in the city centre, with very little traffic. Additionally, improvements were made in smooth sidewalks, kerbs, ramps, and tactile guidance. There’s an app called Better Outdoors, where people can report accessibility problems.
Accessibility goes to extreme lengths in Slovenia. Even extreme sports like skiing and diving are ready to welcome disabled visitors. Companies such as Feel NoLimits Tours make it even easier for adrenaline junkies to find the most accessible adventures around the city regardless of any physical disabilities which they may suffer.
Wheelchair-Friendliness
Slovenia’s capital was carefully thought to be easily accessible on wheelchairs. Most tourist points and even caves are open for those with mobility impairments. The paved streets of the city centre are an inconvenient exception, though. Still, the riverbanks offer excellent accessibility and stunning views.
Top 5 Accessible Attractions
Are you planning your first trip to Slovenia? Check below the most popular sites to visit.
The Undergrounds
Not all the fantastic options are above the ground level in Slovenia. There are several caves open for visitation, and quite a few are adapted to welcome disabled visitors. Postojna Cave is a popular destination. It has disabled-friendly parking areas and toilets. A small train that takes the visitors to the underground adventure.
The Coal Mining Museum
About an hour from the capital, there’s the city of Velenje and its fabulous Coal Mining Museum. The museum is completely adapted to receive visitors in wheelchairs. There’s also a tactile model designed for visitors with visual impairment. The miner’s lunch in the deepest dining room in the country is a must-try.
The Gardens
The gardens and flower plantations of the Arboretum Volčji Potok are mostly accessible by wheelchair. Visitors are greeted with a great variety of plants, plus the stunning views of an ancient castle and peaks nearby.
The Vine
The Zlati Grič Wine Cellar attracts countless wine lovers every year. The attraction is also adapted for visually impaired visitors. Nearby, there’s the oldest Slovenian Ptuj. The city’s castle is equipped with lifts and ramps.
The Mediterranean
By the sea, visitors can enjoy a 700 years-old tradition of the region: salt production. The site is partially accessible by wheelchair and offers breath-taking landscapes. There’s also a seaside accommodation in Pacug, called the Paraplegic Home.
It’s Worth the Visit
Slovenia has been working hard to become the most accessible country in Europe and is winning expressive prizes in this field. The local government is committed to carrying on with the improvements. So, if you’re planning to visit the country, you can be assured that Slovenia is a destination for everyone.
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