Accessibility improvements in Germany and Austria

Efforts to improve accessibility for individuals with limited mobility are progressing across various tourism and transport sectors in Germany and Austria.

In the tourism sector, regional initiatives are enhancing mountain accessibility. In Bergkamen, Germany, a specialized shuttle service is being introduced to transport wheelchair users and seniors to the ‘Adener Höhe’ summit. In Carinthia, Austria, several mountain railways, including the Gartnergokofelbahn and the Millennium-Express, have received the ÖZIV quality seal for meeting comprehensive accessibility standards such as step-free access and accessible restrooms.

In the transport sector, modernization projects are targeting railway infrastructure. Deutsche Bahn has launched a 36.7 million euro project at the Freiburg main station to install new elevators and renew platforms, aiming for step-free access by December 2028. Meanwhile, in Styria, Austria, challenges remain as an ÖBB survey identified 27 stations that are not accessible to electric or mechanical wheelchair users. While disability advocates argue progress is insufficient, ÖBB maintains that improvements are being implemented based on passenger volume. Currently, approximately 44 percent of Austrian stations are considered barrier-free.